When my wife and I made the decision to “go pro,” we quickly faced pushback from those around us—particularly in the ministry world. Well-meaning people questioned our motives, asking things like, “Who do you think you are?” or “How could you even consider charging that much?” These comments were difficult to navigate at first, but we soon learned how to let them roll off our backs and stay true to our vision.
If you’re on a similar journey, you may face similar doubts from others. But here’s the truth: most of the objections you encounter have more to do with how those people have chosen to live their own lives, rather than your own path. Once you step into your true potential, you’ll make some people uncomfortable—but that’s okay. You’re stepping into a world that has always existed within you, even if others haven’t seen it yet.
Welcome to Success Sundays with Harrison. I’m Harrison Wilder, a corporate strategist and entrepreneur with an Executive MBA from George Washington University. Over the years, I’ve managed multimillion-dollar companies and advised top executives. In this blog, I’ll share insights and strategies to help you thrive in today’s competitive business world.
What It Really Means to “Go Pro”
When we talk about “going pro,” it’s not just a career move—it’s a mindset shift. As it says in Ephesians 4:22-24, “put off your old self” and “put on the new self.” Going pro means putting off who you thought you were—or who others said you should be—and embracing who you truly are.
In essence, it’s about giving yourself permission to define your own identity. But here’s the kicker: others won’t acknowledge your transformation until you first recognize it within yourself. No one will call you a millionaire until you call yourself one. No one will treat you as a professional until you do the same. It all starts with how you see yourself.
Throughout your life, people will try to place labels on you. They’ll put limits on what they think you’re capable of. But the truth is, only you can decide who you are and what you’re meant to do. Going pro isn’t about wearing a mask or pretending to be someone else. It’s about embracing the person you’ve always been deep down.
One powerful tool that can help you in this journey is affirmation. Start by declaring things like:
- “I submit to my true potential.”
- “I surrender to the professional I was always meant to be.”
- “I am a pro.”
Each time you affirm your worth, you push away the insecurity, fear, and low self-value that have been holding you back. You were made in the image of God, and you have something valuable to offer the world. Now, it’s time to let that out.
The Giraffe and Turtle Metaphor: Understanding Different Perspectives
One of the most influential messages I’ve ever heard came from Bishop TD Jakes, who shared a powerful metaphor about giraffes and turtles. These two animals occupy the same space but have drastically different worldviews. Giraffes eat from the tops of trees, while turtles stay low to the ground, feeding on grass.
In life, you and I are like giraffes—we operate at a higher level of vision. Turtles, on the other hand, see the world differently, often criticizing our perspective because they can’t understand it. It’s not that turtles are wrong; they’re simply reporting from their level. But the danger comes when we, as giraffes, lower our heads to turtle level. When a giraffe lowers its head too far, it risks passing out. Likewise, when we compromise our vision to appease others, we lose sight of who we truly are.
If you’ve ever lost time or opportunities by listening to the opinions of others—especially those who didn’t share your vision—you’re not alone. But it’s time to stop acquiescing to the murmurs of turtles and start living like the giraffe you are.
Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
One of the biggest hurdles to going pro is learning to embrace discomfort. Let’s be honest: it’s not always easy. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I was truly “comfortable.” But I also can’t remember a time when I felt more alive, more on purpose, and more fulfilled.
Let me walk you through a quick exercise: Interlock your fingers and notice where your thumbs naturally fall. Now, switch their positions. How does it feel? Uncomfortable, right? But discomfort is often a sign that you’re growing. The same goes for stepping into your professional identity. Whether it’s pricing your services, marketing yourself, or speaking in front of others, you’ll experience moments of discomfort. But these moments are what separate the amateurs from the pros.
Any great achievement likely didn’t come without its challenges. Think back to a time you were proud of something you accomplished. Did it come easily? Probably not. That sense of discomfort is part of the journey, and it makes the reward that much sweeter.
It’s easy to crave comfort, but here’s a truth, not many people will tell you: not fulfilling your potential is even more uncomfortable. Every day that you let pass without stepping into who you were meant to be feels like a wasted opportunity. I’d rather endure the discomfort of growth than settle for a life where I’m not reaching my full potential.
I’ll never forget walking the streets of Paris with my wife and kids after flying first class—an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. It made me realize that all the discomfort was worth it. If you stay committed, you’ll see the same results in your life too.
Success Challenge of the Week
Here’s your challenge for the week: Make a decision to go pro. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the steps figured out yet. What matters most is committing to the destination. Too many people drift through life without a clear goal, but you can be different. Decide that you’re going pro—right now.
As we continue on this journey together, I’ll be sharing the exact steps that have helped others achieve their biggest dreams. But it all starts with this one decision. So, put your hand over your heart and say it aloud: “I’m going pro.”
If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you. My team and I are always looking to create content that resonates with you, so feel free to leave a comment. I’ll see you in the next episode!
Until then, remember—great businesses and leaders are built through effective communication. For more insights, visit speakingschool.com and grab my free Elite Business Success Toolkit. See you next time!