What is the most embarrassing thing about this ambition?
Let's unpack it.
Have you ever felt that twinge of discomfort when you're about to embark on something new? It's that feeling of potential embarrassment that often accompanies our ambitions.
Starting a new journey, whether a project or a career shift, often brings a rush of excitement tempered with a dose of dread. It's the discomfort of stepping out of our comfort zones and into the spotlight of potential scrutiny. I frequently think about the dread and try to make sense of it. Is it because this is too good to be true, or because I am unsure if I can actually do it? Is it just overwhelming? The answer can differ depending on the situation. To let my brain process that dread, I ask myself, "What's the most embarrassing thing about this ambition?"
My discomfort is a blend of overwhelm and embarrassment: a fear of failure, not meeting expectations, and facing criticism or judgment.
But here's the paradox: while this question can evoke unease, it also activates introspection. It helps peel back the layers of fear and self-doubt to find deeper insights about myself and my potential.
One of the first revelations is the realization that much of what I perceive as embarrassing is rooted in fear of being noticed, judged, or falling short. It's a fear that magnifies the potential consequences of failure, making them seem more extensive and more daunting than they genuinely are.
But here's the truth I've come to embrace: the fear of embarrassment is often disproportionate to reality. And more often than not, the imagined scenario of embarrassment is far more daunting in our minds than it would ever be.
What is the most attractive thing about this ambition?
My next step is reframing my perspective by asking a counter-question: What is the most attractive thing about this ambition? Imagining how good the final result could look helps me cope with being overwhelmed and embarrassed of potential failure.
Focus on making it happen rather than grieving the potential failure.
Why am I the perfect person to do this?
Many of us didn't grow up in environments where you could cultivate the right and healthy level of confidence to ask this question to yourself and honestly know the answer. However, try to imagine why you have got to do this new project or start this new role. Why are you the perfect person? Jot down the ideas: perhaps you have the right experience or personality to rise for the task. Whatever it is, find it out and let that help you guide yourself in moments when overwhelmed takes over.
So, the next time you find yourself hesitating, grappling with feelings of overwhelm and embarrassment, remember this: the path can't be linear; no matter how good we are, we will experience both wins and failures. Step boldly into possibility. It is always worth trying, even if we fail sometimes.