Fall Back to Spring Forth

"Fear of failure is far worse of a condition, than failure itself" (Michael D. Eisner)

Quick! What's the last thing you did that failed? How did you know it was failure? Is your measurement your own, someone else's, or did it come from the Creator of the plan? And who's creating your plan anyway?

F-A-L-L-I-N-G has gotten a bad rap. It's like broccoli or the end of summer: hated for its sensation but underestimated for its value. We may not like it, but the fact is we need it. We really do need to fall, in order to fully appreciate standing steadily.

It's too bad though. Sometimes what we imagine something could be, speaks louder than what actually is. And as a result, we hesitate or resist moving forward. Haven't you experienced the possibility of something falling apart? Sounds like:

• What if they don't get me? (Moses, Exodus 3 & 4)

• Did I think I could be that, and still become this? (King David, 2 Samuel 12)

• This is too big for me, and I've got nothing left to give to it. (King Elijah, 1 Kings 17)

Let's pull a chair to the table for our friend Fear, but let's also remind her that's she a guest and not the host of the party. She may pass the pepper, but we will choose to use it, or not. Fear can keep us grounded or it can ground us. Fear can keep us humble or keep us condemned. Either way, it's our choice. She's seasonal and doesn't last; she serves a purpose, but only has a moment to do what she will do.

So the next time you're feeling afraid to fail, in THAT moment, fall back and remember: Fear is formative, not fatal.