The Fear Before the Jackpot
No one really talks about the kind of fear that grips you right before you know you’re about to hit the jackpot.
The unexpected anxiety that can hurl you into a self-sabotaging tailspin or give you eject-button whiplash, all because not hitting the jackpot feels more familiar, and, therefore, safe.
And, if there’s anything our ego knows how to do, it’s keep us “safe.”
But, we want more out of life, don’t we? (I do.)
It’s so deeply ingrained in us to play quietly by the rules to get the societally-accepted reward. But, what if, by simply following our joy and trusting our inner knowing, we land on something far greater?
What if we start to color outside of the lines and realize there really aren’t any rules at all?
I’ve been revisiting Steven Pressfield’s book, The War of Art, lately. And, in it, he says that an artist’s biggest fear isn’t failure—it’s success.
Because what the f*ck do we do after we succeed? Have we built the nervous system capacity to receive that success? To hold and sustain that success? To dream even bigger for another success?
It always comes back to a fear of the unknown.
On those nights when I wake up at 3 or 4am on the hamster wheel of anxiety, I have to hold on firmly to the belief that I can trust myself. That I have what it takes to walk confidently into the unknown and survive—even thrive. And, when I need help and support, I can send out the bat signal, and it will find me.
This ain’t my first rodeo. And, each time, I learn how to navigate it better. (Hint: It always involves surrender.)
So, fellow dreamer, when the tidal wave of fear comes over you… know that there are calmer waters on the other side. Hold onto joy like a life raft as you swim to your Promised Land.
(You’re actually doing it, and it’s amazing!)