Breaking Through Thresholds: Embracing the Unknown for Success

A few years ago, I enrolled in MIT's "Mastering Design Thinking" course.

The workshop seemed like the perfect opportunity to learn how to create and manage a successful endeavor.

Despite possessing valuable skills, I struggled to integrate them seamlessly into my job.?

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I observed a common resistance whenever I decided to acquire a new skill or pursue another course.

When stepping into unfamiliar territory and confronting the unknown, the fear of failure or judgment would momentarily hold me back.

Yet the challenge extended beyond facing the unknown; internal voices of doubt constantly whispered that I wasn't good or smart enough.

External voices from family, friends, and coworkers echoed doubts about the value of my contribution.

Sounds familiar?

Despite the doubts and external opinions, I believed I was on the right path.

I was determined to expand my knowledge and skills while helping others navigate their journey.

I continued to venture into the unknown, pushed my comfort zone, and collaborated with others to work on projects close to my heart.

Have you ever felt a compelling desire to answer a call that won't be ignored?

To step into the unknown despite doubts and external opinions?

Whether you've answered the call or not, know that you already possess everything needed to achieve your goals.

You have the skills, knowledge, and desire to fulfill your destiny, create the business of your dreams, advance in your career, and find happiness and love.

So, why do many of us hesitate to answer the call or embark on a journey of self-discovery?

Why do we succumb to inner and outer voices?

Perhaps it's the fear of what lies on the other side – unfamiliar and intimidating.

Perhaps our inner voices strive to keep us safe in the known and familiar.

On my leadership and coaching journey, I often stumble across barriers that prevent me from exploring new opportunities.

Robert Ellis refers to them as thresholds.

He says, “A threshold is not a wall; it’s a doorway. It’s a place to notice, pause, learn what you can, and pass thought.”

There is a handful of thresholds we come across in our lives: the Silliness threshold - the fear of not looking good; the Knowledge threshold - the fear of knowing too much or not enough; the Trust threshold - the fear of losing safety; the Sanity threshold - the fear of being overwhelmed; and my favorite - the Love threshold - the fear of being unlovable.

I invite you to take some time during this week and pay attention to the threshold you are currently in and write down all the feelings, the fears, the limitations, how it shows up - anything you can notice, and then ask yourself a question:

Is it true? Is it really true?