How do you play? BIG or small? Either way, it is a choice. Let’s look at why people do what they do…
First, let’s look at why people play small. They are afraid of playing BIG. Scared of failure, rejection, too much work, too much commitment, not enough time for tv. Maybe even scared of Success. What a lot of responsibility Success is! Another reason people may choose to play small is because they may feel small or unworthy. They don’t feel like they’re good enough or important enough to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Time to get over yourself and realize that your life is not just about you! It’s about contributing to others and participating as an active member in this thing called LIFE! If you’re not participating to your full potential, chances are you are feeling like something is missing.
Here’s a quote from Buckminster Fuller: “The purpose of our lives is to add value to the people of this generation and those that follow.” Everyone has their piece of the puzzle to contribute.
So- to answer the second question- why do people play BIG? Because they want to enjoy and utilize their lives to the utmost! It doesn’t mean they don’t feel the fear, too. It just means they don’t give IN to the fear! Move forward, despite fear or “not feeling like it.” The payoff is seeing your contribution affect others in a positive way. There is no feeling quite like it.
I heard this quote on an old ER episode the other day (I know it’s not originally from ER, but thought it was funny that that is the way it came to me). It was Benton’s Mom telling him “Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with that talent is your gift back to God.” If you’re thinking “I don’t believe in God”- you’re missing the point. Whatever you believe in- higher power, universe, whatever- that’s what we’re talking about. And you will feel it when you give your gift. You will feel exhilarated and alive. You will have more energy and feel younger. Oh yes, you will!
So what’s your thing? Find it, and give it!
Here’s another quote (and please insert the words that work for you instead of God if you feel the need)
Marianne Williamson from “A Return to Love”
“Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
And I will end with a quote from T. Harv Eker- “In the end, small thinking and small actions lead to being both broke and unfulfilled. Big thinking ang big actions lead to having both money and meaning. The choice is yours!”
And so it is. So for today, what do you choose?
Your Wellness Coach,
Miranda Zukowski