We recently did a little post on instagram, asking what are things ya'll would like to listen to discussed in a podcast, or which problems you were currently facing in life at the moment.

One of the responses was a listener who felt unprepared for a new calling/ volunteer position in their church congregation. 

So...we did some digging, soul searching, and memory sharing, and came up with a few takeaways for when we're feeling overwhelmed and underqualified.

MIND: Remember that it’s not a reflection on you

Our inadequacies come from fear-- fear of not being good enough, fear that others will see us as what we are...which is messy and imperfect, or worse-- fear that they will judge us for being human. When we allow fear to take over, it usually means that we are in our own heads. 

Yes, you are the one in the position, but at the end of the day, it’s about the people we are serving and developing connections and relationships with. If everything we do in that capacity is a reflection on us, it’s not going to go well. If it's all about us, there is no room for mistakes, and that sets us up for failure.

BODY: Fit it into your life

Maybe set up a reminder for yourself to keep it on your radar. Fit whatever it is into YOUR life. It doesn't need to completely take over. We can find a balance that works for us individually.

Also fit it into your personality. What is one way I can approach this situation that is unique to my talents and personality? We each have strengths and the ability to contribute in a way that is personal to us. Remember that what YOU have to offer--whatever that looks like, in any capacity, is needed.

PURPOSE: Be open-minded

Your way might look different, and it should because we aren’t cookie-cutter people. Just because something has always been done one way, doesn’t mean that’s the way it needs to keep going. You might see things differently, and that is awesome! Bring your perspective. 

Sometimes we think “this is going to be hard-- a huge commitment” etc. without the open-minded freedom to believe it will fit in my life with my personality and abilities, AND I can do it.

Try to wrap your head around being open to the discomfort that might come along with growth. Most things that are worthwhile will in some way, shape, or form, stretch us. There may be some difficult relationship moments as we work with other people and have differing opinions, but there might also be amazing moments where we are able to interact with people from different perspectives that enhance ours.

Hopefully today's takeaways can help us when we feel unprepared for something we are facing. Hard things require a lot of courage and vulnerability...which aren't usually fun to feel, but worth the endeavor. You've got this.

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