An opportunity was presented to us at work for a new opening as the sales Manager. All of the sales people were very excited about this and set up interviews for the position. Except for one…Me! I had NO intention of going for that position and I had every reason as to why I could not do it!
I was the youngest of the sales staff, I had the least amount of experience, I am an introvert by nature and very shy, I was satisfied with what and where I was, I did not want the extra work load or responsibility, I argued it would only put me in a new tax bracket and not be that great of a raise, and my all-time favorite: I was too white (the only white person working at a Spanish Station).
How is that for a laundry list of lame excuses as to why I could not interview for the job. I did not have my ducks in a row yet and I told everyone why I was not ready but at some mysterious point in the future I would be!
Getting your Ducks in a Row is a lot like herding cats – IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN! Every reason I had was just an EXCUSE to hide the real reason…I was AFRAID! Thank God my wife believed in me more then I did in the beginning. She was relentless in pushing me to do and be more than I thought I was ready for.
In the end I did give in and interview for that job. I have NO idea why that company chose me for the position as sales manager but I am glad they did. If not I would still be hiding behind my laundry list of excuses and would have missed so many great opportunities.
Truth is I was not ready for that job! I was too inexperienced and had a lot of learning to do and still do to be a great sales manager. The real growth STARTS after you say YES!
We must stop hiding behind all our great “Reasons” as to why we are not taking chances, pursing opportunities and stepping out of our comfort zones!
What lame excuses are you hiding behind? You will never get your Ducks in a Row, and you will NEVER FEEL ready when the door of opportunity opens in front of you. Stop waiting and JUMP! Even if you fail it will be the best growth experience of your life!
Find Your Passion and You Will Find Your Life!