At the risk of sounding like a nagging parent, I feel like I really need to have a firm word with you. Here it is … enough is enough! It is time to stop playing small! Now, you’ll know if this is for you if as you read this blog and a particular area of your life, or a specific task that has been ‘pending’ for a while immediately comes to mind! This is in no way to condemn you, but hopefully to ignite a spark that will
cause movement in those particular areas.
Disclaimer. I too have a couple of areas that require some intentional progress. I often wonder if the achieved “success” in specific areas of our lives causes a pause of creativity and intellectual focus in other areas. Of course, we are human and want to ensure we have a balanced life, but riding off the success of previous seasons or past accomplishments should not be our default position moving forward.
So, for those areas that have sprung to mind, consider if this time next year there was no progress. No movement, no development, no results. None! Zilch! What impact would that have on you, your life, your family, your work and your business? I would argue that for the pending tasks they often affect more than just us. Consider, therefore, who misses out if you do not complete and finish that book, 
presentation, project, or personal goal.
When we stop playing small and keep moving forward, we live more fulfilled and live more purposefully. Our sense of achievement goes beyond a ‘thank you’ from someone, or an award or additional income. The achievement goes beyond just knowing that you completed what was in your mind, and heart to do. It can be soul-satisfying especially when that task has been incomplete for years and years.
Roll forward 12 months from now and consider the alternative outcome. You have completed and achieved what you have set out to, possibly even superseded it. How would you feel and what difference would it make to yourself and others? This is totally possible and well within your reach. If this was not the case, then there would not be such a strong pull towards it.
Developing a growth mindset and choosing not to fear failure or indeed success are great starting points to stop playing small. They will not only stop you from playing small but will propel you forward.
As we embrace the last few months of 2023 can I encourage you to be courageous. To establish accountability and be more determined that you are going to invest more in your growth, and go full throttle and work on those specific goals. You’ve got this!
Francesca McDowall, August 2023