Closer Than You Think

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Closer Than You Think

You're closer than you think.

The difference between flatline and success is closer than you think. A successful business, relationship, sale, interview, promotion, or win may be a subtle shift away. Often when reaching the edge of success, we intuitively and unconsciously retreat to the known.

Why do we pull back when we're so close?

Sometimes we don't know we're close (and pull back). It could be an extra smile, text, reach out, creative notion, effort, intention, boundary, or joule of energy that is the difference maker. But how would you know? When you lean in with a little more than you've done before, you're at the edge of your consciousness. You're risking your pride, energy, and dignity.

Sometimes we know we're close (and pull back). Fear of the unknown is scary. The fear of success or pushing in a little more and it still not being good enough is something we think we can't endure. Sometimes it's seemingly easier to stay in the narrative we already have because what if we do have success? We can't behind a victim, failure, naivety, or beggar identity any longer.

When interviewed, successful people often say, "I'm no different from you. I tried something different at the right time." What gave them a slight edge? Wake up a little earlier. Staying a little later. Take a small risk. Staying the course. An additional follow up. Finding a mentor. The awkward boundary. Slightly more consistency. Trusting a sobering truth.

So whether you do or don’t know you’re close, what’s your next step?