This Weekend, You Have A Choice.
Forward or backward?
The philosopher Abraham Maslow (creator of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs) said that at any given moment in our lives, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.
What we love about this statement is there is no judgment. There is simply an option.
Forward or backward?
Both require action. The worst choice is staying still and doing nothing at all.
If you’re anything like us, you sometimes feel powerless when faced with even the smallest decisions…
…Do I? Don’t I?
…Should I? Shouldn’t I?
But the difference between do and don’t, going forward or backward, is one of growth.
We all want growth.
And here’s the rub.
Growth is only found in the forward; the unknown, the scary, and the uncertain.
Predictably, comfort and safety are found in the backward. It’s what we know and trust. How can we trust the unknown?
So what do we do in these “Maslow Moments?”.
Here are two approaches that may help bias your decision-making toward forward growth;
Choose forward, regardless. Even if the unknown feels fuzzy and dark, accept the fear will be with you, but the outcome will be growth.
Raise a hand and say you’re scared to move forward because the comfort of backward is all you know. Ask for help and perspectives, then move forward anyway, because the outcome will be growth.
Both of these options have the same outcome - growth. The first is bold, with pace. The second is with recognition that our emotions can sometimes hold us, hostage, to our desires.