Your unrealized potential has an expiration date.
A letter to a fellow seeker.
I’ve spent years wrestling with the question Elizabeth Gilbert poses in Big Magic: “Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?”
Through my own journey of self-discovery and conversations with countless others, I’ve come to understand why this simple question strikes such a deep chord in our hearts. This is my exploration of why we hold ourselves back and how we might finally find the courage to step into our full potential.
Hey there. Yes, you—the one holding back that brilliant idea, that untapped talent, that dream you’ve kept tucked away so safely that sometimes you almost forget it’s there. I see you because I am you. I’ve spent years dancing around the edges of my own potential, making excuses, playing small, and I’ve finally started asking myself the hard questions about why we need so much courage just to be ourselves.
The paradox of potential
Have you ever wondered why it takes so much courage to simply be who we are? It seems absurd when you think about it—needing bravery just to express what’s already within us. Yet here we are, treating our potential like it’s a dangerous thing that must be carefully contained.
I’ve noticed that fear shows up in the strangest ways. It’s not just about failing; it’s about succeeding and what that might mean. What if people actually notice us? What if they expect more? What if we’re revealed as imposters once we step into the spotlight? These aren’t just my fears—I’ve heard them echoed in coffee shop conversations, in late-night chats with friends, and in the quiet confessions of even the most seemingly confident people.
The uneven playing field of self-expression
I used to think some people were just born brave, that they came into this world ready to shine. Now I understand it’s more complex than that. Those who seem to effortlessly realize their potential often had something we didn’t—perhaps early encouragement, a safety net, or role models who showed them it was okay to take risks. But here’s what I’ve learned: acknowledging this doesn’t mean we’re stuck. It just means our journey might require different tools.
The fear of failing (Or is it really success?)
Let’s talk about failure for a moment. Why does it terrify us so much? I’ve started to realise that failing isn’t just about immediate disappointment—it’s about the stories we attach to it. Each failure feels like evidence that we should have stayed small, stayed safe, and stayed hidden. But what if we’ve got it all backward? What if the real failure never gives our gifts a chance to breathe?
The talent paradox
Sometimes, I look at my friends and can list their talents effortlessly—the way one can light up a room with her stories, how another sees solutions, and where others see problems. Yet when they share their self-doubts with me, I’m amazed at how blind they are to their own brilliance. And then I realize: we’re all doing this. We’re all sitting on golden gifts, convinced they’re made of brass.
The half-hearted dance
You know what’s fascinating? Even when we do acknowledge our talents, we often treat them like a casual hobby rather than the life force they could be. I catch myself doing this—dabbling instead of diving deep, playing at the edges instead of plunging in. It’s like we’re afraid of our own power, of what might happen if we really committed to our gifts.
Breaking free from fear’s grip
Through all this reflection, I’ve discovered some things that actually help suffocate fear (or at least quiet it down to a manageable whisper):
- Name it to tame it: When I actually write down or verbalise my specific fears, they often sound less convincing out in the world than they do in my head.
- Create a failure resume: I keep a list of my failures and what they taught me. Surprisingly, it’s become a document of courage rather than shame.
- Find your courage, tribe: I’ve deliberately surrounded myself with people who are also trying to bring forth their treasures. We hold space for each other’s fears and celebrations.
- Take imperfect action: I’ve learned to do things before I feel ready. The courage often shows up in the doing, not in the preparing.
What next?
The Courage Playbook: Your Practical Guide to Unleashing Inner Treasures
References
- Gilbert, Elizabeth. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.” Riverhead Books, 2015.
- My personal experiences and conversations with fellow travellers on this journey
- Countless cups of tea shared with friends wrestling with the same questions.
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