All our dreams can come true — if we have the courage to pursue them
There are many of us who are utterly terrified of failing, and who quiver at thoughts of not achieving their goals — no matter the goal.
In full disclosure, sometimes I’m guilty of this. Rarely, am I persuaded to change this.
That’s because in many ways, like so many of you, a fear of failure has been greatly benefited me.
Those of us who are risk-adverse often develop a reputation for success. When we set out to do something, we do it. But often, we avoid the things that present the highest chance of failure.
It makes perfect sense: why spend your time doing something that will not lead to success? The answer to this lies in how we define success.
If your definition of success means doing the things that you currently have the ability to do, then you’re missing out on a key element.
The truth is that if we are not stretched, we can not grow.
Success should be not limited to one’s current ability, but also about potential and growth. If succeeding means that you’ve learned and you’ve grown then you can not lose.
Nelson Mandela once said, “I never lose. Either I win or I learn.” Everyday we should strive to make that true for us.
Life is about learning. Maybe you fail at achieving a resolution. The good news is that at the very least, you learned and you’re probably better positioned to make better goals next time around. Wayne Gretzky said “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I take it further and say “the quicker you miss the shot, the sooner you can adjust and get it right.” Resist the urge to only set goals within your comfort zone. If meaningful change was easy, there’d be no need for resolutions in the first person and everyone would already be perfect.
Take a risk and channel your fear of failure — feel it, believe it, and let it drive you. But never forget that the worst thing that can happen is that you will grow and learn, and that either way, you’ll be better for it.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky
