Remember that feeling right before a roller coaster drops? Your heart races, your palms sweat, and your stomach does a little flip. It’s a mix of exhilaration and fear—a thrill you both dread and anticipate. This same sensation often surfaces in life when we’re on the brink of something big.
In Rick Tamlyn’s Bigger Game framework, this feeling is known as the “gulp” moment. It’s that split second when you acknowledge the uncertainty ahead, the risk involved, and yet, a powerful part of you knows you need to move forward. This blog post is all about embracing the gulp moment and understanding its role in your bigger game.
What is a Gulp Moment?
According to Tamlyn, a gulp moment is that pivotal point where you’re standing on the precipice of bold action, but you’re also facing a whirlwind of emotions. It’s a mix of fear and excitement, uncertainty and anticipation, all swirling together. Your mind might race through all the what-ifs, and your body might react with physical sensations like a knot in your stomach or shortness of breath.
This visceral reaction isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a natural response when you’re pushing yourself beyond familiar territory. The “Gulp” signals that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and into a space of immense growth potential. Embracing this feeling, instead of resisting it, is a key part of playing a bigger game.
Normalizing Fear as Part of Growth
It’s completely natural to want to back away from that “gulp” feeling. That knot in your stomach is your body’s way of alerting you to the unknown. But while that discomfort might feel alarming, it’s not necessarily a signal to retreat.
In fact, avoiding these gulp moments can lead to missed opportunities and keep you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. When you avoid the discomfort, you might miss out on the chance to learn new skills, meet inspiring people, or experience the thrill of personal growth. If you consistently shy away from the “gulp,” you risk stagnation and never reaching your full potential within your bigger game.
Instead of viewing fear as a warning sign, try reframing it as a compass pointing towards growth. That adrenaline rush? It’s not anxiety, it’s excitement disguised as fear! Embrace those moments of discomfort as signals that you’re on the brink of something new and potentially transformative.
Strategies for Embracing the Gulp
Feeling that familiar knot in your stomach when faced with a challenge or opportunity? Here are some tools to help you move through fear and embrace those gulp moments.
Recognize Fear as a Response
When you’re about to step into a new challenge or opportunity, your heart might pound, your palms may sweat, and you might feel a knot in your stomach. It’s a normal physiological response, designed to protect you from potential danger. However, in our modern world, this fight-or-flight response often gets triggered by perceived threats, like the fear of failure or judgment from others.
It’s important to recognize that this fear is just a feeling – a wave of energy that will pass through you. It’s not a sign of weakness or a reason to back down. By acknowledging the fear and its physiological manifestations, you can create distance between yourself and the emotion. This helps you gain control and choose a response instead of being controlled by the fear itself.
Mindfulness and Deep Breathing
Once you acknowledge the fear, mindfulness and deep breathing techniques can be incredibly helpful in managing those physical sensations. Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. It can be as simple as observing your breath, noticing the sensations in your body, or simply acknowledging your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
Deep breathing exercises can be particularly effective in calming your nervous system and reducing feelings of anxiety. One simple technique is diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing. Repeating this several times can help to slow your heart rate and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Reframing Negative Thoughts
Fear often comes with a barrage of negative thoughts, like “I can’t do this” or “I’m going to fail.” These thoughts can amplify your anxiety and paralyze you from taking action. The key is to challenge those negative thoughts and reframe them in a more positive and empowering light.
For example, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” rephrase it as “This is a challenge, but I’m capable of learning and growing.” Instead of thinking “I’m going to fail,” shift your focus to “I’m willing to try, and even if I don’t succeed immediately, I’ll learn valuable lessons along the way.” By consciously choosing to focus on the potential benefits of taking bold action, you can shift your mindset from fear to optimism and possibility.
Visualization Exercises
Visualization is another powerful tool for managing fear and embracing gulp moments. Before taking bold action, close your eyes and create a vivid mental picture of yourself successfully navigating the challenge or opportunity. Imagine yourself confidently stepping forward, overcoming obstacles, and achieving your desired outcome. Incorporate as much detail as possible, engaging all your senses.
Repeatedly visualizing yourself succeeding helps program your mind to believe in the possibility, making it easier to take that first step and face the unknown. This technique can help you to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and leverage the energy of the “gulp.”
The Gulp Moment as a Gateway to Growth
The next time you feel that familiar knot in your stomach before a bold action, remember, it’s not your enemy. It’s your gulp moment, your body’s way of signaling a potential for growth. Embrace the fear, breathe through the discomfort, and remind yourself of your strength and resilience. The “gulp” is your unexpected ally, pushing you towards a bigger and bolder life.
If you’re ready to transform fear into fuel for growth and live a life aligned with your purpose, I’m here to help. As a leadership development coach trained in Rick Tamlyn’s Bigger Game framework, I have a deep understanding of the role fear and gulp moments play in your journey. Contact me today, and let’s explore how coaching can empower you to embrace the gulp and play your biggest game.