“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” – George Herman “Babe” Ruth
What I really wanted to call this post was, “How to Live an Epic Life.” But sorry, I couldn’t resist the sports analogy. (MLB has started and March Madness is still swirling.) To me, living an epic life means doing what I am afraid to do. It means following my heart to find passion, fulfillment, and freedom. But this can be scary. It means doing what is uncomfortable and uncertain. It means being bold instead of holding back.
“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.” – Paulo Coelho
But that’s how life goes. (Here is where the sports analogy comes in by the way.) We can step up to the plate with the chance of hitting it out of the park, or we can sit on the sideline, feeling safe and watching from a distance. In life this means rising to challenges and overcoming fear so we can uncover our purpose, passion, and potential. This has been a struggle for me in life. When I played baseball as a kid, I was literally afraid of getting hit by the ball. I was afraid of striking out too. I didn’t want to step up to the plate because I was afraid. I was playing not to lose instead of playing to win. (This is the final mental toughness principle from the Becoming Unstoppable ecourse if you want to check it out.) That is why sports are such a wonderful analogy for life. Life is a game and can win or lose. We never know for sure what will happen, but we have to play the game to have a chance for victory.
“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold.” – Helen Keller
Unfortunately, many people would rather be on the sidelines watching the game instead of playing it. They are afraid to lose so they hold back and never share their talent and gifts with the world. Does this resonate with you? Are you really in the game? I mean fully invested in the game of life? The sideline, or dugout, or bench, or whatever you want to call it, is certainly more comfortable and safe, right? You get to hang out, relax, and drink beer. But the problem is, you’ll never know what was really possible if you stay there. If you are fulfilled and happy about being on the sidelines that is great. I am speaking to those of you who are getting tired of settling and feeling like an underdog. So, first and foremost, simply be honest whether you are “in the game,” or “in the stands.” Are you settling for a comfortable and safe life on the sideline? If so, I have a challenge for you. Decide today to do one thing you have been putting off or feel afraid to do. Go take action and get in the game. Live bold and live now! Call that person you have wanted to connect with. Start writing the book you have always wanted to write. Take the next best step toward starting your business, or go get the gym membership you keep putting off.
“The most important key to achieving great success is to decide upon your goal and launch, get started, take action, move.” – John Wooden
This is what life is all about! Playing the game, and not being afraid to lose along the way. If you strike out, strike out swinging! Don’t be left alone in the stands! Join the conversation below! When have you pushed the limits? Where are you holding back and ready to move forward?
