Just Go For It

Here is your call to action: JUST GO FOR IT

Whatever that thing is that you’ve been holding yourself back from, whether big or small or of no measure; whether you’ve been thinking on it for years, days, minutes or a lifetime; if it passes the test of true to yourself, true to your needs, true to your health, true to your desires, ideas & passions planted inside and yearning to be seen; then whatever it is, just go for it.

That old, supposed-to-be-motivating adage “what have you got to lose?” is not applicable, unless perhaps taken literally. Do not take on it’s colloquial meaning. Don’t let yourself be handed the shame of “fearless” requirements. Fearless is not the goal. It’s ok to consider what you might lose, because there is something at stake. So, ask yourself: Is it worth it? Am I being true to myself? What is holding me back?

For me, an occasional barrier to trying something has been perfectionism. Tell me if this doesn’t sound familiar: I want to be immediately successful at the thing I try. Not just good at it someday; good right now and not a minute later. Perfectionism has historically pierced my ability to go for it. I’ve since learned to harness it for good, rather than evil. Yes, I am a superhero in the making and you can be, too (for the low, low price of $99!)  What is holding you back from that thing you’ve been contemplating? Or those things you’ve waved your hand at while saying, “Oh, I could never do that!” Is it fear of failure? Fear of vulnerability? When my perfectionism was in it’s most unhelpful form, it was guided by those fears. For example, “they might say no, and when they do, it will be saying no to who I am. It will be rejection.” Or, “it might not go as I planned or hoped. And if it doesn’t go according to plan, that means I made a mistake. It will be a failure.” Yikes, that IS scary. It’s worth noting that rejection and failure are survivable. Sometimes I forget that, do you? And sometimes fear can be useful, but in this case all it’s done is dictate our decisions through an uninformed lens. It’s taken our power just a little too much. Because while it might not work out, it might also be great! They may say no, but they may say yes! They may say no, but YOU said yes – to yourself. I don’t want fear to dictate my life choices. Fear never tells the whole story. Fear is barely even one side of the coin. Therefore, gather your courage, take a small step and try. Therefore, do the thing.

Life is just better when I do away with barriers to trying (the ones that are within my control, anyway); when I give myself more grace; when I enjoy the process and add something new to my life instead of sitting, waiting and wishing.

You are capable of more, or of less; of better, or different, or new. You are capable of tuning in, listening, and of knowing yourself. You, my friend, are brave. You are made of stuff you don’t yet realize. And so, it’s time to break out and bust a move.

Breathe in: Let outcomes fade from your focus.

Breathe out: Just go for it.