Making Learning My Job Reduced My Fear of Failure
Living within two conflicting truths was disorienting—I was content AND I had also become bored and wasn’t growing. A work slowdown brought opportunity. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone was really hard; having a friend on the journey gave me courage, and fear of being left behind gave me an incentive to act. Choosing a perspective re-orders how you engage with an experience. In my case, permission to focus on learning gave me a way to manage my doubts and fears, while lowering the stakes.
I Left Design Because I Had Stopped Growing
I spent more than a decade working in design before finally calling myself a designer. Twenty years into my career, I had created a life that seemed too good to be true. I knew I was spoiled and lucky, and deeply grateful for the privilege. But I felt like I was beginning to stagnate. Yet, despite my growing dissatisfaction, I had convinced myself that I was content.
“Trust The Process”
I'm in the fog right now in coaching certification. I can see aspects of this particular approach that I haven't yet mastered or just don't agree with, but I can't yet see the other side. The fog is uncomfortable and at times disorienting. But I'm also only 1/3 of the way in. I have plenty of time to find my way through.
I don't know the answer, but I trust my ability to figure it out. I'm also the one setting the bar so high for myself, so if my efforts begin to fall short, I know to show myself compassion.