The idea of “Going for it” is often met with a mix of both excitement and fear. It’s not that we doubt our capability to create change, but rather, we fear the change that comes along with it.
Playing small is comfortable, safe and predictable. But playing small also means settling for less than what you’re capable of. It also means missing out on all the thrills and excitement that come along with growth.
Playing small is like going to Universal Studios’ Islands of Adventure Amusement Park, with its 10 “heart racing”, “body wracking”, “Scare the $#!t out of you” roller coasters, and choosing to ride the children’s carousel and tea cup rides all day.
So, why is playing big so scary?
It’s not because we lack the skills or talents, it’s because, as we learned from Spider-Man, “with great power comes great responsibility”.
Playing big means embracing your power to make a real difference.
Unfortunately, playing big, also often comes with a fear of failure, a fear of disappointing others, and a fear of the unknown.
We are genetically programmed to fear stepping outside our comfort zone and challenging ourselves to grow. It is evolutionary mechanism designed to “keep us safe” from the saber toothed tiger.
But here’s the thing. The saber toothed tiger is extinct and fear is also a sign that you’re onto something meaningful.
Playing big requires us to challenge our fears and push past our limiting beliefs. It’s about trusting in our ability to handle any obstacles that come our way.
So, how do you overcome the fear of playing big?
- Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to accomplish everything all at once you only have to get started.
- Set goals that stretch your limits.
- Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential and support your growth.
- Most importantly, trust that you can handle any situation.
Playing big is not about being fearless; it’s about having the courage to act in spite of fear.
Remember, greatest rewards often lie on the other side of your biggest challenges. So, ditch the carousel and the tea cups, head for the roller coaster, and , Enjoy The Ride!
