Sometime ago, I had an interesting conversation with a lady. I had been assigned to mentor her through a project and our conversation was supposed to be centered on that project. However, it quickly turned into something else, something more interesting. As we discussed, I observed that there was a belief underlying some of her statements. The coach in me reared up and I took the opportunity to ask her some insightful questions. Soon enough, the truth came tumbling out:
She was in hiding.
Let me explain. A person is in hiding when they hide themselves and their potentials from the world. Too many of us have big plans and dreams, and as a matter of fact, we are the world’s best planners.
We know how to break things into steps and churn out ten-year, five-year and two-year goals. We know how to classify things into the immediate, short-term, medium-term and long-term. We’re the ones that carry journals or books around, getting new ideas every hour and writing them down. We’re idealistic and we’re always waiting for the right time. In fact, those who know us don’t think that we need any kind of help; we always appear to have it all together. However, we hold back from taking that little step that will launch us right into the world.
If this describes you, I’ll give you the truth: You are hiding.
You’re afraid of letting the world know just what you’ve got. In fact, you even think it’s an act of humility to occupy your small corner instead of reaching out for what could be greatness. You’re depriving yourself of fulfillment, and you’re depriving the world of their blessings, which you’re carrying.
I know because I was like that for a really long time.
I’ll tell you what I told that lady: Quit the five-year and one-year plans. That is your comfort zone, and it’s time for you to step out from there. Do something now. Yes, a few people will notice what you have done. Yes, a few people will like you and some more people may dislike you, so what? It’s way past time to start shining. There are too many people out there who need what you have got and you’re robbing them by hiding. Where you find a minor or major problem anywhere in the world, it just means that someone isn’t doing what they are supposed to be doing. And more often than not, the solution-bearer to that problem is in hiding.
What are you waiting for? You do not light a lamp and hide it under a bed, you bring it out to shine and give light to people. You are the light to someone’s darkness, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. The world is waiting for you. Allow your light to shine. Come out of your hiding. Take really small baby steps. Do something today.
What is the one thing you will do today as your small step?
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