Risks are scary. Throughout each of our lives, we are faced with constant decisions to take risks or to avoid them. To avoid risks means comfort, but to avoid them also means complacence. To take risks means discomfort, but to take them also means higher reward.
This year, I have decided to make courage my goal. Generally speaking, I am a fairly courageous person, however, there is lots of room for improvement. I’m sure that I have missed out on of the opportunities in life due to a lack of courage, and that frustrates me. I never want to look back on life and regret not taking a leap of faith and wonder ‘what if?’ Instead, I want to look back on life and see incredible moments and people and experiences that resulted from taking risks.
I want to take jobs that are out of my comfort zone, attend events that are out of my comfort zone, tell people exactly how I feel about them, make memories from taking risks, and so much more. I want to make the most of this short life that I have been gifted with, and sitting at home in fear of risk or regret or disappointment is exactly how not to do that.
As I have worked towards applying this goal to my life, I have had an amazing feeling of satisfaction. I am doing things that scare me every day, and that is how I will make the most of this life. I got my dream summer job, I met so many great people, I strengthened and built relationships, I have done better in school, I have laughed more, sang more, smiled more.
However, I have also taken a few hard blows. I have probably cried more, overthought more, been disappointed more… Taking risks is not always easy. It is not always sunshine and rainbows.
But it is worth it.
The happiness and satisfaction that risk taking has rewarded me far outweighs any disappointment or regret.
In 2019, I encourage all of you to take the same challenge that I have: try to be more courageous in your life. Step out of your comfort zone every day. Don’t let the fear of ‘what if’ keep you from taking exciting opportunities.
Talk to that person in your class. Apply for that job. Go to that party. Send that text. Tell that person how you feel. Wear that shirt. Get that haircut. Run that race.
Stop making excuses; instead, make changes.
I’m excited to take on this year with every ounce of courage that I can muster. I hope that you will join me. If you have any courageous moments, I would love to hear your stories.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo,
Emma
Emma Dietze 