I’m kind of a hustler. I know some people don’t like that word; some days I don’t either. But I’m out there chasing, growing and building and trying my best to live an awesome and intentional life, and I call that hustling.
There are many days when things flow.
But some days it feels like pushing against a door that just won’t open. And when that happens, it’s usually because I’ve slipped into the energy of needing to PROVE something: to myself, to my people, to the world.
And that energy is bad. So lately when it happens, I take a breath and just…
Stop trying to prove everything all the time
I’m not suggesting we shy away from proving things out of a fear that we can’t. Fear is what makes us think we need to prove things in the first place.
Try this: just because I can prove it, doesn’t mean I have to.
Just because you CAN be a VP at your company, doesn’t mean you have to.
Just because you CAN lose fifteen pounds, doesn’t mean you have to.
Just because you CAN write a book, doesn’t mean you have to.
Well, um, if I stop having to prove anything, what will I do with my time?
Focus on fun instead
I think I’ll be a VP at my company for the fun of it.
I think I’ll lose fifteen pounds for the fun of it.
I think I’ll write a book for the fun of it.
How about “real life” stuff?
Of course, some things need to happen and may not sound like fun.
I need to feed my children, several times daily, whether I’m having fun each time or not (sometimes yes, sometimes no).
But for those big goals, the ones you spend so much time thinking about and planning for and remodeling your life and schedule and well-being to make room for, do this check. If it doesn’t feel one bit of fun, if doing it for the fun of it does not resonate, then please:
Stop trying to prove it, stop trying to do it, just. stop. it.
Let the magic in
If you think about it this way, a lot of things on your NEED TO PROVE list will get shelved immediately and permanently. Others will will be transformed into things to pursue for fun… and that’s where the magic happens. My friend, you just opened the door: go ahead and let the magic come in.
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Last week I FINALLY let go of a project that was consuming way too much of my brain and heart when I realized it was mainly about proving myself and barely about having fun. I have felt so free (and so much happier) since.
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing… it is the best feeling to let go of something you definitely didn’t need, but you thought you did. I call that personal evolution and it’s awesome:)