When Competence is Challenged

You are very good at a job or skill (not perfect, remember no one is perfect) and you KNOW you are good. The sure-footed feeling is intoxicating. You've worked hard to get to this level and you're never fully satisfied because getting better at what you do is what makes it so damn fun. You level up because it's your game. You are the master and have no fear!

Suddenly you feel your competence challenged and the rug is pulled out from under. You don't know what hit you or what you hit. Now what?

First, look for the lesson. It's not about your skill. You know who you are and what you do.

Next, look for what you're missing? What part of you is responding like a hurt child and where the hell did that come from? You just got punched in the gut and it surprised you. So what. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can't hit what his eyes can't see." You just learned something and maybe next time you'll see it coming.

Lastly, look for the opportunity. This is YOUR game. Your hands are on the steering wheel. Nothing has changed about your skills, your character or your drive and you just had one of life's pop quizzes. Did you pass?

Stay focused on where you are going and what you need.

That's it. Simple. Easy-peasy. Stay confident. Stay strong. Make the mindset shift. Look for the lesson. Look for what's missing. Look for the opportunity. Level up.