Recently one of the team members in the Zero Limits Mastermind shared a great article on words of wisdom passed on from Business leaders to college graduates at commencement. (You can read the entire article here)
As I read through, I noticed there seemed to be a common theme that these titans of their respected industries were trying to impart on the next generation: Take risks and pursue your passions.
The concept is not a new one - heck I would guess in a slow week I hear the above phrase no less than 10 times.
Yet for some reason while reading this article, I started thinking of my own journey and where I am at professionally at this moment.
I love helping people - it has been what I have wanted to do since I was a little kid, (aside from being a professional basketball player) and I want to be able to grow my ability to help people.
For that to happen, for me to move forward towards doing more of what I want, I have to be willing to put myself out there in a way I have not done before. Some might call this "taking a risk."
You see the old adage, "nothing changes if nothing changes," is so true. Change is constant in our world yet so often there is so much fear around change.
Earlier this year I took a massive step forward professionally by announcing I would be hosting my first live event called Unlock Your Greatness. This was a huge step out of my comfort zone as it took me from an area I was totally comfortable in, working one on one with folks, and put me in a new realm of event planning, coordinating, and teaching to audiences of many.
I'll be honest, I was scared. My biggest fear was "What if no one signs up... what if it is just me in the room and all I could hear is crickets chirping in the background (Do crickets even chirp?)."
I hemed, I hawed, I dilly dallied, I weighed the pros and cons, I tried to make every excuse under the sun of why now is not the right time; and it all almost worked except for I kept coming back to the one thing that was my trump card for all the excuses: my passion.
I kept asking myself if my life will ever be fulfilled at the level I want it to be if I spent my whole life not sharing my gifts on the level I know I am capable of. The answer kept coming up no; and you know what? That no was way way wayyyyyy more terrifying than the fear of the crickets that might be chirping.
I kept worrying that to move forward I had to risk giving up my comfort zone. Then I stopped myself and reminded myself that the real risk was if I stayed put... how much of my passion, my purpose, my joy and happiness in life would I be giving up? OUCH!
It is true, to move forward you may have to leave your current comfort zone behind. What I might argue is the whole concept of "risk taking."
I believe the greatest risk in life is risk-less living. I believe that far more pain awaits us if we never try than even if we do and fall flat on our faces.
We are meant to grow, to change, to evolve, and to move forward. Ahead lies the fruits of our labor, the joy, the happiness, and the love we seek.
Where we are might be ok, but will it ever be great?
Hmmmm... Something to think about.
What are your thoughts? I look forward to reading your comments.
Carpe Diem,
Jesse
http://www.jessebrisendine.com
http://www.facebook.com/1year1000challenge
P.S.
My fear about Unlock Your Greatness was quickly put at bay. To date there are people from 8 countries and 15 different States coming.
There are still spots left and I would love for you to be a part of what will be a very special event.
After all, how often in life can you say, "I was there at the beginning?" :)
Click the ticket below to grab your spot.
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