How many of your favorite things are on the other side of fear? That is the question I asked myself while on vacation with my wife, after we tried snorkeling for the first time. I had been to the ocean before but only dipped my toe in, but this time I was going to dive in. I had waded and swam in the ocean with my wife for a while when someone working at the resort asked if we would like to use some snorkel gear. Now on paper, this seems like something I would jump at because I love water and swimming and I love aquariums and fish. Snorkeling would let me combine both of those loves into one, but it’s funny how on paper thoughts don’t always give you the courage to move forward in the real world. Luckily my wife was there to give me that extra nudge. As we snorkeled in the Atlantic Ocean, I was in awe at how much fun I was having, how beautiful the fish were, and the overall enormity of it all. In a moment I almost let a fear keep me from finding something I love. It really made me take a look at myself and wonder, “What else does fear have me missing out on?” There are businesses, success stories, world-changing products, books, movies, relationships, and other life-changing events on the other side of fear. Today I want to encourage you not to let fear keep you from at least giving something that scares you, an earnest attempt. Who knows, you may find something you love on the other side. I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
“FEAR, fear’s a powerful thing. I mean it’s got a lot of firepower. If you can figure out a way to wrestle that fear to push you from behind rather than to stand in front of you, that’s very powerful.” ~ Jimmy Iovine
Header photo by mali maeder.