Escaping Mediocrity

Another thought inspiring blog…in answer to your question I get hung up on what I might have missed, might be missing and forget to pay full attention to what is actually happening, what is there in front of me…I know it comes from a desire to be as good as I can be but it needs managing in order not to become overwhelming…there is something inordinately important in acknowledging these traits in order to ensure they do not become the driving force…it's a wise person who knows thier potential downfalls and in so doing prevents themselves from actually falling down as a result of them…

Was good to read your blog again…as it fitted into some thoughts I'd been having around the same subject…

So you want to know my top three places that I get hung up? No? Too bad!1) Last year I thought bigger was better. I ignored the bottom line, but drove top line growth and added more staff. And we lost money. For the first time in our history. And I had to make a lot of hard decisions about both staff and clients. Bigger is not always better. 2) My cycling goal for this season was to ride 20 mph, average, when I ride alone (easier to do that in a group). Yesterday I was pushing myself really hard, but my personal record is only 18.3 mph average, for the season. I was really hard on myself and then I realized I might not get to 20 mph, but that's okay…18.3 mph is still pretty freaking fast and I can spend the winter working really hard in order to hit 20 mph next season.3) My entire life I've been good at things. My college roommate hated that I didn't have to study and still got straight As. But I'm a perfectionist and really hard on myself. I think I have to be superb at everything that I do. I have to be the best cyclist (see #2). I have to be the best skier. I have to grow a business as quickly as Zappos. I have to be like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan – the top of my game in everything that I do. So when I perceive something as failure, I have a really hard time. I beat myself up. I go introspective. I question why I'm doing what I do. I keep a quote on my wall to remind me that everyone fails and that's how we, as human beings, learn. It is “It's not in failing, but how we get up when we do.”

So you want to know my top three places that I get hung up? No? Too bad!

1) Last year I thought bigger was better. I ignored the bottom line, but drove top line growth and added more staff. And we lost money. For the first time in our history. And I had to make a lot of hard decisions about both staff and clients. Bigger is not always better.

2) My cycling goal for this season was to ride 20 mph, average, when I ride alone (easier to do that in a group). Yesterday I was pushing myself really hard, but my personal record is only 18.3 mph average, for the season. I was really hard on myself and then I realized I might not get to 20 mph, but that's okay…18.3 mph is still pretty freaking fast and I can spend the winter working really hard in order to hit 20 mph next season.

3) My entire life I've been good at things. My college roommate hated that I didn't have to study and still got straight As. But I'm a perfectionist and really hard on myself. I think I have to be superb at everything that I do. I have to be the best cyclist (see #2). I have to be the best skier. I have to grow a business as quickly as Zappos. I have to be like Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan – the top of my game in everything that I do. So when I perceive something as failure, I have a really hard time. I beat myself up. I go introspective. I question why I'm doing what I do. I keep a quote on my wall to remind me that everyone fails and that's how we, as human beings, learn. It is “It's not in failing, but how we get up when we do.”

Sarah,
I too get hung up on the journey from time to time for many of the same reasons. The pursuit of “Right”, the pursuit of “Perfect”, and confusing clarity with 'certainty'. The truth is…I usually have enough clarity for the next step but I sometimes crave the certainty…certainty that I'll get it right, land that perfect 10 result…whatever.

I actually wrote a blog post on this last week…the top 5 ways we get stuck and overwhelmed.They were all loosely based on me! What I've learned along the way is this: when I notice myself getting stuck, holding back, or slowing down…I can observe what's going on without expecting myself to do anything different. If I stay detached the phase passes swiftly. If I judge it, label it, curse it, resist it or put any energy toward changing it…I get more stuck, more confused, more unsure.

Good stuff here!

Thank you Susan. I've decided that I have neither the time nor the inclination to put a pretty face on things anymore. Stuff, life, business is what it is. Saying the truth outloud is strangely freeing. I'm glad you like it.

Thank you Susan. I've decided that I have neither the time nor the inclination to put a pretty face on things anymore. Stuff, life, business is what it is. Saying the truth outloud is strangely freeing. I'm glad you like it.

Sarah,
I too get hung up on the journey from time to time for many of the same reasons. The pursuit of “Right”, the pursuit of “Perfect”, and confusing clarity with ‘certainty’. The truth is…I usually have enough clarity for the next step but I sometimes crave the certainty…certainty that I’ll get it right, land that perfect 10 result…whatever.

I actually wrote a blog post on this last week…the top 5 ways we get stuck and overwhelmed.They were all loosely based on me! What I’ve learned along the way is this: when I notice myself getting stuck, holding back, or slowing down…I can observe what’s going on without expecting myself to do anything different. If I stay detached the phase passes swiftly. If I judge it, label it, curse it, resist it or put any energy toward changing it…I get more stuck, more confused, more unsure.

Good stuff here!

Sarah,It takes great courage to invite others to peer through the stained glass panes of our life to view our vulnerability, our well-rehearesed urge at times to forego what is important for what is expedient. In your daring, you show us the ever-present need to stop, if but for a moment, to smell the rose and, while its scent lingers, find our bearings. In the months preceding 9-11, I was a sojourner stationed with a command element in the Middle East. Before me unfolded the drama that is Arabia. With every wisp of gentle wind to brush my cheek, and with every soft golden ray of warm sun to light my path, I found myself immersed in the toil of the lovely people—Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Filipino, Bahraini, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Arabian, and on and on—who call the Persian Gulf home. It was, and is, a beloved toil—an inner urge unquestionably demanding outer senses to illuminate the likeness casting shadows onto souls—that brings mystery—and Beauty—to the Middle East. Theirs is a toil to lift voices long yoked by an ancient world that finds its genesis in humble, but aged, beginnings over the distant thunder that breaks a foreboding silence of an unsettled humanity. And so it is, in the midst of the rolling thunder we hear words whisper of redolent hope—words echoing from a sweetened sanctuary of great expectation. All-consuming words.Their words, Sarah, not unlike your own, give me pause to reflect: What lies ahead? How can I help? What prevents me (yes, me) from taking that first important step?In my experiences, I have found perspective essential; it gives us a much-needed lens into what you refer to as the holding patterns of life. Ours, after all, is a world of paradox: Can I show I care without a big production? Can I behold majesty through the eyes of another? Can I step from the precipice knowing my wings will keep me aloft? Over the years, I have come to appreciate it is not a democratic world, for such a world of compromise and consensus does precious very little to inspire hope in the eyes of a child that must inherit the winds we leave behind. Yet, we are reminded, often to our dismay, it is a world taunted by a mediocrity that seeks homogeneity—a mediocrity bent on tightening its grip and keeping us precariously unready to welcome differences—and the abiding strengths—among us. As you aptly point out, Sarah, we wrestle with mediocrity in our day-to-day routines, and we battle the fears mediocrity summons from the depths of our essence. Stumbling blocks and challenges join in the chorus, hastening us to appointed rounds when, in fact, we need so desperately to slow down. As I see it, each of us is but a fragment of the same masterpiece; interconnected strands, if you will, radiating our own unique beauty in the dew-laden web of life. Only when we pause do we appreciate the deep-seated need for gentle winds to carry away the thunder so we might once again welcome a new day of sun to warm the soul of humanity. As our soul warms, we are put at ease, free to enjoy the scenery from the dusty gravel roads of our journey. Even in the deserts of the Middle East, beauty ubiquitously stands in stark contrast for those with the heart to see. In my mind’s eye, I vividly recall how my grass paints the sandy hues a vibrant green; Jasmine, Plumeria, and Canon Lilies bloom with a pulsating energy among assorted bush and fuchsia bougainvillea; brightly winged butterflies and song-filled birds extol joyful arias as I kept vigil in a distant land among people not so unlike myself; and the sky drips a liquid blue just before the setting sun colors the night skies in a patchwork of amber and scarlet on its way to a gentle resting place under the quilted darkness to await the dawn of a new day. With the new day comes the prospect for each of us to get hung up from time to time; mediocrity is like that. What’s important is our response. And we have you to thank for a shining example because, in a very wonderfully open way, you are showing us mediocrity, with all of its temptations, is for escaping—there are more important matters to attend. Thank you, Sarah, for yet another encouraging post!

Sarah,
It takes great courage to invite others to peer through the stained glass panes of our life to view our vulnerability, our well-rehearesed urge at times to forego what is important for what is expedient. In your daring, you show us the ever-present need to stop, if but for a moment, to smell the rose and, while its scent lingers, find our bearings.

In the months preceding 9-11, I was a sojourner stationed with a command element in the Middle East. Before me unfolded the drama that is Arabia. With every wisp of gentle wind to brush my cheek, and with every soft golden ray of warm sun to light my path, I found myself immersed in the toil of the lovely people—Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Filipino, Bahraini, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Arabian, and on and on—who call the Persian Gulf home. It was, and is, a beloved toil—an inner urge unquestionably demanding outer senses to illuminate the likeness casting shadows onto souls—that brings mystery—and Beauty—to the Middle East. Theirs is a toil to lift voices long yoked by an ancient world that finds its genesis in humble, but aged, beginnings over the distant thunder that breaks a foreboding silence of an unsettled humanity. And so it is, in the midst of the rolling thunder we hear words whisper of redolent hope—words echoing from a sweetened sanctuary of great expectation. All-consuming words.

Their words, Sarah, not unlike your own, give me pause to reflect: What lies ahead? How can I help? What prevents me (yes, me) from taking that first important step?

In my experiences, I have found perspective essential; it gives us a much-needed lens into what you refer to as the holding patterns of life. Ours, after all, is a world of paradox: Can I show I care without a big production? Can I behold majesty through the eyes of another? Can I step from the precipice knowing my wings will keep me aloft? Over the years, I have come to appreciate it is not a democratic world, for such a world of compromise and consensus does precious very little to inspire hope in the eyes of a child that must inherit the winds we leave behind. Yet, we are reminded, often to our dismay, it is a world taunted by a mediocrity that seeks homogeneity—a mediocrity bent on tightening its grip and keeping us precariously unready to welcome differences—and the abiding strengths—among us.

As you aptly point out, Sarah, we wrestle with mediocrity in our day-to-day routines, and we battle the fears mediocrity summons from the depths of our essence. Stumbling blocks and challenges join in the chorus, hastening us to appointed rounds when, in fact, we need so desperately to slow down.

As I see it, each of us is but a fragment of the same masterpiece; interconnected strands, if you will, radiating our own unique beauty in the dew-laden web of life. Only when we pause do we appreciate the deep-seated need for gentle winds to carry away the thunder so we might once again welcome a new day of sun to warm the soul of humanity. As our soul warms, we are put at ease, free to enjoy the scenery from the dusty gravel roads of our journey.

Even in the deserts of the Middle East, beauty ubiquitously stands in stark contrast for those with the heart to see. In my mind’s eye, I vividly recall how my grass paints the sandy hues a vibrant green; Jasmine, Plumeria, and Canon Lilies bloom with a pulsating energy among assorted bush and fuchsia bougainvillea; brightly winged butterflies and song-filled birds extol joyful arias as I kept vigil in a distant land among people not so unlike myself; and the sky drips a liquid blue just before the setting sun colors the night skies in a patchwork of amber and scarlet on its way to a gentle resting place under the quilted darkness to await the dawn of a new day.

With the new day comes the prospect for each of us to get hung up from time to time; mediocrity is like that. What’s important is our response. And we have you to thank for a shining example because, in a very wonderfully open way, you are showing us mediocrity, with all of its temptations, is for escaping—there are more important matters to attend. Thank you, Sarah, for yet another encouraging post!

Sarah,

Great post..we all seem to have that ability to condition ourselves into dedicated inaction..waiting for the right “something” to appear before taking that next step…<Guilty as Charged> More power to you for challenging those thought patterns that hinder our growth. I'm glad to have discovered you and your wonderful blog, and I look forward to sharing your adventures!

You know Jack, every time I read your comments, I am certain that whatever it is I wrote in the first place is not brilliant enough to give rise to your insightful and beautifully crafted comment. Only you could bring to life in such shimmering detail images of the Middle East and wrap them effortlessly around the topic of mediocrity – and the escape thereof. How I've been blessed with you as a reader and a commenter, I will never know. But you are a gift, not just to me, but to everyone here. And I thank you for that.

You know Jack, every time I read your comments, I am certain that whatever it is I wrote in the first place is not brilliant enough to give rise to your insightful and beautifully crafted comment. Only you could bring to life in such shimmering detail images of the Middle East and wrap them effortlessly around the topic of mediocrity – and the escape thereof. How I've been blessed with you as a reader and a commenter, I will never know. But you are a gift, not just to me, but to everyone here. And I thank you for that.

Thank you Jackie! And I'm glad you are here, too. I've learned that if I wait, I'll never do ANYTHING – and life will pass me by. I'm simply not willing to run that risk anymore. CHEERS to more adventures!!

Sarah,
It takes great courage to invite others to peer through the stained glass panes of our life to view our vulnerability, our well-rehearesed urge at times to forego what is important for what is expedient. In your daring, you show us the ever-present need to stop, if but for a moment, to smell the rose and, while its scent lingers, find our bearings.

In the months preceding 9-11, I was a sojourner stationed with a command element in the Middle East. Before me unfolded the drama that is Arabia. With every wisp of gentle wind to brush my cheek, and with every soft golden ray of warm sun to light my path, I found myself immersed in the toil of the lovely people—Indian, Nepalese, Pakistani, Filipino, Bahraini, Qatari, Kuwaiti, Arabian, and on and on—who call the Persian Gulf home. It was, and is, a beloved toil—an inner urge unquestionably demanding outer senses to illuminate the likeness casting shadows onto souls—that brings mystery—and Beauty—to the Middle East. Theirs is a toil to lift voices long yoked by an ancient world that finds its genesis in humble, but aged, beginnings over the distant thunder that breaks a foreboding silence of an unsettled humanity. And so it is, in the midst of the rolling thunder we hear words whisper of redolent hope—words echoing from a sweetened sanctuary of great expectation. All-consuming words.

Their words, Sarah, not unlike your own, give me pause to reflect: What lies ahead? How can I help? What prevents me (yes, me) from taking that first important step?

In my experiences, I have found perspective essential; it gives us a much-needed lens into what you refer to as the holding patterns of life. Ours, after all, is a world of paradox: Can I show I care without a big production? Can I behold majesty through the eyes of another? Can I step from the precipice knowing my wings will keep me aloft? Over the years, I have come to appreciate it is not a democratic world, for such a world of compromise and consensus does precious very little to inspire hope in the eyes of a child that must inherit the winds we leave behind. Yet, we are reminded, often to our dismay, it is a world taunted by a mediocrity that seeks homogeneity—a mediocrity bent on tightening its grip and keeping us precariously unready to welcome differences—and the abiding strengths—among us.

As you aptly point out, Sarah, we wrestle with mediocrity in our day-to-day routines, and we battle the fears mediocrity summons from the depths of our essence. Stumbling blocks and challenges join in the chorus, hastening us to appointed rounds when, in fact, we need so desperately to slow down.

As I see it, each of us is but a fragment of the same masterpiece; interconnected strands, if you will, radiating our own unique beauty in the dew-laden web of life. Only when we pause do we appreciate the deep-seated need for gentle winds to carry away the thunder so we might once again welcome a new day of sun to warm the soul of humanity. As our soul warms, we are put at ease, free to enjoy the scenery from the dusty gravel roads of our journey.

Even in the deserts of the Middle East, beauty ubiquitously stands in stark contrast for those with the heart to see. In my mind’s eye, I vividly recall how my grass paints the sandy hues a vibrant green; Jasmine, Plumeria, and Canon Lilies bloom with a pulsating energy among assorted bush and fuchsia bougainvillea; brightly winged butterflies and song-filled birds extol joyful arias as I kept vigil in a distant land among people not so unlike myself; and the sky drips a liquid blue just before the setting sun colors the night skies in a patchwork of amber and scarlet on its way to a gentle resting place under the quilted darkness to await the dawn of a new day.

With the new day comes the prospect for each of us to get hung up from time to time; mediocrity is like that. What’s important is our response. And we have you to thank for a shining example because, in a very wonderfully open way, you are showing us mediocrity, with all of its temptations, is for escaping—there are more important matters to attend. Thank you, Sarah, for yet another encouraging post!

You managed to hit the nail on the head once again, Sarah. I realized recently that I have been wasting time moving forward mainly in my head and not so much in my actions. My mother sometimes has an interesting way of putting things and would likely tell me to “s**t or get off the pot”. So that is what I am doing. I let fear of failure trick me into thinking that standing still and dreaming was actually moving forward. Don't get me wrong, I know that the dreaming has value but attaining the dream requires some serious action. I have been given a gift and I need to put up or shut up. So I am.

You managed to hit the nail on the head once again, Sarah. I realized recently that I have been wasting time moving forward mainly in my head and not so much in my actions. My mother sometimes has an interesting way of putting things and would likely tell me to “s**t or get off the pot”. So that is what I am doing. I let fear of failure trick me into thinking that standing still and dreaming was actually moving forward. Don't get me wrong, I know that the dreaming has value but attaining the dream requires some serious action. I have been given a gift and I need to put up or shut up. So I am.

Sarah
This is tuesday morning.My5 kids have already left for school, college, etc… My man , lover, partner, best friend has left for work and his mission to invent new vaccines.
Here I am, with almost 10 hrs ahead of me, completely free of my time, self-employed from home.
I open my Seesmic application and start to read my favorites streams.I have no particular idea in mind, just musing… I stumble upon @SarahRobinson new post…curious, I'm clicking on the link and I immediately relate to the simplicity and courage of the . I'm eager to read the comments. I love them.They make me feel human.They help me to forgive myself for not being the perfect mom. This morning, my son didn't kiss me goodbye. Why? I had insisted he wore socks in his (brand new skate expensive) shoes.As it was late, I gave him an old pair of ugly mismatching socks that was out of the laundry basket. One of them had really shrinked and was a little(very) hard to put on.He frowned. I urged him. He mumbled and eventually got his socks on and left, running to catch up the school bus, angry at me, refusing to give me a hug.
It's too bad because I cherish these morning moments and would love to have them in perfect harmony.And I love his hugs!
How do I get hung up? By beating me up for little things like that, for wanting to be always loved, agreed upon, accepted.

Another way of getting hung up would have been to read your post Sarah, to read other's comments and to tell myself mine would not be smart enough. Or, I'll do it later, when I'm really inspired. True, sometimes later never comes. So I commented, with my silly little story about odd socks.
Now, time to get focused, organized, to make the best out of this long day where there's absolutely no excuse , no distraction but myself, from preventing me to achieve my goals, to walk step after step on my road to creating the life I dream, the world I want to live in.
Being self-employed and working from home requires a great deal of self-discipline and self-confidence (two missing qualities in my own list of virtues!!)
But thanks to my friends on twitter and thanks to their courageous sharings, I believe I can do it. Thank you Sarah, Deb and Jack, and all who are reading this.

You managed to hit the nail on the head once again, Sarah. I realized recently that I have been wasting time moving forward mainly in my head and not so much in my actions. My mother sometimes has an interesting way of putting things and would likely tell me to “s**t or get off the pot”. So that is what I am doing. I let fear of failure trick me into thinking that standing still and dreaming was actually moving forward. Don’t get me wrong, I know that the dreaming has value but attaining the dream requires some serious action. I have been given a gift and I need to put up or shut up. So I am.

My hang up – analysis paralysis. I have a eighth degree black belt in over analyzing the steps to take in my adventure. And I know this is my issue and that I need to take some steps down the path. If I stumble, that is ok – get back up and try again. I am finally realizing everything can't be or won't be “just right” for me to move forward.

My hang up – analysis paralysis. I have a eighth degree black belt in over analyzing the steps to take in my adventure. And I know this is my issue and that I need to take some steps down the path. If I stumble, that is ok – get back up and try again. I am finally realizing everything can't be or won't be “just right” for me to move forward.

Sarah, I love that your posts (and reader comments) always seem to challenge me to think and to reflect. I don't often take the time for personal reflection, not because I don't think it's necessary and helpful but rather because there is always something there to distract me. Sometimes I feel like the Princess of Bright Shiny Objects. So that is one of my stumbling blocks.

A bigger one, to me, is my inability to live in the moment. Too often I sit and worry about the future or dwell on how I could have done something differently in the past. In the meantime, perched somewhere between worry and regret, I forget to take joy in the here-and-now. This is not a new challenge for me – I am well aware of it, and many times I'm able to identify it before it gets in the way of appreciating where I am or who I'm with or what I'm doing.

I remember one day I had a meeting across the Bay Bridge. On the way, I was thinking about a presentation I had to give, looming deadlines and unfinished chores at home. On the way home, however, I was able to refocus and to take a moment to appreciate the beauty that surrounded me. I vividly remember seeing a gull, wings spread wide, riding the air currents. No flapping, just gliding. I had the windows down and suddenly I noticed the salty breeze. I started to sing along with a Jayhawks song on the radio, and just like that, I was in the moment and it was incredible.

Now, when I start to freak out about things I have to do, I try to think of that day and others like it when I was able to immerse myself in the moment. I won't lie, it continues to be a struggle, but I think I'm getting better at it.

All day yesterday, after I read your post, these thoughts were tumbling through my mind. Were this any other blog, that's probably where they would have stayed, half-formed. Because of you and the community that you've build around your blog, I felt like I could take the time to order my thoughts and share them, and as a result remind myself of my own stumbling blocks and what I need to do to avoid them. Thanks again!

That's something my Dad would have said! If it helps, take just a small step at first, find your footing and then take another. Sometimes I think if it isn't a giant leap, it isn't worthy. Not true. A thousand small steps will still take me where I want to go. SO glad you stopped by.

That's something my Dad would have said! If it helps, take just a small step at first, find your footing and then take another. Sometimes I think if it isn't a giant leap, it isn't worthy. Not true. A thousand small steps will still take me where I want to go. SO glad you stopped by.

Marion I LOVE your little story about odd socks. Because that is the place we all live – in the tiny details that can make us smile or break our hearts. When I get cuaght up in judging my life I like to remember something my friend Franco told me years ago – “It's all about the story we tell ourselves.” Meaning the facts can be spun into any version of a story we want to tell ourselves – and we get to decide what that story is going to be. You my friend weave a lovely tale of heroism and vulnerability with amazing candor. THAT is why I know you CAN do it – whatever it may be today.

Ed – I so fall into that trap myself – like if I keep analyzing long enough I will miraculously know the perfect steps to formulate the perfect outcome. What a myth! And you are right – take a few steps – and if you stumble, everyone here will help you back up and walk with you if you need us to.

Ed – I so fall into that trap myself – like if I keep analyzing long enough I will miraculously know the perfect steps to formulate the perfect outcome. What a myth! And you are right – take a few steps – and if you stumble, everyone here will help you back up and walk with you if you need us to.

I'm thinking we need tiaras so we can be official Princesses of Bright Shiny Objects! Seriously, Mickey – your beautiful description of your moment on the Bay Bridge captivated me and had me there, in the moments, watching the gull and smelling the salt air, right along with you. I think I'll tuck it away for those times when I need anchoring. too. And I am honored that you took the time to reflect on and then compose such a wonderful comment. I KNOW how busy you are!! Thank you my friend.

My hang up – analysis paralysis. I have a eighth degree black belt in over analyzing the steps to take in my adventure. And I know this is my issue and that I need to take some steps down the path. If I stumble, that is ok – get back up and try again. I am finally realizing everything can’t be or won’t be “just right” for me to move forward.

You my dear, are a journey, well worth taking with! I am honored to virtually *know you!*Your raw expressions carry your readers/audience with a built in safety net, enabling us to travel with your own insights and visions. Thank you!My addition: The only way to get hung up, is to get hung up…and it's ok, as long as it's with you! :~)

You my dear, are a journey, well worth taking with! I am honored to virtually *know you!*

Your raw expressions carry your readers/audience with a built in safety net, enabling us to travel with your own insights and visions. Thank you!

My addition: The only way to get hung up, is to get hung up…and it's ok, as long as it's with you! :~)

Today's post speaks to me so strongly and I love that word–fearless. This is a motto I'm trying to live by these days. Starting a business is stepping way out of my comfort zone, but my mission to provide for my special needs daughter is a great motivator. As I build my business, I find that because I'm learning as I grow, I get hung up on the fear of making a mistake or what a particular person might think. I think this is due to me over-thinking and over analyzing and thus delays me from taking the next step. I came across this quote — “Whatever you dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” – Goethe. WOW! … never looked at it this way, boldness as having power and magic. But it truly does feel like that when I actually take action and overcome my fear.

Today's post speaks to me so strongly and I love that word–fearless. This is a motto I'm trying to live by these days. Starting a business is stepping way out of my comfort zone, but my mission to provide for my special needs daughter is a great motivator. As I build my business, I find that because I'm learning as I grow, I get hung up on the fear of making a mistake or what a particular person might think. I think this is due to me over-thinking and over analyzing and thus delays me from taking the next step. I came across this quote — “Whatever you dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” – Goethe. WOW! … never looked at it this way, boldness as having power and magic. But it truly does feel like that when I actually take action and overcome my fear.

I'm so glad I discovered your blog. Refreshing. Besides, I like the word Maverick! Have you seen Riccardo Semler's book titled Maverick Management? A great find. Celebrates how to unlearn everything you've been taught. From one maverick to another….bravo!Carol…yes, I'm still living in a tent on the roof…. http://www.upontheroofwithcarol.org

I'm so glad I discovered your blog. Refreshing. Besides, I like the word Maverick! Have you seen Riccardo Semler's book titled Maverick Management? A great find. Celebrates how to unlearn everything you've been taught. From one maverick to another….bravo!
Carol
…yes, I'm still living in a tent on the roof…. http://www.upontheroofwithcarol.org

I can't really think of any hang ups that you didn't already mention. Lemme look again. Nope. I have all of those. The first reminds me of a quote from Thrasher (skateboarding) magazine which I rewrote and have had hanging over my desk for years: “You may find that because of one thing or another, you are limited to building a smaller ramp or quarterpipe than the monumentally tall and wide one you originally had your heart set on. Don't be discouraged. Use what you can and ride what you've got.”

I can't really think of any hang ups that you didn't already mention. Lemme look again. Nope. I have all of those. The first reminds me of a quote from Thrasher (skateboarding) magazine which I rewrote and have had hanging over my desk for years: “You may find that because of one thing or another, you are limited to building a smaller ramp or quarterpipe than the monumentally tall and wide one you originally had your heart set on. Don't be discouraged. Use what you can and ride what you've got.”

I can't really think of any hang ups that you didn't already mention. Lemme look again. Nope. I have all of those. The first reminds me of a quote from Thrasher (skateboarding) magazine which I rewrote and have had hanging over my desk for years: “You may find that because of one thing or another, you are limited to building a smaller ramp or quarterpipe than the monumentally tall and wide one you originally had your heart set on. Don't be discouraged. Use what you can and ride what you've got.”

I can't really think of any hang ups that you didn't already mention. Lemme look again. Nope. I have all of those. The first reminds me of a quote from Thrasher (skateboarding) magazine which I rewrote and have had hanging over my desk for years: “You may find that because of one thing or another, you are limited to building a smaller ramp or quarterpipe than the monumentally tall and wide one you originally had your heart set on. Don't be discouraged. Use what you can and ride what you've got.”

I can’t really think of any hang ups that you didn’t already mention. Lemme look again. Nope. I have all of those. The first reminds me of a quote from Thrasher (skateboarding) magazine which I rewrote and have had hanging over my desk for years: “You may find that because of one thing or another, you are limited to building a smaller ramp or quarterpipe than the monumentally tall and wide one you originally had your heart set on. Don’t be discouraged. Use what you can and ride what you’ve got.”

I can't really think of any hang ups that you didn't already mention. Lemme look again. Nope. I have all of those. The first reminds me of a quote from Thrasher (skateboarding) magazine which I rewrote and have had hanging over my desk for years: “You may find that because of one thing or another, you are limited to building a smaller ramp or quarterpipe than the monumentally tall and wide one you originally had your heart set on. Don't be discouraged. Use what you can and ride what you've got.”