What have you been avoiding? The task that you know how to do, but just can’t seem to get started on?
For me, it’s sales and marketing. I have read the books, I have hired the advisors, and I know what to do, but I just can’t make myself do it.
So what’s stopping me?
The Immunity to Change methodology suggests imagining the opposite of the reality and observe what feelings come up. As I imagined proactively seeking out clients and convincing them to work with me as a coach, I realized I felt nervous and anxious about showing my value. When people find me via a post or a referral, I feel less pressure because I’ve “earned” some level of credibility before they talk to me. So part of me wants to stay comfortable and avoid the pressure of “proving” myself to new people.
But that’s all in my head. I have delivered life-changing impact as a coach repeatedly over the past several years. And I’m limiting the greater impact I can have by not putting myself out there more. I wrote in my journal yesterday that “I’m ready to start playing bigger (or at least starting to acknowledge that I am already as ready as I will ever be)”.
The Immunity to Change method posits that information is rarely the limiting factor preventing change; otherwise, we’d all eat healthier and exercise more and be in fantastic shape. There’s some “brake pedal” in our head that is keeping us stuck, and we won’t make progress until we ease up on that brake. Realizing that my “brake pedal” is the fear of proving myself helps me address it directly by reminding that I don’t need to prove myself as a coach – there’s plenty of evidence already (like my LinkedIn recommendations).
So what’s stopping you from making progress on an important project?
What emotions come up as you think about finishing it?
What does that reveal about your “brake pedal”?