A while back, I posted this quote on Instagram. The quote came from Lori Harder (@loriharder) via her amazing podcast Earn Your Happy! I’ve been binge listening since one of my Best of You mentor-ship sisters Emily Gough (@nutritiouslyemily) recommend it! It’s all about creating your best life and best self. Definitely check it out if you have a chance.

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“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is.”
-Attribution Unknown

The hardest part about taking action on goal and dreams is just getting started. We are resistant because of fear… Today I want to do a little Thinking Out Loud about fear as it pertains to our goals, dreams, and taking action on leveling up in any are of life.

How often do we self sabotage because we are afraid of failing? We cut the legs off from under ourselves before we get too far invested because we think it would be too painful to fail once we are all-in. Failing at something doesn’t make us a failure. The truth is that there is no such thing as failure when you look at all things as an opportunity to learn.

We have all heard about how Edison tried hundreds (or possibly thousands) of times before finding the right materials for the light bulb. He lost his entire factory in a fire, that would have made most men give up, but instead got right back to work afterword. Setbacks, difficulties, and “failure” can actually make us more resilient. If we prove to ourselves that we survive this thing, maybe we can go even bigger and bolder and survive regardless of the outcome.

Truth from God’s Word: 
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

I don’t believe that the Lord calls us to mediocrity.

How often do avoid doing new things, even exciting things, because they would put us outside our comfort zone. We are afraid of what will happen, or what it will mean for us if we put ourselves out on the line. That step means we are accountable on a new level. The truth is that you will never know how much you are capable of until you put yourself on the hook. You will never grow beyond your current state without getting uncomfortable, but the discomfort is worth it.

Remember growing pains? They are normal part of physical growth and I’m pretty sure most of us would agree that the temporary discomfort was worth the outcome. Once you knew what they were, you may have even looked forward to them because you know what the result would be! Just like the discomfort of stretching during physical growth, there are times of discomfort required for leveling up your life.

Don’t settle for the status quo because you are content and comfortable with what you know. Comfort and safety feel good, but proving to yourself that you are capable of more feels amazing.

How often do we let what others think about us dictate our actions? I have spent a great deal of my life concerned about the opinions of others. Opinions that often have nothing to do with my own values. Why?! The truth is that you can’t please everyone, so be intentional with taking opinions for what they are. Respect them, but consider them subjectively. Of course there are certain people who have earned the right to speak into your life on a deeper level than others, but you are the only person who can ever know what is right for you. You are, after all, the one who will live with the outcome.

Doing great things requires setting yourself apart from others. It necessitates that you aren’t “normal.” You can never do extraordinary things if you follow suit with what everyone else is doing.

Truth from God’s Word: 
“…you are God’s “chosen generation”, his “royal priesthood”, his “holy nation”, his “peculiar people”—all the old titles of God’s people now belong to you. It is for you now to demonstrate the goodness of him who has called you out of darkness into his amazing light.” 1 Peter 2:9

I don’t believe He purposed us to blend in with everyone around us.

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In summary…

I don’t believe that the Lord calls us to mediocrity. I don’t believe He intends for us to fear the unknown. I don’t believe He purposed us to blend in with everyone around us.

It is only taking action in His strength and in light of our perceived fears, that we can ever overcome fear.

| Kaci

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Reader Questions:

1/ What kind of fear do you struggle with most?
2/ Do you get nervous about taking action on new things because of the accountability that comes along with leveling up?

3/ What is something you know you need to take action on?

4/ Does it help change your perspective when you view things through the Truth of God’s Word?

Thanks to Amanda for hosting the linkup!