Our fears are more numerous than our dangers, and we suffer more in our imagination than in reality. ~ Seneca
Leaders have a difficult time being as transparent as they should be. Somewhere along the line we convinced ourselves that the perception of being strong is better than the fact of being vulnerable. One of my greatest fears is quick sand. I receive a blessing and everything is going fine for awhile. But then something bad happens. I don't panic because I've been through bad times before. I'll just focus and work harder to get out of whatever jam I'm in. I give everything I have to solving the problem but the harder I work, the faster I sink. I try every trick and skill I've learned to get out of this mess but nothing seems to be working. Before I know it, I'm in over my head, like quick sand. We have all experienced this in some form or fashion. Accepting a new job, working on a personal relationship, completing a degree, coaching a team, or anything else that we have committed to that may not be going as smooth as planned. It is difficult to believe the words of Seneca as the quote suggests when it feels like you're surrounded by suffocating self doubt. The irony is that Seneca couldn't be more right. I believe we do imagine things being worse than they are as evidenced by our own amazement and surprise when we come through a bad time with a smile on our face.
My challenge to you this week is to put Seneca's words to the test. Confront an imagined negative outcome you have to something important you are currently working on or considering. Dare to have a conversation with someone about a fear you have regarding the issue at hand. Listen carefully to their feedback and avoid discounting their advice. The best leaders are the people that ask for help and admit when they are wrong. I've said before, and I'll say it again; I believe that pride is the number one killer of dreams and careers. I am not likely to die in a plane crash, or get eaten by a shark, or drown in a pool of quick sand for that matter. I can however count on an incredible failure if I allow pride to blur the reality of my imagination.
Leadership Thought
