Once upon a time I was about to launch my very first coaching program.
I spent months fine tuning the program, the offer, the emails, the Instagram posts, the sales page – so when I was finally ready to send it out into the world, I was pumped.
I knew I had something great, but I was also a little scared. I’d invested so much of myself, my time, and my energy into this project being successful – I was a little nervous to officially put it out there, and risk it not going as well as I’d hoped it would.
I was scared, but I had to put it out there anyway, and so I did…
I was so excited to take my work to the next level, and so ready to receive all of the people this beautiful offering resonated with.
There was just one problem… I heard crickets.
I was devastated.
Not only did I put myself out there only to have the world say, “meh, I’m good, thanks!” but my family, knowing how hard I’d worked and how important my work is to me, watched me fail.
I spent a few days feeling bummed out and licking my wounds, and then, something interesting happened…
I discovered one of the most powerful lessons I could have ever learned: Failing isn’t dying.
I didn’t die of humiliation, I didn’t die of disappointment – they hurt for a couple days, but I survived it.
I can’t explain it, but somehow witnessing my own ability to survive failure, gave me this profound boost of confidence.
I felt strong, invincible even.
I walked around almost as if this venture actually had actually been successful, because something inside of me just felt that way for having tried my best – no matter what the outcome was.
I may not have reached new heights in my career, but I reached new depths in my foundation of experience. My roots thickened and grew deeper into the ground.
I realized that when we open ourselves to taking risks, we simultaneously agree to be open to either growing up, or growing down.
I don’t know if we have much control in which way we’re going to grow – there’s plenty of Divine planning in play along with our own intentions...
We can put our best foot forward, and still not be aware of a need we have to grow in a different direction.
The point is – whatever you’re on the edge of right now; whatever new or difficult thing you’re considering, keep in mind that failing is not the worst thing that could happen.
It might hurt, but you’ll not only survive it, you’ll grow down; your roots will get stronger and deeper, your foundation will be sturdier and more resilient.
And as you look in the mirror to wipe the egg off your face, you might discover a deeper love for that person looking back at you who was brave enough to try, and strong enough to survive. That’s pretty badass. 😊
May you have plenty of opportunities for growing up and down this week – and may you be open to both.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
With love and gratitude,
Robin