That detour is a nagging curiosity, to see what is just off the beat and path. There, we might find a cool rock. Not stunning; but, unique enough to hold our attention, for a moment. We lift it up high above our heads, into the direct sunlight; observing it's jagged edges, that glisten like crystal when highlighted. With one foot on the yellow pathway, and other dug snuggley into the grassy, dirt...we are temporarily distracted by something new, along the journey.
"Hm...cool". We set it down, step back on the brick way; and proceed to our destiny.
Distracted by monkeys
Not having moved far from our last road block; we are met by monkeys, in suits. If you are in the corporate business world, you'll understand this metaphor. If you are an artist for a living; just go with The Wiz theme here...and know that it's relevant...ha.
Unlike the famous movie, The Wizard of Oz, these monkeys don't swoop in, and kidnap us. They invite us to dinner, and pour a baccarat flute of Cristal. They mention big numbers (VERY big), fancy cars, penthouse suites and expense accounts. Before you know it, you are no longer on a square stone sunflower course, to your fairy tale career; but, now in a leer jet far, far, far away from your intended destination. Each passing day, in tomorrow land reminds us of our original passion; and eventually, we toss our chimpanzee costume to the side...and trek the long journey back, to our infinte yellow brick road.
Redirection, now properly in place....career, again in sight; we are approached one final time buy The Spirit of Doubt, The Spirit of Doom and The Spirit of Indecisiveness.
The 3 ugly Spirits
Doubt, Doom and Indecision
Doubt, finds success in causing us to question our abilities. "Am I smart enough? Educated enough? Talented enough? Experienced enough?" Doom, follows fast on the heels of these self imposed questions, with thoughts of poverty, family history, bankrupt businesses, poor academic scores...and, all that you wish to cast aside in the bags of fear and failure.
Never to be outdone, Indecisiveness remains until last...the nail in the coffin, so to speak. Her skill is most sinister, as she keeps us stuck. Stuck from moving ahead. Stuck from turning back for correction. Her mantra is "paralysis by analysis". To do nothing, is far worse, than to do something, and lose.
Frantically, trying to rid ourselves from the dark clouds of despair; we shake off the heavy weight of emotions; and, once, again forge ahead to the promise land.
In this little story, I have merged many fables from our adolescence; but, it is done in an effort to help you visualize, a point. The focus being...although we find many detours along lives path; we can never give up the dream. The dream to make a change in the lives of others. The dream to awake with passion, each and every day as we pursue our charted careers.
Keepin' it real...it's personal
I am sharing this post, today; because I have been personally haunted by this, as of late. Plagued by inadequacy. Why do I write...and, does anyone even read it? Why do I keep prospecting for clients...will there ever be enough? How do I reach the level of (insert #1 producing agent in your area)? Woulda, coulda, shoulda...all screaming at me, daily.
Yet, I have learned something on this course of insecurity; something, intensely significant. The best you can ever do, is to be you. This is so sickeningly cliche; but, it is profoundly true! There is not a single person on the planet that is...you. No other individual can reach the same people you will...with YOUR unique style, or message. There is someone(s) who needs to hear it, feel it and experience it.
I am a 51 year old, single mom, and proud grandma who uses words like sick, dope and Gucci (in my professional business blogs)! Honestly, I'm a huge goofball with a thirst for the written word and desire to encourage and educate. I'm Elle Woods (Legally Blonde) with a Chromebook...lol! Initially, I was concerned about that. Yet, several kind readers pointed out to me; in the sea of voices, riding the waves of the internet, and casting their nets for an audience...my crazy Tim Burton meets Barbara Corcoran style..works. I dig deep for research, I read the news, I trying to predict what might happen to the market over time, and share that opinion. I speak of how we need to get emotional with our clients. Learn to treat them like people, not paychecks.
Be the contribution they need
A final word of encouragement to those who feel like derailing...don't. Stay the course. Follow your passion. Believe in yourself. Stay consistent (even when you don't have an ounce of desire to do so). Be strong. Be courageous. Keep learning. Find your talent, and take it to the X-Game extreme level! Most importantly...be absolutely freakin' unique. Do it...how you do it!
The people will come. I promise.
“Each of us is a unique strand in the intricate web of life and here to make a contribution.”
― Deepak Chopra
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