Get Out of Your Own Way

I was explaining to a dear friend of mine recently the reservations I had with pursuing a published version of my writings and she said, "sounds like you need to get out of your own way." That hit me differently than most advice I had been given in the past, which focused predominately on assuring me I could overcome all of my perceived obstacles. Though soothing to the ego, such advice never really seemed to help me remove the obstacles.

Could it be true that I was actually the stumbling block to what I wanted to accomplish? That I was the one sabotaging my happiness? The light bulb has turned on, and I have been writing earnestly ever since. I have been researching, asking questions, and putting myself out there without regard to criticize and rejection. There is such a freedom in realizing that if I am the issue, then it is completely within my power to essentially "get out of my own way" and get this done.

Beyond writing, I am now realizing that I have been standing in my own way in so many other circumstances such as recovering from breakups, delaying work projects, refusing to cut ties with people who don't deserve my attention, and not doing anything when I have too much to do. I have started to look at all issues that arise in my life from this perspective, is it really the other person or is the situation really that bad, or am I just getting in my own path to recovery and happiness. Looking at my problems from this point of view has put control squarely back in my court.

So for the New Year, I want to encourage you all to consider "getting out of your own way." We have had a year of fear and doubt, careers have been stagnant, relationships strained, and depression at an all time high. It is time to take back your control and feel accomplished. Let's do this!