Recently, I have been mulling over some pretty heavy life decisions. They are rarely fun, but provide an opportunity to examine the next steps in my life; where I want to go, where I want to end up, and what kinds of experiences do I want to have along the way?
Perhaps it is the 30-year life crisis (I’m only half joking), or perhaps it is this city that makes me itch for more, but I’m developing the plan as I write this newsletter.
I can’t show my cards just yet, but something is coming. I’ve been speaking to a lot of friends and advisers and I have decided that it is time for me to go all-in and figure out which avenue I want in my life.
The first piece of that puzzle is all about fear. Prior to moving the New York City, I was giving a lot of speeches and presenting a lot of workshops. But when I moved, I stopped developing that business and the calls stopped coming in. That ends now.
Sure, I’m afraid that the phone won’t ring again, but I know I have something to say. So, I’m diving in. Head first.
But before I, or anyone, can embrace life and go after tough goals, we must be completely open. We have to look fear in the face.
What am I afraid of?
FAILING
Yeah, this one is no fun. But sometimes “failing” leads to something new and unexpected. Just think about scientists who are looking for a solution to problem “x” and stumble upon something even better.
The perfect example of this scenario is the discovery of penicillin by scientist Alexander Fleming in 1928; by accident. His discovery changed the course of medicine around the globe. And he “failed” in his original mission.
FALLING SHORT
I love watching the Olympics. There is great competition and great stories to get lost in for 16 days. Last year in London, one of my favorite athletes, Matthew Mitcham was in London to defend his 10M diving gold medal.
Prior to the Games, he battled drugs and injuries, but he made there. Sadly, Mitcham did not make it to the finals, and he fell short. But after the Games, he shared his story and described the feeling of not defending his gold, vowing to return. Losing rekindled his passion.
These are the reasons I am diving in. I’m either going to make it or not. But it’s a journey worth taking.
