Sep 5, 2022
With Sterling Hawkins, Motivational Speaker, Author, and Business Consultant
Have you ever resisted trying something because it reminded you of a similar situation in the past that didn’t work out? It’s human nature to turn away when we are triggered by painful memories or feel uncomfortable. We feel that sense of anxiety churning in our stomach, and it’s so uncomfortable that our first impulse is to make those feelings stop. That discomfort is so powerful, that instead of pursuing our desired goal we find ourselves settling for less than what we want simply because of our past disappointments. We don’t want to experience that pain again so we may convince ourselves that it’s just not meant to be. But if you want to learn and grow, you need to face that discomfort head on. Acknowledging those uncomfortable feelings is not the same as admitting defeat. In fact, it could actually be the key to our success.
Today we’re talking with Sterling Hawkins. He’s an international motivational speaker, author, and business consultant who helps Fortune 500 companies connect with their target customers and identify their best solutions. If painful memories are preventing you from reaching your goals, Sterling’s new book, Hunting Discomfort, gives step-by-step instructions on how to get past those feelings and the toxic beliefs that are blocking your progress.
What You’ll Hear on This Episode:
- Was Sterling always comfortable speaking in public?
- What did Sterling study and previously do in his career?
- What made Sterling become a public speaker?
- When did Sterling first realize that the only way forward was to face discomfort and go through it?
- What was Sterling’s first public speaking job like and what was his message?
- Why is turning away from discomfort destructive?
- What are some of the ways people experience discomfort?
- How did Sterling work through his discomfort and become a public speaker?
- Where did Sterling’s fear of public speaking start?
- How did Sterling overcome the fear of public speaking?
- What is Sterling’s Five Step System?
- What is the #NoMatterWhat Movement?
- A personal story from Sterling.
Today’s Takeaway:
We don’t have to deny ourselves personal success or achievements just because it hasn’t worked out in the past. Instead, think of today as a fresh start and a chance for a do over. Are you willing to pursue your dream no matter what? If so, the first step is identifying the obstacles that have previously blocked you from reaching your goals. Allowing your past to control your future limits your true potential. It’s important to remember that the past is simply that! It has little or no bearing on the present or the future unless we choose to let it. Don’t resign yourself and think, “This is just the way it is.” It doesn’t have to be if you're willing to do the hard work by facing your discomfort. Start by thinking of your belief system as a muscle that needs to be exercised. Remember the very first time you tried a physical fitness workout, and you were convinced you’d never be able to do it? But over time and with repetition, you were successful. Remember how wonderful it felt when, despite your doubts ,you pushed through the discomfort to get the desired results? It’s the same thing with challenging our beliefs. We need to push past those thoughts that are crippling our progress. Instead of accepting the status quo, dream bigger and reach higher. Challenge yourself. Stop letting those feelings of doubt and fear block you. Do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Make that commitment. That new and different experience could be just what you need to jumpstart the future that you’ve always dreamed of. As Sterling says, growth is only possible if we lean into the discomfort and face it head on. Remember that every day is a gift and the gift of feeling that discomfort could lead to growth and ultimately put you on the path to success. I know you can do it! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”
Quotes:
- “Results are always on the other side; for me and for all of us.” - Sterling
- “I avoided discomfort for many years.” - Sterling
- “Your greatest challenges are the doorways to what will become your greatest successes.” - Sterling
- “The way out is through, you just have to have the courage to go through no matter what.” - Sterling
- “You’re not hunting discomfort; you're living with it and probably rationalizing why you have it.” - Sterling
- “When you embrace discomfort, turn towards it instead of turning away from it, in a way it’s embracing all of you.” - Sterling
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