Where We Hide and Our Excuse
Here’s a list of common hiding places and the stories we tell ourselves that keep us coming back to them.
- Meetings that don’t have conflict = Now we’re all up to speed
- Cc’ing = Someone else should do it
- Inbox zero = I did something
- Comments sections = I said something
- Another on-line course = I invested in myself
- Attending webinars = I learned something
- Facebook = I connected with someone
- Slack = We got clarity on something
- Amazon one-click purchases = I needed that, fast.
- Twitter = I’m learning
- Scrolling through anything on your phone = More information please
- News sites = I should be informed
- Podcasts = I’m learning, again
- Editing (words, audio, video, images) = It has to be just right
- Late night television = I’m relaxing
- YouTube = I’m wandering
- Notifications = This might be important
- Books you shouldn’t finish = I’m not quitter
I’m Not Yelling At You
I’m not yelling at you. I hide too. It’s easier to hide, but we both know it’s not going to help us get what we want or need.
The voice that tells you to hide doesn’t talk about the regret you’ll feel. When you hide, you lose your power, your voice, and your influence.
It’s Not All About Work
Hiding isn’t just about getting more work done. Watching late night television or the news is hiding from having meaningful time with your spouse while your kids are in bed.
Buying something on Amazon is hiding that you already have the tools you need to succeed, you’re just not using them.
Our Great Time
You can keep hiding but you can’t complain when you don’t get what you want. We live in the greatest time in history. If you are reading this you have more opportunities and tools at your disposal than any other generation in history. Your story is wrong. You think it’s scary out there. It’s not scary out there, it’s only scary in your head. Your fear is within you, not from an enemy outside of you.
The Results
When you stop hiding, you can do great work. You can lead people well. You can build a healthy company. You can write a meaningful book. You can innovate. You can create things that will last longer than you do.
A Word About Rest
You may do some of the things on that list to rest. Here’s the difference between rest and hiding; Rest rejuvenates us so we can be brave. Hiding makes us feel and act small.big difference.
Rest = become great
Hiding = stay small
