The Audacity to Be First
When was the last time you went first?
“ She was my high school classmate but she didn’t even smile,” I complained to my husband after we passed by a High School classmate. “Did you smile at her first?”, my husband asked. I didn’t.
Being the first makes us vulnerable. We fear of being embarrassed, rejected, or ignored. And so we wait. We wait for someone to brave the risk so we can safely follow. That way we can reap the benefits without exposing ourselves to failure.
But what if no one steps forward first? Until when will we wait?
Go first this time. Yes, you may be embarrassed, rejected, or ignored. Or you can also be accepted, validated, and celebrated. They may say no but they may also say yes. If that yes will improve your situation and open the way for more yeses, why would you let the fear of rejection stop you from getting it?
Are you scared because you never started anything big in your life? Start small. Start by being the first to smile. It’s harmless and easy. It just takes a few facial muscles. What’s the worst thing that can happen when you smile first? You will be ignored. Will that make you feel bad? Maybe. But what’s the best thing that can happen? There’s no telling. It may brighten someone’s day. It may lead to a friendship. It may even give rise to…
