It's 2022, get out of your own way.

A few days ago, I listened to Brené Brown interview my cowboy sage Willie Nelson on a morning run. I always learn something from BB and Willie hasn't changed, thank the stars. Through happy and healing tears, fond memories of Willie's voice filling my childhood living room from the record player came back. My mom was a huge fan and would have loved this interview. Something he said snuck into my brain and has been rattling around the deep, dark places since.

Willie Nelson: I wrote a song called “Imagine What You Want, and Then Get Out of the Way”

Brené Brown: What does that mean, for you?

Willie Nelson: That means that I can imagine things that I want to happen and if I get out of the goddamn way they will happen.

I get in my own way... a lot. I have always enjoyed doing things I'm good at and get scared when things are new or hard. I do what I have to but, if it's optional I've often stopped and looked for the easy road. I get afraid of failing, looking stupid, being rejected...I just get scared. On the contrary, when I complete something hard and scary...

I get something to look forward to.

When we try a new task our brain releases dopamine, the feel good/motivating neurotransmitter. That feeling is designed by nature to encourage you to repeat that fun new hobby or activity.

“Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” — Louis E. Boone

I feel brave.

Just trying something new or scary will make you feel like you're a brave person. The definition of brave is "ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage". FYI, you secretly ARE very brave. Also...

"...99% of the things we’re afraid of never come." -Willie Nelson

My familiar tasks seem easier.

Trying new things forces you to think in new ways. It creates neuroplasticity or rewiring of your brain. That can make you more creative. In turn, other tasks may become easier.

“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.” — Unknown

I've done some scary, hard things mostly involving travel: walking Camino de Santiago, trekking in Nepal, swimming with manta rays in Kona, Wanna hear something funny? Swimming with mantas scared me the most. You can hear me scream a bit. Video is sketchy..but it's mine.

My plan for this year is simple I'm going to work through some hard things. I'm gonna get out of my own "goddam way". Welcome 2022!