Life Strategy, a how to guide:
First, assess your tools and materials.
What do you have to work with?
This includes things like: energy, strength, education, community, etc.
Second, figure out how to apply those tools to any given situation.
I have X amount of energy for large crowds, and I really really wanna go to a music show, but I know I’ll run out of energy. Maybe I can phone a friend to go with me? Maybe I can plan to go for just the good bits and then politely bow out when I need to?
Third, pretend you can, until you actually can, and then find something new to pretend at until you learn that!
No one was born good at everything. I don’t even think I believe in talent. Maybe some people have genetics that make it easier for their brains to figure a thing or two out, but when it really comes down to it, anything I have learned was figured out by doing it. One foot in front of the other. Making it happen.
I remember the first time my dad told me to call a friend on the phone to hang out. I was petrified. I felt stunned to silence. I refused. I cried. I was so scared. And he just stood there holding the phone out to me, saying, “I want you to have friends. I want you to be able to pick up the phone and call them. I want you to do this.” I dialed the number and after two rings, I hung up. Panicking. My dad handed me the phone again. I dialed the number, made it through the rings to the voicemail. I stammered and stuttered a message. Something about wanting to play with my friend Taylor. I don’t know if I even took a breath. When I hung up, I felt terrified and accomplished.
That scenario is one I have played out so many times in my life, whenever I need to do something that scares me to achieve my goals.