Weekly Wisdom #4 – Why Start Now
Taking the First Step & Becoming Vulnerable
We’re well into the new year, and we’ve all been diligently working to uphold our New Year’s resolutions. We’ve made plans for the year; we’ve tried to live intellectually, placing expectations on ourselves and assuming success will follow.
Have you wondered why it’s so difficult to stick to your goals, trust yourself and experience true change? You’re not alone. Changing personal behavior is one of the single biggest challenge’s we face. It’s uncomfortable, unfamiliar and often unwelcome territory. When we create a shift in the way we approach life, it’s likely noticeable to those around us. It’s our innate reaction to “stay the same” to resist the new, we all seek to be cherished. It’s often those closest to us that sense our vulnerability. When we make a commitment to creating genuine change in our personal and professional lives, it signifies a new beginning and those feelings can be downright scary.
To first understand vulnerability, we need to realize it’s not weakness or lack of courage; rather it’s part of an unfamiliar process we must follow to advance our personal and professional growth. Some of the greatest entrepreneurial minds will say that they have open conversations about failure. How to be bold and take risks, and only, after making a few adjustments, time and time again, do they experience success.
When we’re willing to let go of “who” we think we should be and view vulnerability as a strength, we’re able to break free and find real growth. Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage and a reflection of our own resilience.
Brené Brown’s 2010 TEDx Houston talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world, with over 25 million viewers. Brené talks about the three keys to success: courage, compassion, and connections, all of which hinge on the willingness to let go and be vulnerable – http://go.ted.com/CqgT
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage.
Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
We are all afraid of change and fear being vulnerable. Just like walking, the first step is the hardest, but you will eventually build momentum.
Take one small step today and then take another small step tomorrow. Eventually those small steps will begin yo build and help you attain your goals. Taking the first step and starting to embrace change and vulnerability makes all the difference.
Along the way you will be challenged and doubt your decisions. You will be afraid to “put yourself out there”. This is normal. You will feel vulnerable and isolated. If this is the case, you know that you are on the right track…
Keep going and keep pushing through the discomfort and vulnerability. When you do, the rewards will not be far behind.
Why Start Now?
Because There is No Better Time Than Now.
Once we’re able to move beyond the expectations placed upon us by others, finding new ways to respond, knowing that with failure comes strength and success; will we leave behind the familiarity of the past and look to the future. Only then can we stick to our goals and break through to a life beyond our expectations.
Best of luck in the coming week!
To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness,
-Draye
THE BOOK OF THE WEEK
Harvey McKay’s – Swim With Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive
(Click the Image to buy a copy of the Book)
I had the privilege of having lunch with Harvey McKay a few months ago and he absolutely blew me away… I had heard of his books, but I had never read one. After our lunch, I decide that I need to learn more from this man and purchased a few of his books. I chose to read the “The McKay MBA” and it thoroughly impressed me. The concepts that were taught were incredibly insightful.
That being said, I wanted to read another one of his books (his most famous) How To Swim With Sharks. This book has been a New York Times Bestseller and has been read by millions of individuals across the world.
I hope that you enjoy Harvey’s book this week. We will discuss it at length next week.
Last Weeks Book Summary
Lewis Howes’ – The School of Greatness
(Click the Image to buy a copy of the Book)
There is a reason that Lewis Howes’ first book launched him to the New York Times Best Seller List. His book, The School of Greatness, was a breath of fresh air from the traditional Personal Development books.
Lewis also has a Podcast titled, The School of Greatness, and it has been one of iTunes most popular Podcasts for over a year. He regularly interviews a variety of guests that have all achieved Greatness in a various careers, sports or disciplines. I encourage that you check it out.
There were two key aspects that I took-away from the book, Gratitude & the Importance of your Health. These are two aspects that I try to implement each and every day, but it was nice to reinforce my own beliefs. I routinely meditate and practice gratitude each and every morning and I make it a priority to workout & exercise every day.
Greatness starts from within. If you have poor habits that effect your health, you are not setting yourself up to achieve your Ultimate Potential. Additionally, practicing gratitude should be a necessary part of your day. We all have trials and tribulations, but we should always be thankful for what we have and the blessings that we have in our life.
I encourage you to pick up a copy of Lewis’ book and explore some of the Greatness for yourself.