I remember the first time I read this passage from Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.
A colleague – her name was Barbara – gave it to me. I wasn’t quite sure – but I think she gave it to me as a gentle hint that I was playing too small.
Whether that was her intent or not – the passage had a powerful effect on me. Still does.
Our biggest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Are you or is someone on your team playing too small?
Could it be fear of success?
copyright 2010 – Business Class Inc
Note: You can most likely find the book in your local library or local bookstore. You can get more information (and order it if you’d like) from Amazon. Here’s the link to Return to Love by Marianne Williamson.
- Quote of the Week: On Success & Failure
- 10 Reasons Not to Fear Failure
- Brainteaser #34: On Success & Failure
- Embracing the Fear of Failure by Carlin Flora, from Psychology Today
- The Fear of Success by Hara Estroff Marano, from Psychology Today
- Movie of the Week: On Fear of Failure and Fear of Success
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