The Ugly Monster

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, “I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.” . . . You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt

Do you ever find yourself dwelling on what you think you can’t do?

All the places you can’t go?

All the things you can’t afford?

It’s horrible isn’t it?

We all know what happens.  We create the ugly monster in our heads and all of a sudden it literally consumes our entire body.

I would like to share with you an example you probably all are very familiar with whether it be your own childhood memory or your actual child.  It’s taking those training wheels off your bike and riding that 2 wheeler for the very first time.

Well my husband and I went through this just yesterday.  My 8 year old daughter has been terrified to take those wheels off and find freedom of riding that 2 wheeler.  The mere talk of riding the bike literally put her into a state of panic, hyperventilating and all.  I must admit I was getting a little frustrated.

I have to say that after teaching the 4th child out of 5 to ride a bike I didn’t have the same tolerance as the first.  But then I began looking at the experience a little differently.  I saw the fear that truly made her scared to death.  In her mind, SHE COULDN’T DO IT.

How many times do we do this to ourselves?  We let the illusion of this ugly monster prevent us from taking the leap to greatness.  We give it such great power to control our lives.

What are some of the things that you have allowed to dominate your thinking and stop you from moving forward?

So, after some deep breathing and a little coaxing she decided to give it a try.  She did great.  Not just ok, but GREAT!
Perfect take off, launch, dismount and landing.

No falls (until a littler later).   And we all know that is a given at some point.

But let’s think about the lesson here.  Next time you let the fear overtake your mind and body, ask yourself, “what is the worst thing that can happen?”

Even if the answer is fall flat on your face…..so what, the benefit is total growth!!  And hey, we may be surprised and have the perfect take off, launch, dismount and landing.  How cool is that?

So, there’s only one cure. You know that, right?

You’ve got to do the thing you think you cannot do.

I know, I know, it’s not that easy is it?

But when you think about it, it’s not that hard either!

Just take a step……

A single step where you move toward doing something that you’ve always thought was impossible and before you know it, the possibilities start appearing.

My daughter now sees the possibilities that were before her all along.  She can now take a ride around the block with her siblings and friends, she has gained tremendous confidence and she will soon be allowed to ride on the street by herself like everyone else.

Still thinking that your ugly monster is different from her ugly monster?
No it really isn’t.  It is all just an illusion that we create in our mind.  An illusion that stops you dead in your tracks and prevents growth.  Remember things don’t stay the same.  The world does not stop, so if you are not growing you are dying.  I definitely choose to grow.  And I choose that in every moment as difficult as it seems.

So my challenge to you is to identify your ugly monster, take that step to abolish it and watch your possibilities become clearly defined.

JoAnn Manzella is a wellness and fitness coach helping families looking to achieve ultimate balance in their lives. JoAnn teaches her clients how to become laser focused on their goals and visions by providing the knowledge, support and motivation they need for success.

Sign up today for a F*R*E*E* telephone lifestyle assessment by sending an email to joann@jumpstarttofitness.com or visit our website at www.jumpstarttofitness.com