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“It’s going to be OK.”
I’ve found myself saying this to a lot of people lately.
I’ve had a few clients recently who are struggling to find work or are about to make a significant career transition. I can see the fear and desperation in their eyes.
To be able to look them in the eye and reassure them that everything is going to be OK is a privilege, but I can’t help but feel that a lot of people need to hear that message at the moment.
Don’t just sing the notes.
Don’t just paint the colours.
Don’t just cook the ingredients.
Don’t just write the words.
Don’t just play the game.
Don’t just go through the motions.
I don’t know about you, but there are a lot of things that I wish I did differently in my past.
Words that I said, actions that I didn’t take, lessons that I didn’t learn, opportunities that I missed.
But they’re done.
I can apologise to others and to myself, but I can’t change the past.
However, thankfully, I can change the future.
I may have a few regrets from the past, but I can make sure that I minimise tomorrow’s regrets.
I believe that everyone is talented.
Everyone has the potential to be good at something.
Every single person on the planet is able to develop certain skills to a level that enables them to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
And that includes you.
Starting your own business or charity is difficult.
Developing new habits is hard.
Leading others can be lonely.
Doing anything remarkable with your life requires years of disciplined focus and sacrifice.
It will be challenging and there will be times – many times – when you feel like giving up.
So you need a reason to do what you do.
Don’t be distracted by what’s happening in the rear view mirror.
Don’t be put off by the drivers in the other lanes.
Don’t worry about the speed that others are going at.
Don’t watch the scenery.
Just keep your eyes on the road.
A daisy in a field full of daisies can feel insignificant.
It looks around and sees that it is the same as every other daisy.
It makes comparisons.
But here’s the thing.
It’s still a daisy.
It’s still beautiful, both in itself and in the context of the other daisies.
Courage is a muscle.
It needs to be exercised to increase in strength.
Some people seem to be born with more courage than others, just as some naturally have broader shoulders or stronger biceps.
But if people with more courage than others don’t it, it will atrophy.
Similarly, there are those who are born with less courage than others, but over time, they can build up their strength in this area.