The Chocolate or the Pillar
Drawing from a mentorship session with Amanda Akushie and Yvonne Quashie, a relatable scene unfolds:
A woman arrives at the office with her lively toddler in tow, injecting a dose of energy into the environment. The toddler’s enthusiastic requests for freedom echo through the halls, catching the attention of the branch manager, who emerges with two small chocolates in hand.
The toddler, positioned near the office door, grasps onto a nearby pillar for stability, torn between curiosity and caution. Despite the manager’s friendly gestures, her fear of letting go keeps her rooted to the spot, her tiny fingers clinging tightly to the pillar.
Though the scenario portrays a child’s struggle, its parallels to adult experiences are unmistakable. Just as the toddler hesitates, so too do we often find ourselves clinging to familiar habits and routines out of fear of the unknown.
In echoing the manager’s encouragement, the world beckons with opportunities for those willing to take risks. Yet, our ambitions can sometimes be stifled by apprehension, hindering our progress.
From the comfort of routine to the fear of failure, various “pillars” can hold us back from reaching our full potential. However, by prioritizing our passions and facing our fears head-on, we can break free from these limitations and pursue our goals with determination.
Embracing Amanda’s empowering mantra of “and so what?” encourages us to confront our fears and challenge the status quo. It reminds us that growth often lies on the other side of discomfort.
Indeed, fear can be both a stumbling block and a driving force for change. By acknowledging our fears and using them as motivation, we can push past our limitations and achieve our aspirations.
In our pursuit of success, let us remember that fear is a natural part of the journey—a challenge to be overcome rather than avoided. So let us cast aside our “pillars” of comfort and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that the rewards “Chocolates” await those who dare to seize them.
