One of the hardest things we will ever come to grips with is our own innate greatness. What we see when we look in the mirror often seems so average, so normal—because for us, it is. It is hard for us to see something special. I'll use myself as an example. When people compliment me on my artistic abilities it is sometimes hard to bear. Because to me it is not all that special, it is just what I do. It's a part of me. Like my ears or my toes or like breathing.
But here's the thing. It is special. What I can do with a pencil or pen or a computer mouse is pretty freaking great. And that is not out of arrogance. That is out of confidence. I've invested probably over 20,000 hours in my lifetime getting really good at art and design. I've given it my heart and my time, and more than a few times even my sweat and tears.
But I have other interests as well that I now want to explore. Areas where I am not so practiced, where I'm not so confident. I'm even a little afraid of them. But I not going to let fear stop me. These things are important to me. I feel strongly about them. And I am not getting any younger either. I can't afford to wait around for other people to give me permission or tell me I am good enough. I can't sit around and hope for the best, that it will all just "turn out."
Today, I am choosing to bet on myself. To roll the dice and see what happens.
It's going to be a wild ride, but I can't wait to see where it leads.
What are you going to do?
