My client has big dreams, she wants to create change in an industry that thrives on been there, done that. She does not know anyone else that has ever tried what she feels called to do. She is courageously following her heart and will undoubtedly turn her early ripples of success into a tsunami of change – but it’s not going to be easy. One of the first barriers that she had to overcome was one that she never expected. That’s when she picked up the phone and gave me a call…
She was going deaf from all the negative noise swirling around her.
- It’s never going to happen.
- Are you nuts?
- Why even try?
Where were her supporters? Her cheerleaders?
- I’m proud of you.
- If anyone can make it happen, it’s you.
- Rock on!
When we began to work together, she needed three things: 1) Someone to help her turn down the volume on the naysayers 2) Brainstorm, engage and challenge her thinking to leap from today’s vision to tomorrow’s reality. 3) Encourage her to set goals and hold her accountable.
One of the things I instantly loved about her was that while so many people were sure that she was in for a fight, because they had fought similar battles before, she didn’t see it that way. She chose to see her vision instead of focusing on the smoke clouding her path.
[Tweet “The unknown transforms the impossible into reality.”]
Clearly, there is value in understanding the pitfalls and the current landscape, but it’s equally clear, if everyone threw up their hands because it was impossible for someone before them, civilization would never move forward.
The Power of Not Knowing
- When you don’t know, you can’t see the impossible.
- When you don’t know, you’re not tempted to instantly let your “I can” become an “I can’t”
- When you don’t know, all the reasons someone else failed do not apply to you.
- When you don’t know, the power of your vision propels you forward.
- When you don’t know, failure is not a threat.
[Tweet “Learning happens in the stretch, not the glide.”]
If you’ve read along to this point, I believe that you, my client and I have something in common, a drive to create. It’s a calling, not an option. Not creating fills us with the restlessness of not knowing what we can achieve that in turn, sparks our willingness to try.
Put on your snow tires and get ready to turn to new possibilities
I admit, unlike my friends and family in the USA, I have not driven in snow for quite some time but I do remember it well. After a large storm, the first person that drove down the street had it tough, they had to make tracks where there were none. The next dozen cars had the benefit of gliding through someone else’s grooves making it easier and faster. Inevitably, I’d come driving down the street, following someone else’s grooves and I’d need to turn. The turn was slow, bumpy, and nerve-wracking; I was pushing through an embankment of snow that had been built up by everyone else going straight.
In that moment, questions swirl with no answers available:
- Would I make it through or get stuck until the big Spring thaw came to free me?
- Had 10 other people before me tried to make the turn, failed and given up?
- Was the road even passable on the other side of my turn?
- Should I stop now and just take the safe route?
Stop or Go. Turn or Straight. You Choose.
Yeah, maybe I got stuck a time or two, but there was always someone willing to push me over the toughest part. That’s what I want to do for my kick-ass clients, get them over the embankments so they can turn left when everyone else is going straight. I know that they will bravely make a new path for others to follow.
Today, what’s your choice? There is no way to predict the outcome with 100% certainty. Will you lean into the power of not knowing or glide through someone else’s grooves?
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Dear Alli,
I really love this post and I relate to it. I’m starting a new project that could succeed or fail. But I believe it is worth the trial and I’ll keep going even though many have doubts about its outcome. And, as you have mentioned, some of my “supporters” are sitting and watching me, no more cheering 🙂
Hoda
Hoda,
You inspire me in so many ways! I sincerely hope that people will find your Creative Peace Project on Facebook and choose be a part of something truly special. You prove that it takes just one braver person with a vision that matters to make a difference. I’m 100% in your corner.
xo
Alli
The power of the unknown is a very power tool.
It makes room for learning.
It makes room for sharing.
It makes room for possibilities.
Thanks for a great post!
Lolly Daskal
Lead From Within
Lolly,
You know, I’ve reflected on how the unknown makes room for learning and possibilities but not sharing. What a beautiful and important addition here. You have me thinking and that’s a gift I sincerely appreciate.
… and I appreciate you!
Loved the post, Alli and the power of the unknown!
I think fear has stopped me at times from trying new things that I really wanted to do. But my experiences have taught me to go beyond my anxiety and “just do it” because I have had more success than disappointment.
I try to look at the unknown as an opportunity that can transform me and those I partner with. At least it creates excitement and potential.
Big, huge yes to that, Terri! The unknown is filled with opportunity and the potential to create something fresh and meaningful.
It’s so easy to let anxiety win (I’ve fallen victim a few times) but in the end I’ve failed without even trying. Why not give it a go?
Thank you for adding your insights!
It is great to read this post. I work on the premise that if we can be comfortable with being uncomfortable, then we will learn and teach more than we ever thought possible. Thank you for affirming that for me with this.
Welcome, Felicia!
That’s simple wisdom for an ever changing world: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When we can do that we can embrace the learning instead of being consumed by fear.
Many thanks for sharing here!
Such a great post, Alli!
Overcoming obstacles and breaking through barriers is something each and every one of us faces … albeit in different ways.
It takes a strong mind and mental toughness to get though the tough times and say no to the negative attitudes. There are always naysayers who will challenge any attempt to move out of the norm and “business as usual.”
So glad your client reached out to you…you are giving her great advice!
So important to realize, huh? Your challenges and the way you face them doesn’t have to be just like what I would do. However, we ALL need the mental toughness to keep moving forward when it seems that the world is calling us to stop.
I feel like I’m the lucky one that gets to work with her 🙂
Thanks, LaRae!
Alli,
From the moment I saw the picture of the rocky path appear on Facebook, until I could sit and read this post I was hooked! I love the story of your client, and your references of driving on snow filled roads. You have a gift for bringing people into your stories, and for helping them to experience exactly what is happening. We nod in agreement and relate from our hearts always leaving inspired and ready make the next leap! Thank you!
Thank you for your kind comment! I think you and I both know that the memory of driving in the snow is much sweeter than being there. Still, I can picture my street, my nerves as I tried to follow someone else’s path so I didn’t hit another car that was parked on the road… but I had to turn…
Thank you!!
Great points, Alli. No one ever said life was going to be easy! Even in knowing what is ahead, if the view of where you want to go is strong enough and meaningful enough, there is a steeliness in what we are doing to weather the rough patches to get to the bigger vision. Thanks for your inspiration and insights along the way. Jon
Jon,
Absolutely true! We can know, understand and appreciate all of the challenges that are ahead but our resolve, resilience and mental toughness keep us moving towards our goal rather than give up. Our vision grounds us and propels us forward.
Many thanks for your insight!
Great post, Alli. Very well put. We all get stuck sometimes and I love the analogy of gliding through someone else’s grooves. Good word picture.
Well done.
Robert
Welcome, Robert! We do all get stuck and it’s really OK to follow the grooves as long as we also follow the path we’re meant (and need) to take. Learning may come in the stretch but the glide definitely gives us recovery time to stretch even further in the future.
Many thanks for your feedback and comment!