Why It Takes Courage to Flourish

Because it's easier to get by.

I've worked with thousands of people, and I've noticed how often "getting by" can look like "everything is fine."

Getting along; the relationship is fine.

Paying the bills; the finances are fine.

Putting food on the table; work is fine.

Not sick; health is fine.

I remember hearing a coach say this years ago:

"Most people, once they cross age 35 or 40, stop playing to win, and start playing not to lose."

That echoes in my mind regularly.

Especially when things are fine... and I'm tempted to settle for it.

When Good Enough Becomes Enough

Because settling is no longer intentional.

By settling, we choose not to put additional energy into an area because it feels comfortable enough.

By settling, we become passive observers of "good enough," convincing ourselves that no further action is required.

By settling, we ignore the part of us that says, "I deserve more. I want more."

By settling, we suppress the inherent drive that says, "Enough of this. Let's see what I'm made of."

One sits back passively, not in bliss or awe, but simply saying, "This is good enough."

And good enough is a very dangerous place to be.

Physically.

Emotionally.

Psychologically.

Spiritually.

Good enough puts you in a precarious position between conserving energy and boredom... between relaxing and anxiety... between chillin' and quietly stewing inside.

Right there, in that subtle inner twist of:

"I'm stuck... oh well."

A point of carelessness.

Disinterest.

And that is the bottom of the hole called getting by.

Getting By

Getting by is believing this way of life is simply the way, while dissociating from the part of you that wants to create something new.

It's the spiritual denial that you are a creator of your dreams, your life, and your potential.

It takes you out of the driver's seat and places you in the backseat, staring out the window, allowing anyone or anything to determine where you go and what you experience.

Now...

Do you call that flourishing?

The Courage to Flourish

To flourish means you climb into the driver's seat, grab the steering wheel, let your feet find the pedals, look straight ahead, and say:

"WE ARE GOING HERE.

BECAUSE THIS IS WHAT EXCITES ME.

THIS IS WHAT MAKES ME COME ALIVE.

THIS IS WHAT FASCINATES ME.

THIS IS WHAT I WANT MY LIFE TO BE ABOUT."

Because this is the experience I want to create.

For myself.

For the people I love.

And for the environment we all get to live in.

Period.

So there.

So there.

So there.

Let's go.

Do you hear the difference between getting by and flourishing?

I hope so.

Enjoy choosing.

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Continue the Conversation

Where in your life have you quietly settled for "good enough"?

Let me know in the comments below.

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Continue Exploring

• Shoot... I Forgot My Vision

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• The Space Between Thought and Action

  Knowing what we want is one thing. Choosing to move toward it is another. This reflection explores what keeps us stuck between intention and action.

• Hope Begins with a Crack in the Door

  Flourishing requires the willingness to believe something different is possible. Sometimes that begins with the smallest opening.