Have you ever avoided something because it was going to be hard? Have you ever had a hard time making a decision because you were waiting for the perfect conditions? Have you ever put something off, even though you know it was the right thing, because it would require change?
Unfortunately, looking back at my life, I can say yes to all of those at one point or another. In fact, some of the biggest regrets in my life are around things I chose not to do, opportunities that I avoided, or decisions that I contemplated too long.
My problem was my fear was greater than my faith at those points. My fear of failure, my fear of being uncomfortable, and my fear of change were all key factors. When faced with uncertainty, it really comes down to two things: fear and faith.
Fear is rooted in negative thinking that allows us only to see a bad outcome. Failure, rejection, injury, and bad news/results are the focus of our thoughts.
Faith has a foundation that tells us regardless of the outcome, we will be better for the experience. Faith doesn’t focus on how difficult, hard, or uncomfortable something may be, but rather reminds us that all things work together for good for those that love God and are called according to His purpose.
Faith propels us to do extraordinary things. Fear, in the best case, limits us to the ordinary experiences of life.
Here is a question that I learned several years ago that has helped me navigate uncertainty and difficult decisions:
Based on my current circumstances and future dreams, what is the wise thing to do?
Rather than be consumed by fear of hard things or uncertainty, simply ask that question.
An honest view of current circumstances places focus on life right now. It’s reality. Here’s where I am, here’s the resources I have, and here’s the demands on me today.
The focus on future dreams brings to light purpose, the direction that I sincerely want to go in my life, and the values that are most important to me.
Therefore, when faced with a big decision, I am not focused on how hard it may be, or how uncomfortable I may be, or any other factors that often leave us waiting for the perfect time. The perfect time may never come.
Today may not be the right time based on your answer to the question, but it’s not because of perfection. Rather, it’s just not the wise thing based on current circumstances and future dreams. As your circumstances change or your dreams are altered over time, the answer may change.
Far too many of us are stuck. We are just in a holding pattern due to uncertainty. We need to make a decision, have that difficult conversation, start that new habit, drop that old habit, or embrace that new opportunity, but we are afraid.
Far too many of us accept a predictable bad over a possible good because that change just might be worse. We fear what we don’t know. Therefore, we accept safe lives rather than joy filled lives. We avoid pain, loss, and hard things rather than pursue an abundant life full of joy.
It comes down to fear or faith. No more regrets. Don’t fear hard, embrace it!
In light of your present circumstances and future dreams, what’s the wise thing for you to act on today?
Doug provides professional speaking and coaching services to organizations and individuals. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build a team culture, feel free to reach out to Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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