What if I tried?

How the hump stops me from being my best self

What if I stopped fearing failure and put myself out there?

I don’t need research or data to tell me that the more high-quality effort I put into my life, the better it is. I just know that one for a fact.

I’ve been a fan of Brené Brown since I first read any of her work. I was mesmerized and entranced by the idea of being yourself, being vulnerable, and courageously stepping out to be your authentic self.

I’m realizing now that it’s time to put that all into practice.

Every time I write a kind and encouraging note to someone, our relationship strengthens, and I find that positive energy circling back around to me. Every time I go all in and love people well, I see the fruit and feel the joy that comes from that effort.

When I started running last year, I became a better runner. When I actually edit my writing, curate my best ideas, and do my research, I become a better writer. When I dig in and practice my Spanish skills, I get closer to fluency and becoming truly conversational.

Isn’t this obvious, though? I know that this is how things work — but somehow I still manage not to push myself. Why?

Because of the hump.