What do you stand to gain from pretending to be so powerless?

For a lot of us, there are actual, real benefits of our not-so-successful realities.  By rejecting our own power, we get to avoid taking action and putting energy into anything significant.  When I was rejecting my power, I was able to avoid the “hassle” of starting a business, and all the work that came along with it.  It was so much easier to go to my job every day.

Maybe we get to “punish” someone who might be counting on us to be successful, such as parents or spouses.  For me, it was my parents.  They’ve always known, and told me, that I can achieve anything I want.  For a while, I sure showed them!

Maybe there are some emotions that we conveniently get to hold inside, instead of going through the pain of releasing them.  I was angry at myself for not “making it” as an actor while I was living in Los Angeles.

Maybe we get to use our self-pity to manipulate ourselves and others.  It was no secret to everyone around me that I was feeling sorry for myself.

Maybe we feel safe from losing what we have now when we become successful, such as our friends, family, and comfortable routines.

Maybe there’s some extraordinary, awesome thing that we’re holding out for, like the perfect job, perfect relationship, or some other perfect opportunity.  Why settle for less when this perfect thing is sure to come?  I, of course, was holding out for my sure-to-come movie star status.

Once you identify and release these fears, you’re free to forgive yourself and move toward a successful life.

-Kevin