Recently, I was offered an opportunity. It was an exciting opportunity, with the potential to become something quite amazing. However, as the offer was being made, I could feel the anxiety in my body. I felt it in my stomach and my breathing. And I noticed it in my thoughts.

I started to listen to what I was saying to myself: I don’t even know how to do that. I mean, I could do parts of it, but not all of it. I want to say yes but I am going to have to say no. I can’t do it.

As I listened to the voice of anxiety, I noticed another voice coming along behind it: Are you serious? This is one of those once in a lifetime moments! Say yes and work out the detail later! Don’t you dare say no! Say Yes!

Interestingly, once I let go of the idea that I couldn’t do it, I started to see what I could do, and I found myself accepting the opportunity and responding with a list of the value that I could bring.

This felt quite huge for me, probably because saying yes and figuring it out later is not what I would consider my normal behaviour. It was quite liberating to acknowledge that, instead of using my anxiety to shut down a possibility, I had used curiosity to create and accept a possibility. Amazing!

What seemed very helpful for me in this situation was the act of pausing, taking a breath, and listening to my thoughts. I noticed a few opinions popping up in my thoughts:

• I can’t do this
• This is an a fantastic opportunity
• I will have to say no

I didn’t judge myself for my opinions. I simply listened and noticed that they were there. As I acknowledged them, I felt able to understand the emotions attached to them. I also felt able to make a decision about which opinions I was going to give authority to. Then, I shifted my body, took a breathe, and said yes.

Now, I am excitedly trying to work out the detail.

Points to Ponder:

• Where would it help you to consider saying yes and sorting out the detail later?
• What would help you to do that?

My passion lies in coaching people to become the most resourceful version of themselves, and helping new and upcoming leaders who may be struggling with everyday life as a leader. I believe that the ability to be whatever we want to be lies within each of us, and sometimes it is useful to have help in finding what and where that is.

Curious? Book a quick, no-obligation call with me now and discover how we might work together

Photo by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay