I still remember the first time I did a lot of things in life. And the moments just before I did it...the feeling of fear, exhilaration, and not sure how it would all turn out.
Like the first time I:
Rode a bike without training wheels.
Stepped on the ice rink for my first lesson.
Arrived at Penn State as a clueless, wide-eyed freshman.
Went on my first career interview.
Worked with my first client.
And every single time of these “firsts,” I recall that feeling. And how that powerful feeling could have stopped me in my tracks, but I went for it anyway, because I knew I had to do it. The fear was overturned by a voice inside me that said: “Just do it, Sarah!”
The voice in my 5-year old self to ride that bike without training wheels. I fell a few times, but was soon zooming around the neighborhood like a champ.
The voice in my 8-year old self to step on the ice. I fell once or twice that day, but just a few months later, won 1st place in the ice skating competition.
The voice in my 18-year old self that accepted the offer to attend Penn State. One of the best decisions I ever made - I'll never forget the academics, experiences, relationships, and memories as a result.
The voice in my 22-year old self to take that interview. While I didn't get THAT job, I "practiced" for an upcoming interview at my dream job - which I landed.
The voice in my 33-year old self to work with that client. Not only did I help that client with her goals at the time, but she recently hired me again to help her achieve new ones!
And with each of these firsts in my life, I remember what happened right after I did them. I remember falling, I remember feeling awkward, I remember being nervous. I never felt totally ready.
And guess what? Those moments were merely moments, and as time went on, I didn’t fall as much, I felt confident, and I knew I was in the right place.
That voice telling me to “Just do it, Sarah!” is a voice you have too. It guides you to do things when you are afraid, aren’t sure about it, don’t feel “ready,” and might fail.
That voice is courage.
And I think a lot of times we forget how much courage we have inside of us. I know I often forget, and need to constantly remind myself as I have new "firsts" I want to achieve. And as time goes by, we seem to be faced with bigger “firsts”, like:
Changing jobs or careers.
Starting a business.
Starting a new relationship.
Moving to a new city.
Having our first child.
And when you’re faced with these decisions, think back to your original firsts and big decisions you made, and that voice you listened to that guided you. That courage.
You and I have so much courage, yet we often overlook it. We get caught up in the grind of life; we get caught up with what everyone else is doing (thanks, social media feed!), and we get caught up with what we feel we “should” be doing based on so many factors. We tell ourselves we aren't smart, strong, or worthy enough. We completely forget of all the courageous things we've already done!
Think about potential “firsts” you have on the horizon, or deep down what your inner voice is whispering for you to do. Consider what’s holding you back - and think back to your other firsts in life to inspire you to move forward.
Share with us below what firsts you have on the horizon - and we'll send positive vibes (and courage) your way!