Scary, but not dangerous
This past week I was in Atlanta with several members of the Motivo team. We got together to strategize our growth plan for the year - and it was amazing.
I also took the opportunity to demonstrate my advanced Top Golf skills, as evidenced below.
I think it goes without saying that the team was impressed. This was definitely a moment that really solidified my position as an inspiring leader.
In all seriousness though, it was wonderful trip - full of incredible ideas, great discussion, and a lot of laughs.
At one point, Motivo’s new Chief Business Officer, Jon, was telling me about an interview on Guy Raz’s popular podcast, How I Built This.
It was an interview with Jim Koch, the founder of Sam Adams Brewery.
Jim spoke about the fact that, prior to starting Sam Adams, he worked as a managerial consultant, enjoying a great salary with excellent benefits. It was a cushy job - with a ton of security and comfort.
But, Jim felt restless. As he considered starting his own business - the business that would become an incredibly successful brewery and brand - he felt scared. He was unsure what the road ahead might look like.
Jim concluded that it was better to do something that was scary, but not dangerous.
Scary, for Jim, was leaving a comfortable job and embarking on the unknown.
But, dangerous, would be staying in a job he hated, and one that stifled his growth.
How powerful is that?
I’ve been reflecting on it ever since.
It has so many applications.
Setting a boundary in a relationship is scary. But not setting a boundary, is dangerous.
Making changes to improve ones health is scary. But neglecting ones health is dangerous.
Doing something you don’t yet feel capable of is scary. But staying in a place of safety is dangerous.
However, it's crucial to note that embracing the "scary but not dangerous" mentality requires discernment and thoughtful consideration.
It's not about recklessly leaping into the unknown without regard for the potential consequences. Rather, it's about recognizing when the perceived safety of our current situation may be holding us back from realizing our full potential.
I see a parallel to my own journey with Motivo.
Over the last few years of building Motivo, there has been so many moments of uncertainty and apprehension.
Moments when I was really scared.
Yet, it was precisely during these moments that I had the opportunity to push beyond the confines of what felt comfortable.
Pushing through these moments of fear was hard - but it also paved the way for growth and transformation.
Can you relate? I’d love to hear about moments where you took the scary, less comfortable route.
If you have anything you’d like to share with me, feel free to respond hear and say more.
Warmly,
Rachel
Rachel McCrickard, LMFT
CEO/Co-Founder, Motivo
rachel@motivohealth.com