Ever since I was young I've told myself "I'm not good enough."
Ever since I was young, I was always too small and never quite smart enough. My soccer coach, and best friend's dad, told me I would always have to work harder, be more disciplined, be more daring when everyone else didn't seem to have to. I think he told me this because he too, was exactly like me when he was young.
I'm not here to tell you I have completely exorcised my demons. And I'm not saying that I've completely overcome this core belief and perception of myself. I'm imperfectly, perfect. What I can say is that a shift away from this perception is possible because I've experienced it. I never won a gold medal (or any medal at all) or even any kind of championship. In fact, I've probably failed more times that I have succeeded.
And yet, I am still here. Breathing. Living. Present in my life.
Failure is my greatest teacher, for it has taught me how to surrender. To accept the things I can't change and control the things I can. Because I fail, I've committed my life to a never-ending journey of practice, learning and taking risks. Because I fail, I've learned the all empowering gift of gratitude discovered what truly matter most in my life: to live my life more from a place of love, hope and possibility. By living this way, living on this never-ending journey, this master's path, it will never, ever let me down. In success and in failure. And ever since I was young, to small and never quite smart enough, I told myself I would never, never, give up.
My name is Nicholas Knutzen. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I use my journey and experience to inspire others to bring vision, leadership and joy of the heart. I am a personal mastery and vision coach for men. I'm also a chef, a boyfriend, dog-owner, cross-fitter, son, brother, uncle and poet.
I look forward to listening to your story someday, with curiosity and a heart aroused.
-NK
