Fridays with Mac: Turtle Tip

Some obstacles transcend time and have been around since the beginning of humanity. Two of the biggest are fear and self-doubt. They were certainly around more than 400 years ago when the great William Shakespeare wrote, “Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

Fear and self-doubt. Man, they can be debilitating. They rob us of the ability to chase and achieve our dreams and goals! ?

One day over breakfast long ago, a dearly beloved and now-departed friend shared a great cure for these obstacles. Dr. Jerry Gibson, an amazing preacher, told me, “Mark, it takes tremendous courage and risk-taking to reach our dreams and goals. We could learn from turtles.”

“What the heck are you talking about?” I puzzled. “We can learn from turtles?”

“Think about it,” he shot back. “A turtle doesn’t make any progress until it sticks its neck out.”

Is it time for you to stick your neck out—at home, in your professional life, or in your community? What action should you take right now to create a better today and tomorrow?

Honestly, it's been something your scribe struggled with in the final hours leading up to the recent kidney transplant. The mind was trying to play tricks on this 66-year-old: Peritoneal dialysis was working fine; all the anti-rejection drugs required and the potential side effects associated with them to name just three.

I'm fortunate to have trusted advisors who sternly offered, "Mac, that's crazy thinking." The guy known as the Comeback Coach wants to encourage you, give you hope and confidence so you won’t let fear get in the way of your dreams. I also want you to remember that courage is the soul of your dreams.

Take a tip from the turtle: Stick your neck out in ways that honor you, nurture those dependent upon you, and add value to the communities you serve.

That's a cord of three strands not easily broken and a recipe for success in all walks of life!