When I was around 11 years old, my mother nominated me for a singing competition in an event that was being held in my locality. She brushed away my vehement protests and assured me that I was good enough to compete
On the day of the competition, there were about 20 competitors for the event and, about 500 guests. One by one the day’s program unfolded and the event that I was nominated for started. As one after another, the competitors came on stage and performed, my thoughts that I was not good enough kept growing like a monster.
Just before my name was to be called, I quietly slipped out of the venue. Of course, my mother was at the venue to proudly see her son perform. And, when I did not take the stage even after my name was called a couple of times, she realised what must have happened and came back home
She found me in the bedroom and asked me what happened? I told her that I was afraid. She asked of what? I said, of the stage, of so many people, of being ridiculed, of failure and rejection.
She then pointed out, whether I tried and failed or, failed without trying, the burden that I carry is the same. By not trying, I had lost even that small chance of winning.
It took me quite a few “self-conversations” to realise that, whether I walked the path with fear of failure on my mind or character of courage, the map is the same, but the territory changes with time
So, every time, when I need to take up an adaptive challenge, I double click on my conversation with my mother and choose to walk the path with courage!
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