After failing, miserably, the potential to fail again may
send someone running in the opposite direction, running to a safe haven where
no risks have to be taken, where one can just float comfortably along the lazy
river of life. But, is that truly living? If we don’t have to put ourselves out
there ever again? If we don’t push ourselves to try new things, not knowing
whether or not we’ll be good at them, if we’ll succeed?
True, it can be frightening, really, really frightening, to
step out into the unknown, to dare ourselves to move out of our comfort zone,
especially if we’re still raw from a recent failure . . . and yes, I won’t sugarcoat
it, we may in fact fail [again] . . . but, we also may find ourselves reaping the abundant rewards of success and/or, if nothing else, relishing our newfound strength in ourselves after conquering our fear.
The great Babe Ruth is cited as saying these two quotes that
I believe can go hand in hand: “Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you
back,” and, “every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
So, whether our endeavor itself results in success or failure, the truth of the matter is that it is still a success regardless since we stepped up to the plate, gave it our all, and swang away instead of just hiding out in the dugout.
Loosen failure's hold on you, and don't let fear hold you back -- even if you do stike out be emboldened by your resolve, and keep swinging away until you hit your home run.
