Well, it's October again, and for me that means another 31 Day Writing Challenge. This year I'm using Gretchen Rubin’s book, Secrets of Adulthood, as my inspiration. Gretchen is an author and podcast host who writes and teaches about happiness. She has written several books, but she's probably best known for The Happiness Project.
Each day this month, I’ll be writing about one of the many secrets of adulthood that Rubin mentions in her book. I hope you’ll follow along and perhaps will take a few to heart.
“Accept yourself, and expect more of yourself.”
About ten years ago, I was sitting in a movie theater waiting for the show to start. I was contemplating something I really didn't want to do and making excuses not to. On a whim, I fired off an email to Gretchen Rubin, convinced she'd agree with me. She always promoted authenticity, and I couldn't help it if I didn't want to do something. I was so sure she would tell me to “Be Shari.”
I was shocked that she actually responded to me, not immediately, but soon after, and was even more shocked by her response. Instead of confirming my instincts just to be me, she responded with the following quote: “Accept yourself, and expect more of yourself.”
Wait! I can't just sit back insisting that my behavior is just the way I am. No questions asked. Was I supposed to expect more of myself?
Gretchen certainly put me in my place, but in a good way.
As important as it is to be true to yourself. Shakespeare was correct. It's probably just as important, if not more, to rise to the occasion. To push yourself. To venture out of your comfort zone.
When can you expect more of yourself?
