The Zone

How many times are people afraid to take a chance?  They're afraid to do something different: stepping out of the comfort zone is scary.  We shut ourselves off with the anticipation that something bad *could* happen.  I think about all the things that we do in life to avoid any mistakes or any kind of hurt.  I'm not sure if we are taught to live with caution, to protect ourselves from risk or if it is learned as we live.  Proceeding through life with the mindset of "what if" will stop us from reaching for what could be, which is the ultimate failure.  Money is made and lost, hearts are opened up and broken, businesses open and close.  How many of us got on a bicycle for the first time and didn't fall?  If we never try again, there is no chance for progress.
 

  I know I proceed with too much caution, if I manage to step forward at all.  Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, but fear of the unknown is a powerful paralytic.  Excuses abound...and time is wasted.  Growth - whether emotional or physical - is achieved with consistent effort and taking a risk to become more: to be stronger, happier, more successful, whatever the goal.  The next time the potential of change knocks on the door, don't ignore it.  Embrace it.  Push a little farther.  Even if you fall flat, you have achieved more than you would have sitting still and wishing.  Don't talk yourself out of it.  STOP the excuses, dig deep, and forget the what-ifs.  Get out of your comfort zone.