Should it be Easier? (The Breakdown Before the Breakthrough)

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“Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” – Brene Brown

One of the things I hear often from clients on their quest to find their soul purpose is that things will be easier once they find it. Whilst being on purpose is definitely the way to a meaningful life, the heroine’s journey consists of distinct stages. You can read an article I wrote about the heroine’s journey here.

I’ve also enjoyed visiting this concept in my latest book Healing the Heart of Your Business. We are often lead to believe that once we’re on purpose, everything will fall into place seamlessly.

The fact is, the heroine may have refused the calling on her life several times before a crisis prompts her to re-evaluate everything. She usually faces several trials and tribulations in her commitment to her cause. Her perception of what these trials and tribulations mean will determine whether she continues strong and committed on the road less travelled. Or, whether she goes the way that many go, a life of quiet desperation where her dreams remain secret longings inside her heart.

The breakdown before the breakthrough is common when embarking on a path that has your heart and soul firmly committed to it. The breakdown usually happens because there is a false footing in place (this is usually a false belief) and this false footing is no place to build your empress chambers. Unfortunately, sometimes you need to come face to face with your ugliest, shadow side before you can truly show up with full integrity. Otherwise, there will always be a quiet uneasiness which shows up as an internal dialogue saying something like this –
‘what if they find out I’ve got this defect?’

Denying or pushing aside our shortcomings is often one of the reasons breakdowns occur. Facing and owning up to our shortcomings with full vulnerability is one of the catalysts for a breakthrough. Having a firm footing in reality and the ability to easefully and gracefully move onto your next level is a reward for seeing the cycles for what they are. There is nothing you need to hide.

As Brene Brown says “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”

One of the frustrations in the entrepreneurial journey is that women see their breakdowns as signs that they’re not making progress. They think that a breakdown takes them right back to the beginning. They lament that all the work they’ve done on themselves has not taken them to the place they want to be, that they haven’t evolved enough. For women on a spiritual path, this is especially common and can also be especially painful.

Here is where the true beauty in the entrepreneurial heroine’s journey lies. The real breakthrough is in the non-attachment to outcome. True breakthroughs come with full surrender to what is, no matter how it appears. Unfortunately, Western society is particularly sensitive to appearances. However, the deep internal growth that is occurring cannot be measured by outside appearances. Sometimes a breakdown might show up as ugly, unattractive, undesirable. However, right on the flipside is the beauty, easefulness and desirability that your heart has been seeking.
I would love to hear your opinions on this. Please leave your comments below. I’d love to hear if you’ve got a story to share about your breakdown before a breakthrough.
Perhaps you are on the verge of one now!