Remember the map on Real Time Strategy video games? When you started the game, most of the world was blacked out on the map until you explored it.
That’s a lot how life is. The area that you can see is your comfort zone and outside that area is dark and mysterious. But if you go out into the darkness you may get eaten by a grotesque monster!! Yeah, that’s a possibility. But most likely you’ll find that there’s some cool stuff and wonder why it took you so long to explore. And maybe just maybe you’ll find the treasure you so badly desire.
What’s Holding You Back?
I talk to people all the time that are wondering what their passion in life is. This is often a very frustrating conversation because if we allude back to our video game analogy goes something like this:
Player 1: “God, I wish I had the treasure, I just don’t know where to find it.”
Me: “Have you checked your map?”
Player 1: “Yes I’ve checked everywhere, multiple times in fact. I NEED that treasure though. I just don’t know where it could be.”
Me: “Hmm looks like you haven’t explored too far on your map, maybe you should venture out there sometime.”
Player 1: “Yeah I would like to go out there, but it could be scary out there.”
Me: “Yeah it might be scary at first but once you get the lay of the land you can handle it for sure.”
Player 1: “I guess so”
Me: “Lets make a plan to get you out there, you said you’ve always wanted to go North, why not just head up there for a while?”
Player 1: “Well, I really don’t need the treasure, what I have now isn’t so bad.”
Me: “Dude wtf? You just were saying how you want the treasure, it’s clearly not here, you gotta go explore the map.”
Player 1: “It’s not a big deal! Forget I said anything! I like my life without the treasure.”
—Game Over
I’m surprised at the frequency I have this conversation with people. They’re looking for change in their life but balk at the idea of actually changing anything and when you press them they start rationalizing how their current life isn’t so bad.
It’s wild when you see it in action. But I’ve done it myself so I can’t judge.
Remember:
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” – Joseph Campbell