Thursday, April 30, 2009

The YIKES Factor



As we go through life there are occasional experiences that show up on our path that challenge us to grow and expand. These experiences typically feel very uncomfortable and can be pretty scary. What they can create for us is what I call the YIKES Factor.

A typical YIKES Factor situation may be one that calls us forth to play a bigger game. There is usually risk involved. We may risk what we perceive to be our reputation, money, being hurt, or our confidence.

The YIKES Factor may also be present when others believe in us more than we believe in ourselves. We are encouraged or invited to do something new and we are not strongly believing we have what it takes to be successful. We may also fear letting someone else down.

The YIKES Factor can also come into play when life hands us some big challenges. These challenges may be related to health problems, relationships or money issues. The list of potential YIKES Factor experiences are endless.

Although fear is typically present when a YIKES related experience shows up, there can also be twinges of excitement. It is kind of like standing in line to go on an extreme ride at an amusement park. Part of you wants to do it and knows it will be fun and exciting, but there's a part of you that is scared. Once we get beyond the fear, we can really enjoy the ride.

So, how do we move beyond the fear, which is the true culprit of YIKES creation? I like to ask myself what is the worse thing that can happen? Once I go through that process, which usually turns out not to be as bad as I originally thought, I ask myself what may be gained by following through. I then ask myself which is better....to live life without risk and without excitement, learning and growing, or to take the ride, enjoy the thrill and know I will always learn something in my process?

After some self-training, I now pretty consistently look the YIKES Factor right in the eye. I have a different relationship with failure than I once had. It doesn't scare me as much anymore, so my desire to jump into the seat that opens up is much greater.

The truth is, you can't lose when you follow the call of YIKES. It is the stuff that makes life a joy to live.

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