Chicken and Egg

The age-old question of "which came first, the chicken or the egg?" often symbolizes the ambiguity of origins. We use this phrase to express uncertainty about causality, acknowledging that sometimes the starting point is irrelevant to the present situation. But what if we could choose our own starting point? What if we could decide whether we have the chicken or the egg?

We often encounter situations that feel like we don’t have the prerequisites that others possess to achieve. A common example is people feel like they don’t have the energy to get up early and work-out without realizing it takes getting up early and working out to have that energy. This creates a mental barrier, a self-imposed limitation that convinces us we lack what we need to succeed. What if we could rewrite this and determine that we could do this, by doing the other? Essentially, we choose our chicken. We choose our egg.

But what if we could rewrite this narrative? What if we could choose our "chicken" or our "egg"? What if, instead of waiting for energy to magically appear, we simply began exercising, trusting that the energy would follow? By taking action, we might find that the very act of exercising leads to healthier choices, increased energy, and ultimately, the fulfillment of the "prerequisites" we thought we lacked.

This concept aligns with the idea of "faking it till you make it." While often associated with confidence, it applies to various situations. By "faking it," we choose our starting point, placing ourselves in situations that foster growth and learning. For instance, by acting confident, we open ourselves to experiences that build genuine confidence. Similarly, by engaging in a new field, we acquire the knowledge and skills that eventually make us feel competent.

While helpful, these terms can sometimes obscure the true nature of success. We aren't merely faking it; we are demonstrating courage by stepping outside our comfort zones, embracing discomfort, and creating opportunities for learning and growth. We choose to have the "chicken" first because we believe in our ability to shape our own destiny. We take responsibility for what we can control and use it to become the people we want to be.

Ultimately, these concepts are exercises in mindset control. They encourage us to identify misalignments between our lives and goals and then make the necessary internal adjustments. Our mindset shapes our perception of the world. When our world seems to hinder our goals, we must examine whether this is truly the case or simply a reflection of our limiting beliefs. By choosing our "chicken" or our "egg," we break free from these limitations and empower ourselves to create the reality we desire.