If you want something you’ve never had, then you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.

Back to the Burning Barn?

I was recently asked to review a book written by one of my former students, Tanya Bankston. Her compelling tale is one of personal change and redemption entitled, “The Art of REInvention.” This clever title reminded me of a former topic of this newsletter publication entitled, “The Price of Change” (July 2014).

In our former communication, we pointed out that all change brings with it two somewhat and, perhaps, paralyzing side effects: fear and a sense of loss. What is there to fear in a promising job opportunity or an exciting new relationship? Perhaps the new career opportunity will be disappointing. Maybe the new guy (or woman) turns out to be a jerk. Any change has the potential to backfire on us.

What is there to lose in change? First and foremost, there is almost certainly a loss of security. Even if we hate our current job or relationship, at least we have come to understand and accept our situation. It is said that if a farmer or horseman leads his horses out of a burning barn, he must secure them somehow or they, in fear, will run back into the burning barn. The barn is their source of security and, in panic, the terrified animal will run back to its source of comfort and security. Clearly, however majestic the stallions or mares may be, they aren’t very smart.

But we aren’t horses. And yet, there are times when we may “run back into the barn” out of fear or a sense of loss. What’s the solution? Act courageously, recognizing that courage involves action in the face of fear, not in the absence of it.

So my former student, Tanya, showed great courage in the telling of her story. She shared her pain in the hope that her tale will allow others to learn and benefit from it. It was also an act of ”reinvention” for her in order to move forward positively in her life. I admire her greatly for that bravery.

Homework: What ”barns” have you returned to in your life? What changes for the better are you avoiding in exchange for the security of mediocrity or worse? Courage!

You don’t drown by falling in water; you drown by staying there.