The choice that has lasting consequences

The choice that has lasting consequences

Recently I was given an opportunity to apply to speak on an online radio program about anxiety after weight loss surgery. My first thought was to turn it down because even though I know a lot about this subject I know there are others who know a lot more. So the inner dialogue began like this.

Wow wouldn’t that be fun, I should apply — I would be great!

Yes, but are you really an “expert”?

Some would say so and maybe I am exactly what they are looking for.

Yes but there are others who know a lot more.

There are always others that know more no matter how much you know.

You probably won’t get it.

I am sure I won’t if I don’t apply.

This argument went on for a while with the negative side starting to win, but then I remembered my friend Lisa, who is president of a vitamin company. Before I met her she was a sales rep working for a company that sold raw materials to vitamin companies. One day she heard that there was an opening for a vice president position at one of the companies she sold ingredients to. The idea intrigued her but even though she had an MBA she hadn’t used it in a management position before and didn’t feel completely qualified for the position. But she applied anyway. The owner liked her and gave her the job; later she became president and was able to help the company become profitable again.

Looking back even I questioned her qualifications and asked her once why she applied. She said that she didn’t want to create the habit of passing on an opportunity because she didn’t think she was qualified. “Once you start going down the road of disqualifying yourself for things before you even apply, it’s hard to go back. I know I can do anything. I’ll let them decide if they agree.”

Life interferes with our dreams and passions enough without us shooting ourselves down before we even get started. If something appeals to you and sounds interesting, go for it; don’t pass it up just because you aren’t sure you can do it. Maybe you can’t, maybe you won’t get the job, maybe it’s not for you after all but you can’t always know that at first glance and so often just the processes of checking something out leads you where you really want to go.

I didn’t get the position, but more importantly I have created the habit of applying anyway and going for it. Besides … who knows where the path may lead?