I can still remember that day in 3rd grade years ago when we were given the assignment to fill out a survey in regards to career interests.
There were many categories and options and of course, this was exploratory, not graded so there was no fear of right or wrong selections.
As our teacher Mrs. Williams read off the results, she did so by categorizing into boys vs. girls.
While most of the results were fairly typical of what you’d expect from a late 80’s class of students, the one that is forever etched in my brain is the one I didn’t want to admit.
For some reason, 3rd grade boys at that time thought it awkward to want to be a teacher.
When she read that all of the girls could see themselves being teachers and only 1 boy, I froze!
The entire class, especially the guys started laughing and looking around to see if they could figure out who it was.
Based on their reaction, I was terrified I was going to be labeled with this stigma.
I know, my 9-year-old self had it super rough back then.
As heads were spinning, eyes were darting, and minds were racing to determine the culprit, someone mentioned it could be this kid named Jason.
There was my out.
I jumped on that bandwagon so quickly and never looked back.
He vehemently denied it was him, but unfortunately, the class didn’t buy it and he was my scapegoat.
I was ashamed to admit that I had thought it plausible I could see myself one day as a teacher.
Not only that, but I let Jason take the fall for me.
After that day, I never remember a single person teasing or poking fun at Jason due to this survey but I’ll never forget the fear I felt when that truth was out there.
Fast forward a few decades and I’m not afraid to admit that I teach.
However, there are still things I’m afraid to undertake or plunge into because I see the world reacting the same as my entire class of 3rd graders.
Fear is a powerful thing when it comes to certain admissions.
It will paralyze us into inaction for years because of similar encounters we have had in the past.
Fear is not always a liar either, sometimes it tells the truth.
Fear will tell you that you’ll possibly fail.
Failure will and does happen, but it’s also necessary for almost every growth situation.
Author Samuel Smiles in his book Self-Help, writes, “Probably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery.”
Failure and defeat can be the most powerful catalysts of change – provided that arrogance and pride can be put aside.
Failure and defeat can be the most powerful catalysts of change – provided that arrogance and pride can be put aside. Click To Tweet
If we can learn to lean in when we are fearful, then we’ll be amazed at what we can accomplish.
It’s understandable that we all have dreams we want to see fulfilled, so pick up the instrument you use to be creative and start making a difference.
Don’t let the fear of failure stop you, but let your fear fuel you forward.
Thomas Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve found 1,000 ways that won’t work.”
Some people may look at your mistakes and call them failure, but you can call it progress.
When you begin to move, let the momentum build, and use what used to paralyze you for success.
If you want to be a teacher, go be a teacher.
Whatever your dream is, when you’re giving back, that’s when you’re fulfilling your purpose.
Leave the ‘what if’ behind today, don’t wait, start now.
What are you afraid of? Can you turn that into fuel to move you forward? Comment below and help someone out today!
