Avoiding the 'Home-Run Syndrome' and the Paralysis of Fear

The fear of failure may become a monster that can devour. It can force one into a state of ‘Perfection Paralysis’ that can convince Black men in corporate spaces that they must achieve 100% perfection – to hit a home run every time they come up to bat. In this episode, we discuss these fears and how to take a healthier approach to them, freeing ourselves to grow, thrive, and be whole.

Scriptural Reference: 2 Timothy 1:7 - “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

Guest: Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Academy of Preaching and Celebration, Christian Theological Seminary

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Dr. Thomas’ Bookshelf: A collection of his writings and reflections
Video: Dr. Thomas at the Hampton Preachers Conference

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About the Podcast

The Corporate Minister

The Corporate Minister podcast is a safe space dedicated to the hearts and minds of Professional Men of Color.

Our objective is to speak a word of support, encouragement, and healing to Professional Men of Color, as well as to those who love and support them. We also seek to provide a means for others to understand them -- their hopes, dreams, and challenges – in order to bridge the gaps and create a dialogue.

Our guiding principles in these discussions are the Word of God and the love of Jesus Christ. Our bedrock scripture and the one that underpins all of our work here can be found in Matthew 11:28-29 where it is written:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

About your host

Dwayne Dixon

Rev. Dwayne Dixon is a Technology Executive with over 25 years of corporate experience, including successful stints at IBM, Xerox, and currently Microsoft, where he is a Financial Services Executive Director. He is Licensed and Ordained (National Baptist Convention, USA) and serves bi-vocationally as an Associate Minister at Progressive Baptist Church in St. Paul, MN. Additionally, Rev. Dixon is a member of the National Clergy Council of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Rev. Dixon is a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Omicron Boule), Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (Life Member), Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity (Life Member), and 100 Black Men of America. He holds a B.S. degree from Southern Illinois University and is an M.A. candidate at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

Click here to contact Rev. Dixon by email