Don't Stop Yourself Before You Start

 Don't Stop Yourself Before You Start



How many times have you talked yourself out of doing something?


Or given up before you even started?


I know I certainly have. Countless times.


In fact, it was a fairly regular occurrence for me. Until I had an epiphany.


I was telling myself “No” before even starting. How dare I limit myself like that?


Imagine standing in front of a mirror and telling yourself, “No, don't bother even attempting that. You're not good enough. You won't succeed, so don't try.” 


It's absolutely horrible isn't it?


When I thought of saying those words out loud to myself, it made me sad. It felt cruel. But, isn't that exactly what you're doing every time you stop yourself from trying something you want to do? When you won’t even let yourself explore the possibility, dip your toe into the waters.

What's the difference between the action of stopping yourself short, and saying the words out loud to yourself?  The result is the same.


I would never have started writing if I allowed myself to be self-limited. 


It's scary, and I don't feel like I'm nearly as good as many of the authors out here. I'm certainly less experienced. 


I could pile up any number of reasons that I shouldn't start, shouldn't even bother trying. But, there's one very important reason for me to try: I want to. I like it. 


I like writing, and I'm not terrible at it. Even if I was, it wouldn't do me any harm to do it. We should never let a lack of skill hold us back from trying something we want to do (unless you want to try juggling chainsaws or something).


I’m a relatively unsuccessful gardener, but I love it. I look forward to it every year. Sure, gardener friends might be stopping by with an entire crate of their extra tomatoes they couldn’t possibly use, but when I get those few tomatoes on their scraggly vine in my own garden, I feel immense satisfaction. 

Some things are worth doing regardless of the outcome.


Next time you find yourself finding excuses why you can’t start something you really want to do, remember that it’s not your job to tell yourself no.


Whether you’re picking up a new hobby, starting a new career, asking somebody out, planning a big adventure- put yourself out there and take a chance.


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