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It’s not just the mistake… it’s the shame and embarrassment that goes with it.
My 7yr old son jumped out of the car and as he was crossing the parking lot, he realized he forgot his hat.
In baseball, that’s part of your uniform. You always play with a baseball hat.
Ok… it was just practice. But everyone else had their hat. You definitely stand out.
He refused to go any further without his hat.
He pleaded with me to go and get it… and mean mom refused.
He was upset. And worried about what his coaches would say. And what his teammates would think. He was so stuck on wanting his hat (which he didn’t have) that he was rooted to the spot. He wouldn’t move towards the field.
I told him he had two choices:
- Give up and do nothing. Stand here for 1.5hrs.
- Make the most of what you do have and go practice.
In the end… he had a great baseball practice and fun with his friends.
"Fear tricks us into living a boring life"
How often is it that because the situation isn’t the way you want it… you just stop? I’ve done this too many times.
This is the automatic “freeze” reaction our brain activates without our consent. Yes… it can keep you out of danger. And ridicule. And embarrassment.
But it also hides you. It prevents you from moving forward. It keeps you playing small.
The truth is, you don’t need perfect.
So how do you move forward, when “freeze” sets in?
>> Clarify Your Real Options <<
Too often you’re yearning for the one option you don’t have. My son could only think about having his hat. But that wasn’t going to happen that night.
It wasn’t until I told him the two options he did have… that he realized what his choices really were. And suddenly, the next step became clear.
Albeit… it didn’t make him feel much better. He was still upset and worried.
But the clarity of the choice helped him move forward anyway.
List the options.
Be honest.
Be clear.
Choose and move forward.
– Laura @ Mindtap
