“…and that’s why I want to work with you.”
That’s what a client said to me recently. And it was music to my ears.
You see, he gets it. He understands that if he wants to achieve his dreams and goals, he MUST lean into his fears. He MUST take risks. He MUST venture into his discomfort zone where learning and growth take place. He knows this. He’s willing to do this. And he knows it’s a little scary!
Luckily, he also knows that being a little scared is a good thing!
Actually, we ALL know this.
We all know that you won’t achieve greatness if you stay in your comfort zone. (Whether or not you’re willing to do anything about it is for another post.)
Most of us know this is true intellectually and psychologically.
Did you know it’s biologically true too?
Neuroscience shows that in order for your brain to be in its peak state, there MUST be risk. Your brain functions optimally when neither success nor failure is guaranteed.
Your brain can only be in its peak state when the outcome is uncertain.
While this uncertainty can feel kind of scary, it is also the way to create an optimal brain state.
So if you are choosing a risk-free path of assured success, you are not functioning at your full capacity. On the flip side, if you’re going to do something where you’re guaranteed to fail, you’re not optimally using your brain either.
Choosing a path of certainty only takes advantage of a fraction of your brain’s capabilities, which means that you’re only taking advantage of a fraction of YOUR capabilities!
Whatever your goals are, how often are you intentionally leaning into situations where neither success nor failure is guaranteed?
Since choosing uncertainty is the best path for a successful brain, how effective are you at setting your brain up for success?
Take a risky step toward your dreams today. Do something for your goal where success is not guaranteed.
Scare yourself a little.
Your brain will thank you for it.
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