I would be lying if I said that I venture out of my comfort zone on a regular basis. I would also be lying if I said I took a lot of risks. It’s always my intent to take risks but that’s usually where it stops - on the intent side of things, rather than the action side of things. But what I’ve learned in just a few short years is that with risk comes great reward; rewards that are intangible, and can only be redeemed by your inner self. This is precisely why, in order to move past all the lame distractions holding us back from our real unlimited potential (Facebook, Instagram, and HBO to name a few), you have to do things that you’re really afraid of. I’m not talking about cutting across the 405 to the fast lane afraid. I’m talking, completely out of your comfort zone, people start to wonder who you are at the end of it all afraid. THAT is when it gets good. THAT is when personal growth takes place. THAT is when status quo and stagnation can no longer satisfy.
In an attempt to lead by example, I faced a huge fear last weekend: I went Standup Paddleboarding in the middle of the pacific ocean (with no life vest mind you). The funny thing is, I never really knew the severity of this fear until I was actually out in the middle of the open water, and then it dawned on me: “I could drown out here in the middle of the ocean right now or a great white could jump out of the water all shark-week style and eat me for breakfast and then I would be gone, forever, like that.” It was overcast that morning, so I blame most of my morbid thoughts (fears) on that. BUT, the point is that I did it. I did something that terrified me, and made me really uncomfortable. . . . and I’m a better person for it. I feel like I can’t turn back now. The momentum has begun.
So, what is it that you’re afraid of? What’s holding you back? And what are you doing about it? Let’s openly discuss fear. Share yours. Or share your intentions or triumphs in the comments section.
