The Turning Point for the Little Blue Engine

Self doubt is a natural part of being human. And we all deal with it differently. Some are paralyzed by it while others seem to carry little to none at all. I think the majority of us live somewhere in the middle where our confidence can still allow us to overcome it. In a perfect world, we should all be honest with ourselves enough to recognize our own limitations. But not everyone can. So how do we overcome those feelings and invite success?

The famous children's book The Little Blue Engine was written back in 1930 and still serves as a great example of overcoming self-doubt. Most people forget how our protagonist had to deal with her own reluctancies. After arriving at the scene, the desperate clown asked her to help move the train. The Little Blue Engine's head spun and her immediate reaction was to put all of the facts on the table in open evaluation.

"I'm not very big," said the Little Blue Engine. "They use me only for switching trains in the yard. I have never been over the mountain."

All of these facts, of course, are true. We are hearing some of her own self doubt. At this pivotal point, it sure doesn't seem like the Little Blue Engine is going to help. But then there becomes a motive and that motive is emotional.

"But we must get over the mountain before the children awake," said all the dolls and the toys.

In this world, a morning with no toys would be utterly incomprehensible. There must be toys out before the children awake, of course. Then, the kicker. The Little Blue Engine sees a glimpse of what would happen if she didn't act.

The very little engine looked up and saw the tears in the dolls' eyes. And she thought of the good little boys and girls on the other side of the mountain who would not have any toys or good food unless she helped.

That's all she needed. That push. And the rest is that beautiful "I think I can" mantra. Self doubt needs motivation, purpose and confidence to erase it. It means finding your "why" and visualizing the affects of inaction.

Can you?

I think I can.