By Laura Berger
Glen surprised me with a trip to see my best friend Jenni, who I grew up in Hawaii with for my big 40. While waiting at the gate to board my flight, I did what most people do while at the airport. I was people watching. Okay, so I was eavesdropping, but really who doesn’t?
There was this guy, I’d guess around my age, on the phone. He was talking about all of the traveling that he does for work. Out Sunday through Friday and home to grab a bite to eat with friends, a Cubs game, and then back on the road again. I remember those days well and gladly leave them behind.
He then went on to say that the good thing was that he was racking up all of these miles and he intended to take a trip to Egypt. I thought, “cool!” At least he would reap rewards from his dissatisfaction. But then he said, “Yeah, but I need two days on both ends of the trip for travel. Then there is jet lag and I would really need a month off to actually make it happen.” He then followed up saying that by the time he got a month off of work, his miles would expire! He said, “Until I work for myself, I will not be able to do this and who knows if I can ever make that happen.”
He was so amped up for Egypt and then unraveled it all in defeat–his dream as well. Sound familiar? We have all been there. How can you shatter your speed limits, when your inner dumbass continues to guide you down the path with excuses like:
- I don’t know if I have the time to do it.
- I don’t think my friends and family will understand.
- I don’t know who can support me and don’t have the resources.
- I don’t know how I’ll pick up the pieces if I fail.
- I can’t deal with the unexpected.
Are you “up in the air” like George Clooney’s character? A shark, living a solitary life, racking up miles and when faced with obstacles diverts back to his “comfort” zone. Or are you a swan who wants to enroll others in your pursuit for happiness and experience great fulfillment knowing that you put your best foot forward.
Fill in the blank: Until I ______________, I will not be able to do this. Next week we will discuss how you can soar while managing your inner dumbass.