“What would you attempt to do if you could not fail”
This quote challenges many people. It is natural for most (if not all) people to fear the worst and have doubts about any circumstance. Therefore, the author of this quote attacks human nature head on. This quote makes people think of all the possibilities and endless opportunities that are readily available to anyone who is brave enough block out the fear and doubt. All too often people are too scared of failing that they would rather quit than to gut it out and go for it. People pay too much attention to the results and the “what if” rather than focusing and enjoying the process. In addition, humans typically have very large egos and one little mishap or blunder could drive someone’s pride and confidence down the toilet. It is our insecurities and uncertainties that prevent many great things from being achieved. However, this quote makes us sit back and think about all the things we might have with held in the past due to the fear of failing or being made fun of. Not too many people are brave enough or mentally strong enough to forget about criticism and how people view their actions. The word “failing” has been thought of by many people, as the action when a goal is not achieved. But, if more individuals viewed those unachieved goals as a learning experience rather than “failing”, then there would be less fear when attempting to do something. Furthermore, more people will be able to stand up and fight for the goals and dreams they’ve longed for because all of the sudden, “failing” really isn’t as terrible as they thought it was.
I think this quote really irritates me because I have always been the conservative, “plays it safe” type of person. I have never been known to take risks and this quote challenges me and my motives. It’s like the author was speaking right to me and all my insecurities with this quote because I have never been able to propose any new ideas or shared my truth opinions or feelings with anyone because I’ve always been afraid of what people might think. Not too long ago, I was given the opportunity to stay in China for 3 months and play in the golf tournament circuit. Because I don’t speak Mandarin I was afraid to stay in a foreign place. I could have learned the language while I stayed there but I was afraid of making a fool out of myself when communicating with my peers and other people who lived there. The golfers who play on the Asian circuit speak several different languages and I was terrified with what they would think of me especially since I was born in America. Because of that insecurity with my self image, I gave up an amazing opportunity to experience a different culture and to meet new people.
Over the summer I was in contention to win a very prestigious tournament. I was playing with the leader who was one stroke ahead of me as we were going into the last hole. It was a par 5 with water to the left of the green and I knew this would be the deciding hole of our match. The leader played it safe and laid up with and iron. I had about 220 yards to the green and it was easily reachable. If I got onto the green, it would surely secure a national title. I took out the 3 wood and was ready to give it a go but as I was taking a practice swing, the water on the left side of the hole caught my eye and right at that moment, I felt my whole body tense up and my mind just went ballistic. All the fear and doubt that could possibly exist entered my mind and I couldn’t stop thinking about the water. Although I had a straight forward, easy shot, I was too caught up with “what if”. Furthermore, all I could think about were the negative results instead of focusing on the process and taking it one step at a time. Of course, I stepped back and changed my decision of my club selection. I decided to lay up just like the leader and the rest is history. We both made the same score and I lost the tournament by one shot. It really frustrates me because I gave up another great opportunity due to lack of confidence. Obviously, hind sight is 20/20 but I should have trusted myself instead of fearing the worst. A loss is a loss no matter what position I come in (2nd or dead last) and I should have gave it a go.
I think that from now on, if I start living by this quote I will be much happier and have a life without so many regrets. I have to push aside all the fear and doubt of the outcomes in my mind and just focus on the process one step at a time. After all, if I just do what I love and believe in, the success and positive results will come.
March 13, 2008 at 3:41 pm |
Excellent post 20/20