{flickr by: KOREphotos}
There is so much I want to say about the talk I went to last night with author Gregg Levoy. But before I get into that, I wanted to share something else with you.
Part of the 2 hours and 30 min of the talk on callings was an audience participation activity.
We got into groups of 8 and chose a focal person-someone who had a problem and needed help getting answers.
Each member of the group had the task of listening and then asking questions. But there was a catch. No devil advocate questions. No advice giving. Purely curious questions without an intention to move or change the person’s mind.
Would you have a hard time doing that?
How Fear Can Prevent You From Moving Forward
Okay back to the story. One of the things I noticed was that our focal person was beyond anything else, scared to move forward. If she took a step in any one direction, she would be potentially closing the door to another one. Not knowing the result of her choices paralyzed her. Believing that she was not reaching the expectations she had for herself at her age paralyzed her.
Sadly, it is not one’s talents or lack of talents and opportunities that most often prevents someone from following their dreams.
It is the belief that they can’t.
Part of the process of moving forward is bringing into conscious the fears and negativity that’s filling our thoughts. Those thoughts drive our actions and inactions. But it is possible to get through them. Sometimes we just need others to point it out to us.
Have a Question on How You Should Pursue Your Calling?
I thought we could bring this same activity to our group here and/or on Facebook. This would be great for those who have a question about following their dreams. Questions like should I take this opportunity? Should I quit my job and start working on being self-employed? It will take a brave soul, but if people are willing to be courageous and compassionate, it could be fun and helpful too. Let me know what you think. Comment below if you are interested in either giving questions or being our focal person with a question.
It helped the focal person in our group realized her negative thinking and fear was holding her back from her dreams.
This activity might help uncover your own obstacles too.
Good luck fellow dreamers!
xoxo,
Brandi
9 responses to “Fear is a Common Denominator in Following Your Calling”
I totally think the group activity would be a great idea and I’d totally would like to participate.
It’s true, fear is definitely my biggest enemy.
That’s awesome Amber! You say fear is your biggest enemy, but you already overcame a big obstacle by being a participant. Let’s see if we can more people involved. Excited to have you part of the group! Would you want to do it here or on Facebook?
Well, I didn’t know Facebook was a possibility! I don’t mind either way, just point me in the right direction.
Hi Amber,
Here is a link to my Facebook page. I think we’ll do one here first and then I was thinking of doing one on Facebook too.
[…] you want to participate in our Callings group, comment below if you would like to participate as the focal person or a group […]
So glad I found your site today! I really resonated with the 2nd part of this post. I used to really be paralyzed like the woman in your story….fearful of making a decision because of what I would be closing the door on.
Recently, I learned to look at decisions as two paths, both with magical outcomes. It’s like a “choose your own adventure” story. That small adjustment changed everything for me.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for coming over from Cathy’s awesome site!
You know what’s funny? I was thinking of that book-the one where you have to choose your path. Those were my favorite as a kid because I could always change my mind. In real life, we rarely have that opportunity. Fear is a common and understandable response. I love how you are using those books to retell your life. It’s a good tip! One I might have to try.
Hi, I am very happy to have found your group. After searching and searching,….you may just be someone that could help.
I recently sold my home and my home business to pursue a life in Peru. Before I left I felt quite motivated, optimistic and of course a bit fearful. Once I got here my business partner turned out to be a scam artist. Fortunately for me I have family living here and my little nest egg that I brought from selling my home and business back in Canada.
Since I got here and faced my reality, I’ve been overwhelmed with a feeling of lack of motivation, depression, lethargy. I don’t want to do anything, everything is a chore. Even getting up to shower and get ready for the day. I’m afraid to leave my apartment. I don’t answer calls from friends or family. I feel completely defeated, scared, uninspired. I have even had suicidal thoughts. I would never take my life though. I have a beautiful 23 year old son, I could never leave him like that. Regardless the thoughts of hopeless and doom are constantly there.
I’ve made the choice to return home to Canada. With my tail between my legs sort to say. I don’t know what I will do for work, even though I recognize I have many options. I’m terrified of making any choice seeing as my last one has been less than desirable. Also, I can’t shake the feeling of gloom and doom that follows my every thought, to the point of being paralyzed.
How can I shake this feeling? How do I keep myself motivated, when all I wanna do is be alone in my room.?
I have recently yesterday, stated on antidepressants. I have not feeling in control of my life and feelings. How can I get rid of this horrible fatigue I feel with the thought of doing anything. Right now my only thought is to finish this so I can lay down to bed. I haven’t been sleeping and the doctor has given me something to help me sleep. Last night was my first solid nights rest. As you can see my thoughts are all over the place and I have a hard time concentrating on any task. I know the antidepressants will help, but I wanna do my part and I don’t want to be on them forever.
Is there help for me?
Hi Desiree. I’m glad you found the blog too. I really think you need to contact your doctor and a therapist to help you with the antidepressants. It sounds like you’re suffering from depression and since I am not a psychologist or doctor I can’t really give you any advice other than to please seek help from a professional. You sound like a wonderful person who has run into a difficult unfortunate situation. I’m really sorry to hear about what you’re going through. But I hope you will read this and get the help you need. Sending positive thoughts to you.