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Bren G's avatar

You hit the bullseye for me today Terrell! My heart goes out to your son and everyone else who feels the anguish of self doubt despite their solid abilities and successes. I know the feeling all too well...and the regret of self induced loss of opportunities that could have been. Could've and should've are really sad words so I'm going to dedicate February to practicing today's sage advice. Best wishes to everyone else struggling to overcome self doubt. 💔

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you so much, Bren! Right back at ya 👍

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Bren G's avatar

Thank you for your support Terrell! On a more positive note, I'd like to offer an observation learned from decades of work as a certified Change and project manager in several industries. While financial institutions rightly warn that past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance, that principle does NOT apply to people. While economics fluctuate due to all kinds of influences, when people aquire a skill...and try to use it as needed...past performance IS a strong indicator of future performance - which is why hiring managers demand resumes/ CV. At every start line I desperately cling to this fact to push away the self doubt. Doesn't always work to settle the jitters, but it gets me to the finish line every time. Apologies for being so wordy today...

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Not at all! These posts are intended to start conversations, not to be the last word by any stretch of the imagination — I love hearing your thoughts.

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Bren G's avatar

As a rather extreme introvert, I thank you again for making this a safe space to have conversations! ❤ P.S. Congrats to your son on such a brilliant recovery from his fear of math problems. I never overcame that one...kudos to him!!

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Janine Koller Egizi's avatar

I had a bit of a tumble half way through my long run yesterday. It shook me up a bit because it's been awhile since this has happened ( but seriously when you're running more then a thousand miles a year, its bound to happen sometimes). So at 7 miles instead of 13 or so as I had planned. I called my husband, my wingman, and asked him to pick me up in his car. I only had a few minor scrapes and torn gloves, knees of my leggings. I knew I had to get out there today if only for 4 miles to prove this was just a minor set back. I almost talked myself out of it. But I shook myself off and got back on the horse. Reading this today really helped! Thank you for your daily inspiring words. Kara is one of my running idols and just knowing she struggles like the rest of us, is a comforting thought.

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Gara Doll's avatar

Hope you feel better tomorrow also!

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Colleen Schmidt's avatar

Needed to hear this! Thanks, Terrell!

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Corrina T.'s avatar

Beautifully written Terrell! Thank you! I needed this. 👍🏼

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Corrina!

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Brian Pillsbury's avatar

Thank you Terrell. This is exactly what I needed to hear. You are the man.

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Brian! 🙏 I’m so glad it resonated with you.

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Maria's avatar

33 years after my last math class, and I still have the nightmare of sitting in a lecture hall to take a math test I never studied for.😫

I feel for your son, though it sounds like he’s got this!

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Terrell Johnson's avatar

Yikes! I know that feeling too! 😬

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Gara Doll's avatar

Great story! Word problems are hard for me too! Negative self talk is a "vicious reel" holding us back from moving forward. So glad your son did well on the test!!👍👍👍

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