1 mindset roadblock that could be causing you to not pursue new things

In this week’s issue, I’ll break down a mindset roadblock I have had to deal with as I pursued my career goals and the unlock I now use as I face future opportunities.

In a world of increasing publicity with social media and higher expectations, we place on ourselves, I’ll share the mindset shift I made which, in addition to hard work and supportive mentors and sponsors has given me more confidence to move forward.

By focusing on unlocking this mindset, you’ll give yourself the space and grace to try and excel at new things that will more often than not create a positive trajectory for you professionally and personally.

The challenge is some of us remain focused on the roadblock so we do not permit ourselves to attempt new things often enough.

Borrowing from Brene Brown, the story we sometimes tell ourselves and is a major mindset roadblock when faced with opportunity is:

"I’m not sure I can do [fill in the blank].”

That roadblock needs to be addressed with a major unlock which is:

“You’ve earned the right to fail”

I learned this mindset unlock for the first time when I was working on a promotion to my first executive role as a director.

I was talking with my twin and sharing my fear of the increased expectations with this new responsibility. He listened and encouraged me to pursue it by responding,

“Nengi, you’ve earned the right to fail".

I have adopted that mindset ever since and that’s made all the difference.

Here are 3 reasons it will work for you as well.

Reason 1: You have an actual track record of accomplishments.

If you’re reading this, you likely have more wins than losses in your life already

Take a minute to reflect on your journey to your current state. Chances are:

• You have overcome several obstacles to get to where you are.

• You have helped your colleagues be better in some way.

• You have made positive changes in your previous roles.

• You have relevant accomplishments.

• You’ve done stuff!!!

Thus, as you contemplate new things, know that your actual demonstrated experience proves you are more likely than not to succeed in the next opportunity.

Reason 2: Most times, They do not know what you do not know.

Sometimes, we worry that as we face new opportunities to train a team, launch an initiative, take on a new role, and so forth, we will not know enough to succeed even after we have prepared for it.

I have had the same fears and here’s what I’ve found.

• The reality is more likely that what you know is enough and here’s a secret.

  • “You’re probably overestimating the importance of what you don’t know and undervaluing the importance of what you do know and have prepared for”

• You will pick up what you need to know as you take on the opportunity you’re concerned about.

Embracing that reality should give you the grace to try something new.

Reason 3: Even when it does not work out, you’ll still learn.

Hall of Fame baseball players have less than a 40% batting average. If we use that as a proxy, here are some lessons I take from them:

• You have to get in the arena to give yourself a chance.

• You will miss sometimes and you will make it sometimes.

• You have to be willing to learn from the miss to try again.

• You have to be willing to miss in order to be in a position to make it.

It’s been said, “There’s no failure only feedback”. In the worst case, as you try new things, you will learn by doing, adjusting, and trying again.

Thanks for reading. Have a great week!

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