Do you have "Turtle Tank Syndrome"?

Did you know a domesticated turtle's size is determined by the size of it's tank? It will stop growing once it reaches a certain size. If it is in a small tank, it will be a small turtle. But if you put it in a larger tank, it will grow larger. It will never outgrow the tank. If you take the domesticated turtle out of the tank and put it in a pond, if it survives, it will grow fairly large and hopefully live on to have it's own little turtle family.

I grew up in a very small town. I was a popular kid and so were all of my siblings. You could say I was a big fish in a small pond but I like to think of myself as a turtle that outgrew my tank.

Many childhood friends stayed in the little tank. The little tank did not offer much opportunity or room for growth, but it offered security and safety.

I was so anxious to move out of the small town, I ran off when I was just 17. I was not a runaway. I left highschool, moved out of state, and enrolled in college.

I did not move to a big city but it was about 4 times the population. It wasn't like moving from the small tank to the pond, but more like a bigger tank.

I have never feared change and have always thrived in a fluid environment. I have been described as a restless spirit. I have spent many years helping people face their fears and be bold.

I have found many of my coaching clients have turtle tank syndrome. They are stuck in the tank and their growth is stunted. But they are comfortable in the confines of the tank, as it brings safety and security. They struggle with the fear of the unknown.

Fear can be crippling. When dealing with fear, we must ask ourselves if what we fear is something physical that can harm us or our own emotions when facing possible failure and the opinions of others.

Once we know we are dealing with the latter of the two, we must then ask ourselves what is scarier. The opinions of others in the face of possible failure? Or living an unfulfilling life, making little impact and having regrets? By the way, quit giving other people's opinions so much clout. sheesh.....

I know...I know. The tank is comfy and warm. The pond is wild and there are creatures that might be competing for food. Don't worry. The pond has an abundance of food. And you can hunt for food whenever you want instead of waiting for that kid to sprinkle the food in once a day....if they remember. Yes. I know. There are also predators. But that's why you have that tough shell and those mad swimming skills. And you won't believe how fast you can swim in open water. You don't even bump into the glass walls of the tank.

If you are stuck and paralyzed with fear, I hope you can muster up the courage to get out of the tank. You don't have to jump right into the pond. Especially if you aren't ready. Take baby turtle steps. Just move to a bigger tank. But by all means...take the first step!

Now you may think turtles are slow and not very cool. Just remember, the turtle beat the hare in a race. He didn't win because he was fast. And he didn't talk himself out of entering the race for fear of what the other animals would think.

Here's to hopping out of the tank and entering the race!