The Truth Is Out!
When I was in my early twenties, I was as reluctant as many people are today. Likely more. I didn’t like looking foolish. I didn’t like feeling awkward. I didn’t like rejection. I didn’t like not measuring up. I didn’t like being judged.
I was full of what I now call misguided defensiveness.
Looking back, I was also emotionally immature and, let’s just say, professionally unfocused. Majorly professionally unfocused.
Then something happened that changed my life. I went to work for a boss who was intense. People used many more colorful adjectives, but intense works.
Okay… quite intense.
His message to all of us – though it often felt like he was talking directly to me – was always the same:
“Take the initiative.”
Take the initiative.
Take the initiative.
Take the initiative.
What he meant was simple.
Pick up the phone.
Call someone.
Start the conversation.
Ask for the business.
Make something happen.
If you’ve ever done that for a living, you know what comes with it.
Rejection.
Lots of rejection.
Some derision, but mostly rejection.
Until, eventually, you become good enough that rejection doesn’t bother you nearly as much.
More importantly, as you get better, you don’t get rejected nearly as much.
At first, I hated it. But there was another force working inside me that I have to admit was even stronger.
I hate being told what to do.
Still do.
Major flaw, I know… but I can’t risk becoming perfect.
Eventually I realized something. If I took the initiative on my own, he stopped reminding me to take the initiative.
So I did.
Not because I suddenly loved rejection.
Not because I suddenly became fearless.
I simply disliked being bossed around even more.
In a strange way, that’s exactly how I became less reluctant.
I blasted through much of my hesitation simply because I valued – needed – my independence.
Today I joke that I was a lot like Kayak Jack before I ever created him.
He doesn’t wait for permission.
He gets moving.
Looking back, I see that my motivation may have been unusual, but the lesson is universal.
There is always a reason to become less reluctant.
Throughout this UnReluctant Day, I’ve shared ideas, principles, and practical techniques that have helped many people overcome hesitation in their own lives.
Your motivation may be completely different from mine.
That’s okay.
The important thing is finding the reason that matters to you.
Because there is always a way to become less reluctant.
And it’s worth doing.
The less reluctant we become in the things that truly matter, the fuller, more enjoyable, more adventurous, and more meaningful our lives become.
Congratulations on taking part in UnReluctant Day.
You’re already moving in the right direction.
Aspire.
Be less reluctant.
Come Upward with Us™.
