I have a vivid memory from when I was 9 or 10 years old about learning how to use a curling iron.
I am standing in my upstairs bathroom, boiling with frustration, because every time I tried to curl my hair I would get an awful crimp at the bottom. No matter how many times I tried, no matter how much hair I curled at once, that kink remained.
Balancing Flexibility and Determination
I’m pretty sure I had reached the huffing, puffing, and foot stamping level of 10-year-old strife when my mom came in to check on me.
Growling in a not-so-friendly-tone (sorry, mom!) that the stupid curling iron wouldn’t work, my mom, in her infinite patience and wisdom said, “you just need to turn the curling iron over.” Facepalm
Yep. I was using the curling iron upside down. All I had to do was use my pointer finger on the lever instead of my thumb.
Now granted, learning how to properly curl my hair at the age of 10 was no long-term, career-altering, or life-changing goal. Nevertheless, the message still remains.
Don’t give in to frustration, discouragement, lack of confidence, or fear.
Just try another angle.
We are all creatures of habit, and often times we return to the same methods and ideas because they’re familiar. This is why it is so important to be aware of our situation, recognize when things are not working, and try something new.
If you can’t see that alternative angle, you might need someone with an outside perspective to help you out.
Turn to a close friend, family member, or mentor; perhaps they’ve had similar goals in the past, or maybe they’ll have an easier time seeing the big picture. Share with them your struggles, and come up with a new strategy together.
Who knows, it might be as easy as flipping over a curling iron.
Can you relate to this quote? Are you working towards any big goals right now? I’d love to hear about them. Let me know below!
