Joy in "Next"
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 10:10PM 
Photo by Allison SamuelsTaking that next step, trying something new and moving forward without certainty can be scary. Fear blocks our thinking. When we walk down the fear path, making excuses and creating reasons not to take action can consume our thoughts. These negative thoughts can overwhelm us to the point of inaction.
What if you allowed yourself to acknowledge your fear? It’s a normal part of our human experience. What if you then embraced the joy in pushing ahead despite your fear? What would be possible for you?
We have the opportunity to alter our perspective. Instead of thinking about all the reasons why we might fail, we can choose to focus on experiencing a positive outcome.
The next time you are avoiding organizing the junk drawer, sorting through a pile of desk papers or reclaiming the kitchen table, think about the joy and satisfaction in both the process of moving ahead and the result of your efforts to do so.
I recently completed a seven-week coaching skills course for organizers. The learning was fabulous and challenging. Right from the start, we were asked to step outside our comfort zone and practice our coaching skills. I worried about not doing it right. I worried about it being awkward. Since the point was to learn, I knew I had to work through my fears. I learned as much from what went well as from what didn’t. I loved learning these new skills.
How will joy fit into your next step?
Linda Samuels, CPO-CD
® is a compassionate, enthusiastic professional organizer, author & blogger who facilitates change in others' lives. She lives with her husband and daughters in a small, colorful home with a purple front door.
Reader Comments (4)
Great post Linda.
Thanks for endorsing the program.
Your coaching skills will bring added value to your clients and your readers.
Love the dog :)
Cam
Glad you liked the post, Cam. Thank you for the wonderful training that you and Denslow gave. You two make a great team. You're a fabulous coach and I learned so much from listening to you.
The dog is a cyber version of our black lab, Norton. While Norton is no longer with us, his memory lives on.
I appreciate your comments. Feel free to comment anytime. I always enjoy hearing your perspective and your great questions.
I love what you write here about embracing your fears. I think such a crucial step is to simply acknowledge any insecurities you have, before you have a chance of moving forward. How can we proceed without being honest with ourselves?
Also, great pic with this one ;)
You're absolutely right, Allison, that before you can move ahead, acknowledgment of those fears or insecurities come first. Honestly is not always easy, but it is crucial. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us.
I appreciate your comment on the photo too. It reminded me to credit the artist, so I added a caption.