We all have moments of self-doubt but when it turns into an excuse not to move forward, face fears, persist in the face of adversity we don’t honor ourselves or our talents.  I admit to uttering the phrase “I must not be good enough” a few times, mostly after seeing an Oprah episode of pre-pubescent kids that have international businesses or when I haven’t a clue on how to proceed.  It just seems like divine guidance is supposed to show up quickly and point the way and if it doesn’t that too must be a sign.

It just isn’t that easy and when we limit ourselves with ‘how things are supposed to be’ we cut off avenues of exploration and success.  The last time I checked the Harlem Globetrotters weren’t part of the NBA and yet they don’t seem to be complaining about not making it. Sometimes going down a path previously untrodden is more difficult but it’s also more exciting, because nobody can tell you what’s around the next bend.

For those of us with multiple interests, wanting and trying to wear several hats all at once, it’s worth remembering that it takes something like 10,000 hours to become proficient at something. The more things you add the more your available time is split.  That’s not a bad thing as they can often balance each other and cross-polinate with great rewards, it just takes more patience on your part. Seriously, if you find yourself wanting to stop because you aren’t there yet, add up how many hours you’ve really spent trying to grasp it.  No stopping if it’s less than 10,000.

Next week: ‘I don’t know what to do’

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