“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” – Lucille Ball
I’m a pretty conservative guy.
I usually play it pretty safe.
And that’s one thing I don’t always like about myself.
Sure, there are times when it is better to be cautious and not jump into everything with eyes wide shut. But usually the problem is not the risk, it is that I lack the self-confidence to see myself succeeding at the great task. Self-doubt tries to creep in whenever it can.
I watched the pattern happen over and over again:
I’d get an idea
I’d start playing it out in my mind and making plans to execute it.
I’d get really excited about the potential.
I’d think of one possible scenario that would make it not work perfectly.
I’d give up on the idea.
What a sad way to go through this amazing experience we call “life”! Repeated studies have shown that somewhere between 85% and 95% of the things we worry will happen never actually happen. So almost all of our fears are based off of totally false assumptions.
The important point to remember is that it is okay to believe in yourself and it is okay to make a mistake every once in a while. But it is almost always worth it to take the risk in experiencing something new or going after that big goal. It will work out way more times than it will fail.
You never hear of people on their death bed saying, “I wish I would have always made the safer decisions.” Most of them will say, “I wish I had taken more chances. I wish I would have experienced more.”
Every decision you make throughout the day is a gamble. Everything has some degree of risk to it. If you are going to be betting on something anyway, you might as well bet on yourself.
The honest truth is that if you believe in something with enough passion and you are willing to work hard enough, you truly can accomplish just about anything. Success in life simply boils down to your attitude and your effort.
Take the risk. Bet on yourself. Avoid the regret. Be great today.
Kris
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