You get offered an opportunity and at first you become excited. You dare to dream about the possibilities and may even be a little flattered. Within a few minutes your little Gremlins start doing the thinking.
- I don't have time
- I am not ready
- What will people say?
- What if I fail?
- There is probably a catch
and before you know it your so called rational brain talks you out of it. Except it is not your rational brain doing the talking, it's your amygdala - your monkey brain. Your rational would help you see that the fears are all in your head and that you have everything you need to succeed. Your logical brain would assess the real risks and benefits and your strategic brain will help you make a plan. Your monkey brain wants to keep you small, safe and to survive. Few opportunities carry real danger.
And believe me the opportunities that you take when you are scared - the ones where you overcome the self-doubt and succeed - well they are the ones that you will be most proud of.
New opportunities create more opportunities. They open new doors. They introduce you to new people. They are the steps that take you forward rather than keeping you stuck.
If you want something, you have to start saying yes to opportunities.