Take the Wheel
Reasons may be valid. But they don’t have to be an excuse for why we don’t have the results we want.
Of course there are always reasons why things are the way they are, but it’s actually not the reasons that matter alone. It’s our response to them. Only once we take the wheel back from circumstances driving us can we steer towards our real goals.
Correct me if I’m wrong here, but it’s easy to find ourselves running from the very things that demand our courage and commitment. Preoccupying ourselves with busy work, protecting ourselves with checklists, and making sure we’re doing it the “right way” while ignoring what actually might make a difference. Both for ourselves and our organizations. After all, if you did it by the book – nobody can fault you. While it’s a safe path, it’s only going to get you stuck and likely hiding from your real potential. It’s within confronting the real challenges – usually the worry, doubt or discomfort inside of us – that we can transform problems into potential.
Taking the wheel – i.e. true autonomy – is the freedom to make our own choices independent of circumstances. It's a powerful, albeit daunting, aspect of life. The fear of making the wrong choice, or the sheer weight of responsibility that comes with claiming your autonomy can be overwhelming. And therefore, leads us to run, hiding behind excuses, procrastination, or even the successes of others, to avoid facing our own path.
The payoffs for running and hiding are deceptively comforting. They shield us from immediate discomfort, criticism, or the possibility of failure. However, these short-term comforts come at a significant cost. They stifle our growth, limit our potential, and, most importantly, erode our sense of self and our ability to steer our lives in the direction we truly desire.
I think in order to take the wheel, we need to recognize our own limitations and the value of others' perspectives. It allows us to see ourselves as works in progress and to accept that growth involves learning from mistakes and being open to new experiences, even when they challenge us. We can then ask for help, acknowledge that we don't have all the answers and genuinely confront what we are running from, understand the roots of our fears, and begin to address them.
Taking the wheel of our results requires us to stop running and face the part of ourselves that’s in the way. It means making peace with the uncertainty of the open road ahead and trusting ourselves to navigate it.
Here are actionable steps to help you take the wheel…
Reflect on Your Fears: Identify what you're running from and why. Understanding these fears is the first step towards confronting them.
Seek Feedback: Open yourself up to feedback from those you trust. This can provide valuable insights into your blind spots and areas for growth.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend. Acknowledge your efforts, even when they don't lead to immediate success.
Celebrate Progress: Recognize and celebrate each step forward, no matter how small. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
When we take the wheel and stand up against circumstances, reasons and excuses, it allows us to face our fears, learn from our experiences, and grow in meaningful ways. As hard as it may be, we actually open ourselves up to the richness and potential around us. You won’t find the results you’re looking for if you’re not in the driver’s seat.
Take the wheel and steer your own course forward.