Personal development, self confidence and motivation are attributes that we build upon from the time we are born. In our childhood we will not be conscious of this but they develop to a greater or lesser degree dependant on the type of personality we are creating and also our environment.

 

Charlie was up and on his feet at about seven months, which for many babies was quite early. But, although quite strong in his legs, he would toddle around the edge of the rooms, clutching onto any piece of furniture he could find just to get himself about. From appearing to be quite an early developer, he went the opposite way, fearing to let go in case he fell over.

 

One day when he was 14 months old, we were at his grandparents' house, sitting outside on their patio. My wife and I were sitting on a concrete bench one side of the patio with nanny and granddad on the other side sitting on a wooden park style bench. Charlie was standing by me holding onto my leg but his nanny was encouraging him to come over. At this point I gently nudged him into the middle of the patio and for the first time he had nothing to hold onto. He looked at both me and his nanny wondering what to do next, looking precariously wobbly at the same time. Then he toddled over to nanny accompanied by a burst of applause from us all.

 

And that was it for him. Armed with self confidence and self belief he never once looked to hold onto anything for support again. He soon started climbing, falling over and bouncing back up again much to the horror of my wife who still constantly battles with him not to climb on the furniture.

 

Charlie was developing physically but his personal development was one of self confidence and discovery. He had, in that one instance, learned to let go of what felt secure to him and was now opening up a vast new world for himself. He had discovered that he had the ability to walk, just like the rest of us.

 

New born birds eventually learn to fly, and the moment they soar away from the security of their branches they're creating freedom, opportunities and a life of independence.

 

How many of us are holding onto things that make us feel secure?

 

How many of us are frightened to take the next step because we are frightened as to where it might lead?

 

In order to progress, in order to create success, we have to step outside our comfort zone. We may not be able to see the path ahead and yes, we will undoubtedly take a few wrong turns on our journey but if we do not take those first few unaccompanied steps, if we don't open our wings and take that first jump in order to learn to fly, the journey to success will never begin.

 

I remember somebody telling me about the first time as a child he went camping. That first night, tucked up in his sleeping bag, the dark seemed a scary envelope to be in. Every strange sound startled him and he wondered how he would get through the night. But soon his eyes adjusted to the darkness and he took the brave step, armed with his torch, of venturing outside of the canvass of his tent. It didn't take long for him to become intrigued with his surroundings and he soon forgot about being frightened. By the following night he was extremely familiar with all that surrounded him, and relished the darkness and the night time sounds to entertain him.

 

A belief in ourselves supported by self confidence and a strong desire to succeed will always help us take that step away from that secure place that is, in truth, holding us back. Taking each step at a time is the only way we can complete that journey that leads to our goals and dreams.

 

Be bold, let go and create that self confidence, motivation and optimism that will lead us to the success we desire.

 

How fantastic is that?

 

Terry Norrington