photo by Teri Lynne Underwood
Two well-known celebrities are having a conversation with each other.
One is in the midst of what the world would label as failure.
The other is experiencing what most of us would call success.
A comment is made that sounds like this: “We both know fame doesn’t change you. It just magnifies who you already are.” Both nod. And as I look from one to the other, I realize anew the truth in that statement.
We fear failure and it sounds like this…
If it doesn’t work I’ll feel foolish.
I don’t know if I can take the disappointment.
If I try and it doesn’t work out, what’s left for me?
We fear success and it sounds like this…
If this works, I wonder how my friends and family will feel about me.
I don’t know if I can take the pressure.
If I try and it works out, how will I handle the changes in my life?
I’ve experienced both and I can tell you this: neither failure or success are as scary as they seem from the other side. We shouldn’t fear either.
Here’s what we should be wary of: not growing right where we are now.
Because if we don’t grow where we are now, we will not be ready for what God has ahead for us–whether that looks like failure or success in the world’s eyes.
We’re responsible for obedience, not results.
So in some ways “failure” and “success” don’t even exist in our worlds.
Our identity, security and purpose are not tied to what happens. Woo-hoo!
Choose growth today and you are automatically choosing what’s best for you tomorrow. And you will be ready for whatever is ahead because you will be who you need to be to thrive through it.
Research has shown only about 10% of our happiness depends on our circumstances.
Isn’t that surprising?
It’s also powerful.
Because it means you’re not a victim. You’re a victor.
And no matter what the outcome may be, you can finish well.
XO
p.s. Last week the “do what you can” step for your God-sized dream was to stop delaying and start doing right where you are. You can link up your post about that tomorrow in the God-sized dreams series and share your thoughts in the comments then too.
