Stop Waiting For Permission

In school we were taught to raise our hand in class and even ask for permission to go to the bathroom. Our intelligence was based off how well we could memorize facts and take tests.  Also, don’t forget the subjective papers that we scrutinized over being perfect.

Growing up I was the quiet one in school.  I barely raised my hand for fear that I would have the wrong answer or say something that would make me look stupid.  I learned to stay quiet and even today I find myself shying away from speaking up.  I’m working on that through this blog and social media.

My example is proof that these habits are carried into our adult life.  We have these stories in our minds that we have to have all the answers or we will fail.  We are waiting for everything to be “perfect” before we can proceed.  Constantly on the lookout for confirmation that we are on the right track.  All the while desiring a pat on the back that things look good so far and it’s okay to move forward.  Continually searching for guidance so we won’t make a mistake.

We remain stuck in this mentality that we need permission before we can proceed.  However, as adults, no one will give us the permission we are looking for.

The truth is, you are in control of your life.  No one else can make the decisions and take the action but you.

It’s important to look within ourselves instead of waiting for external validation.  Deep down we know what needs to be done.  We don’t need someone else’s approval to do so.

Life is an experiment. It’s about trying new things and learning lessons from our missteps.  This allows us to grow and evolve as humans.

What holds us back is fear. We are concerned with what people will think or if this is the “right” way to do something.  This leaves us paralyzed by fear that it’s not perfect just yet.  Therefore, we stay stuck waiting for a large neon sign to appear giving us the confirmation that says we are on the correct path.

Remaining frozen in fear holds us back from putting ourselves out there.  We live in our small comfort zone afraid to step outside to be seen and heard.  Successful people embrace the fear and do it anyway.  It’s all about trusting and believing in ourselves enough to stand up for what we believe in.  Only then does it become possible for us to change lives.

Your message and voice are important.  There are people out there waiting to hear what you have to say.

What makes you unique is the way you say it and how you present it to the world.  Just because someone else may be speaking the same message doesn’t mean that you should remain silent.  We would be missing out if Beyonce decided there were already too many singers or if your favorite Mexican restaurant never opened because there was already one in town.

Stop playing small, living in fear, and waiting for permission.  Take action today!

The best time to start is now!  You are here for a reason.  We are given only one life.  You don’t know how long you have on this planet.  It’s up to us to make the most of the time we have been given.