What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Knew, without a doubt, deep, deep down in your heart and soul, that you could not fail?
This question has shown up in my life multiple times in the past few weeks. First, posed in a friend’s Facebook post. Second, asked in a newsletter from a favorite blogger. And third, discussed in a book I was reading on hiking the Camino de Santiago.
People’s answers ranged from “start a design business” to “write a book” to “go to law school.”
(And my particular favorite: play the lottery!)
I’ve learned by now that when something shows up in my life repeatedly, I need to pay attention.
So, Universe, here I am. Paying attention, and deeply considering the question:
What would I do if I knew I couldn’t fail?
I do lots of things I know I might fail at. My birthday list is a formalized way for me to try (just about) anything once. And lots of those activities, I haven’t been so great at. (Like paintball. Turns out I’m a pretty sucky player — I was kind of afraid of the pain of getting hit, and I really didn’t like feeling as if I’m being stalked. I survived the experience, but I certainly didn’t love it … and my team lost.)
While the overwhelming majority of the items on my birthday list aren’t at the same level as I’m seeking an answer for out of this question, they have been great for allowing me to play with courage and failure, and to let go of my inner critic.
Turns out I’m a decent kayaker, I make a mean bottle of ginger beer, and I can now look up at Pikes Peak and say, “I hiked you!”
For me, because I’ve challenged myself in this way for the past three and half years, I think failure is becoming less of an issue when stepping outside of my comfort zone. (Don’t get me wrong, it won’t ever be completely gone, but I know this process has helped. And if anyone wants assistance in trying something new, give me a holler!)
For me, it’s the first half of the question that’s the hard part. I have lots of interests. But what turns an interest into a soul-fulfilling passion, profession, or calling?
Dear Universe, I think I need another sign.
And until that arrives, dear reader ... tell me: