Keith Goodrum

Back in June I copied this into my notepad, and saved it for a future post. At the time I was having some doubts about what was I doing with this blog, my writing and this whole Internet thing. I was letting self-doubt sneak into my thoughts. I was listening to my fears talking. You know that little voice that whispers in your ear…

“You don’t really think you’re fooling anyone – do you? Others can see right through what you are trying to do… you know that right?”

It’s funny the tricks your mind can play on you when you least expect it. And I had let it get a tight hold on my confidence.

NOT a good idea…

At this point I just grabbed a hold of myself, and made the decision to ignore that little voice. Drive on with what I was doing, and work with what the Good Lord had given me.

At the time I had come across a post by John Carlton talk about overcoming your fears, and doing it anyways. It reminded me that everyone battles these demons, even the people we admire. The same folks we look up to have the same doubts & fears as most normal people.

It lifted my sprits, and reminded me of this lesson I had learned before. Sometimes we all need a little reminder.

Here is the part of the post that really hit home for me… The Wit and Wisdom of Gary Halbert…

But, To many outsiders, he (Gary Halbert) seemed like a super-confident “laugh at death” kinda silver-backed male. And he worked hard to earn his Top Dog title, and keep it.

But, when it was time to kick back, the humility returned. No one conquers life completely, not really. At best, you get one or two shots at achieving something great… or, if you have the fortitude to stay with it, you may get a chance to establish a legacy of good work. A legend, perhaps.

But you will never make life your bitch.

One of the ironies of leadership is that… if you don’t have doubts, you aren’t worthy of leading.

The great leaders just learn to navigate those doubts, and work through them until you can finally say “this is what we’re gonna do”… and be willing to stand behind that decision. Right or wrong.

And this ain’t Hollywood… so you aren’t guaranteed anything. Even good people fail spectacularly, and are ruined.

There’s no safety net out there.

Outsiders seldom see or acknowledge this wrestling match with doubt. They want their leaders to be principled, steadfast, and good at looking confident. They will also pillory any leader they perceive as “weak”.

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