Growth Edge

Jerry Seinfeld says, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. This means, to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Jerry’s joke highlights how we can be pushed beyond our limits. When we take on a fear, such as public speaking, climbing a mountain or other task that pushes our growth edge, we confront more than just the challenge at hand.

We’re faced with our innermost weaknesses. They may show up as doubt, frustration, confusion, overwhelm or just plain deer-in-the-headlights paralysis. Our imagination may go into overdrive, and we meet part of ourselves that we didn’t even know existed.

In this heightened state of angst, the urge to throw in the towel sounds pretty good. Background noise may also enter into the equation. Why bother? What’s the point? It doesn’t really matter anyway. I can’t. They don’t think I can . . . and the list goes on and on. 

If we let the negative noise distract us, we’re done. If we let the negative noise hook us, we’re done. 

Here are some helpful tools to keep us in the challenge: 

1. Change the negative voice to a positive voice, even if it’s hard to believe. This is a faith-based proposition where we have to act “as if” we’re capable and competent, even when we don’t yet have evidence. 

2. Make a list of the worst possible outcomes. Naming what can go wrong beforehand adds perspective to the situation and allows us to create a remedy before we’re caught off guard.   

 3. Stay with a growth mentality of “I will and I can.” Even when overwhelmed, chunk the challenge into manageable pieces and forge on. 

4. Stay focused, steadfast and committed. 

Working with ourselves, rather than against, is the best way to push through our growth edge and stay above ground for the eulogy.