I love microwave popcorn. It’s one of the few salty snacks I allow myself to eat on a regular basis. I love the taste of hot, popped corn flavored with butter, nuked up in just a few minutes’ time.
Sometimes, I even eat popcorn for dinner. Don’t worry, it’s the organic kind 
But here’s what I’ve recently noticed about my popcorn habit. I can’t STAND burnt popcorn. So, I stay right in front of the microwave while it cooks, listening for the popping to slow down even a fraction of a second so I can take out the bag before it burns. Now, there would be nothing inherently wrong with me doing that (even if it is a little anal) if it weren’t for the outcome.
I always take the popcorn out too soon.
I’m so afraid that it’s going to burn, that I often grab the bag from the microwave with half the kernels still unpopped! Sure, the popcorn I am left with is completely unscorched and delicious, but I don’t get nearly as much of a serving size than if I would’ve left it in a little longer.
I think it’s the same way with fear in our lives.
We have something that’s really important to us – a career, a relationship, a business – and we’re so afraid to mess it up that we stop short of taking steps that could make it better. We’d rather take the “good enough” version because we’re too afraid to take the risks that would lead us into greatness. So, what ends up happening is that we only get a fraction of what’s really possible in that area of our lives.
We’re so afraid of failure that we won’t let ourselves be great.
Does any of this resonate with you and how you operate in your own life? Popcorn lover or not
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WOW!!! I love this analogy. I admit that I get so nervous that things can’t get any better that I stop short before things could in fact get better. In turn that just proves my “theory” that things can’t get any better. But I’m going to release the fear and let it the good times flow.
Yes, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Here’s to releasing the fear
Love this analogy – and it’s so true. I’m currently giving up on something that I shouldn’t. Thank you!
I love this analogy…and I too love popcorn! Too bad Orville stopped making the Old Fashioned Butter flavor:(
I love your analogy. I feel as if Orville would be proud to know his popcorn is inspiring people!
Seriously, I totally get this. There have been so many times when I have let fear stop me from doing something I really want to do.
That’s why I am declaring 2011 the year of ” Just Try It”. Maybe I fail, perhaps I will succeed, but either way I will be a winner because I actually DID something.
I love it! Have to admit, I had MJ’s “Just Beat It” in my head for a minute LOL. But seriously, the trying is a success in itself. Rooting for you
Unfortunately, I am too familiar with fear and allowing it to stunt my growth. For some time now, I’ve played it safe with my career and romantic life for fear of rejection or “not getting it right”. 2011 is the year of action for me! I am committing to living a “Fearless” life. “Fearless and Fancy” is my theme for 2011!
I’m convinced that we’ll never get it all the way right. No one will. All we can really do is take action and then just roll with whatever comes after that, right? Love your 2011 theme!