Overcoming Perceptions

“What will the world lack because you fail to live out your potential?”
Dr. Myles Munroe, Understanding Potential

This sentence has become increasingly more prominent in my thoughts. I recently turned 24 years old. Some of you will probably be thinking, “oh wow, she’s so young!” while others will be thinking, “she’s old.” I always thought 24 was such an old age; I guess we all do when we are little. There are also a lot of things I thought I’d have done at this age. My mom got married at 24, Joan of Arc rode into battle as a commander at age 17, William Pitt became prime minister at 24, Mary Shelley published ‘Frankenstein’ at age 20, etc.

However, I have come to learn that comparing myself to others’ accomplishments does nothing for me. All it has accomplished is it had made me feel insignificant, lazy, incompetent, etc. It also does no good to dwell on the dreams or goals I have for myself that have not yet been completed. Instead of feeling down in the pits about it, I realized how much better it would be to think of the time I have now, what can I do now to bring me there?

“Failure is not the lack of success. Failure is the neglect of trying.”
Dr. Myles Munroe, Understanding Potential

For so many years I would start something and be so excited and gung ho about it and then a few weeks later that project would be lying collecting dust. Fear would cover the excitement in a wave of destruction. People encouraged me, but within myself, I saw only failure because I had not succeeded. But, I had it all wrong. I hadn’t failed because I hadn’t succeeded, I’d failed because I stopped trying. I let my perceptions of myself, what I had to say, what I could do, and what I thought others would think to take over and cloud my potential.

Do you ever have a nagging feeling in the back of your mind? Something that just doesn’t go away?

These thoughts kept pounding in my mind until I couldn’t take it any longer. The incessant need to do something, to listen and act. Sometimes we need that frustration to make us move. How do we release the potential that is buried within us? That is what I am on a journey to discover every day, I hope we can take that journey together.

One of the most helpful things I’ve come upon lately is reading. I’ve always loved reading, especially fantasy books and autobiographies. Fantasy books will always hold a special place in my heart, the fantastical scenery, and valiant quests. They have even offered sage advice and inspiration.

Why do I bring this up though? Well, reading is a great tool to learn, if you want to know about a subject, study it. Also through these glorious stories and what I have learned from people in my life, teachers (like Dr. Munroe, my parents, grandma, and many others), have shown me the importance of releasing my potential.

What is potential?

po·ten·tial

ADJECTIVE

having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future:

NOUN

latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness:

So you see, we already have the capabilities within us, we just need to release them. No more hiding behind fear and uncertainty. Seek out knowledge, teachers, and instructions to help further you in your endeavors and go forth!

With Love, Lillian