If you can turn back the clock for a few years, or even a decade, would you choose the same path which has brought you to where you are today? Given the same background, same circumstances, opportunities and challenges you’ve had, would you still choose the same person, same degree, same career, same lifestyle?
We don’t usually want to think backward because it’d feel like we have a lot of regrets. It’s not possible to go back anyway. But somehow we tend to drift to the past. We either embrace the glorious days at the mountain top, or shoot ourselves for some bad decisions we made or were made by others.
When you hear the phrase, “it’s never too late” or “we all have second chances”, do you really believe you have what it takes to tackle the battles in front of us each day? The high demands from work, the complicated dynamics in relationships, the loads of responsibilities around the house, those hard-to-fulfill expectations from our spouse, our boss, our kids, parents, friends, siblings, and on and on and on.
What if each of our challenges is actually just a learning curve? Some are longer, some are short. Some are steep & strenuous, and some are easier to climb. May it be balancing between a highly demanding job and your other important roles, may it be learning to cook three healthy meals each day for a family of four, may it be finally picking up the conversation with someone so we don’t keep rehearsing in our head what may happen…
Can we not be so harsh to ourselves but accept the fact that it’s perfectly ok not being perfect? We’ve all been perceived as an “expert” in certain areas we’ve worked hard for and now feel very comfortable with. However is it worth hiding behind our one or two strengths but secretly hoping that our “other areas” can better? What will I really lose if I admit that I’m actually a rookie here or there?
Regardless of who we are, where we came from, how much we’ve accomplished, or lack thereof, we can all experience a much deeper fulfillment that is unique to each of us. I encourage you to pick 1-2 questions below and think about it over the next few days. You may be surprised to see your progress much sooner than expected. That’s often my own experience.
- What areas in your life do you feel most reluctant to let others know that you’re actually still a rookie?
- What will it take for you to start off that learning curve?
- What kind of support do you hope to receive along the way?
You are welcome to share your thoughts in the comment section below. Until next time, enjoy your course and Thrive on the learning curve!