This post is a more personal follow-up to yesterday’s post about Fear.
In my world I am pretty average. My life experiences, my travels, my relationships, my jobs, my endeavours are all in the same ball parks as all of my friends. Some have done more, some have done less. But get-togethers and conversations show that our playing field is pretty level.
For the last two years I have also been circling the bases of this on-line playing field. As I learn and collate the pieces of building an on-line business, I have met an amazing bunch of people. Some of them have skills that blow me away, but as we get to know each other better, apparently they feel the same way about me. So, again, I draw the conclusion that I am average.
Recently two separate events startled me.
- In the first incident, a young woman came in to my office with her Volunteer application. By young I mean early 20s. The volunteer coordinator was unavailable so I offered to process the parts I could. I attached the required pieces of paper, but when I came to her vaccination certificate, I suggested I photocopy it so she could keep the original. She insisted she did not need the certificate, I could have the original. I explained to her that she should keep the original because she never knew what might happen next year – she might up and want to go travelling to a foreign country and she would need it. She looked horrified and exclaimed “Oh, I hope not”. Did I say horrified? Yes, she was absolutely horrified at the thought she might do some travelling and see the world.
Now I have done some traveling although not a lot. The “not a lot” has been a result of circumstance more than lack of desire. My own children have all done quite a bit of traveling, all continue to do so and have plans to keep traveling as the opportunities arise. Most of their friends are the same.
So to see the horror on the face of this young woman when I suggested she might want to do some traveling stunned me.
- In the second incident, I was answering a few questions from some co-workers about my on-line business, the courses I was taking and the groups I had joined to further develop my plans. When asked about the money I had spent, I was honest because all I have spent is the money I would have assigned elsewhere to enjoy my life. I have not had to down-size my living, I have not maxed out any credit cards. I have merely modified my social life, travel plans are delayed, and I’m probably drinking cheaper wine! One of my co-workers looked at me, shook her head and said “I could never take a risk like that.”
A few posts ago I talked about taking a risk on an investment I had insider information on. That was me. I am spending my own money taking a risk on myself. I don’t usually make a bet unless I am sure I can win and this is no different.
There is so much in life, and in our world, to experience to make it richer, more fulfilling. Places to go, people to meet, deeds to do… we only go this way once so make a life worth living. Take a few risks, smile a lot and have stories to tell.
Seems I’ve been quoting Napoleon Hill of late. Here are a few of my favourites:
- “Fears are nothing more than a state of mind”
- “Remember, the thoughts that you think and the statements you make regarding yourself determine your mental attitude. If you have a worthwhile objective, find the one reason why you can achieve it rather than hundreds of reasons why you can’t”
- “There are no limitations to the mind except those that we acknowledge.”
- “Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step beyond their greatest failure.”
- “The majority of people are ready to throw their aims and purposes overboard, and give up at the first sign of opposition or misfortune. A few carry on DESPITE all opposition, until they attain their goal… There may be no heroic connotation to the word persistence, but the quality is to the character of man what carbon is to steel.”
- “Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything.”
You are certainly NOT average Agnes. I find all your posts are wonderful to read and you have a great writing style. You show a very grounded attitude, combined with a great sense of fun. I always look forward to reading what you have to say. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Helen!!
Great post Agnes and loved the two stories you told. If you don’t overcome that fear you are likely to fail. Thanks for sharing.
I think what startled me in both instances, Merle, was the acceptance of the fears. There was no “I’d love to do that, but….” – it was just the assertion they couldn’t.
Well drinking cheaper wine is ALWAYS a risk Agnes!
But seriously you, my friend, are far from average.
The average person doesn’t invest in themselves the way you have because they just don’t get it! You have a set of skills I envy completely but I’ll wait until I see you again before I tell you them all 🙂
By the way I am very glad you took the risk otherwise we may never have met!
Ah, Lorraine, my friend, you know I feel the same way about you.
For my other readers, the bond that Lorraine and I have forged is only and absolutely because of our on-line endeavours. We have met only once face-to-face (well, except for a short chat in a parking lot a few weeks ago) but because of our like-mindedness in our business aspirations, our work ethic and our priorities – family will always come first – we are creating a good and close friendship. That is a very powerful reason to find a community on-line and then to participate in it! The rewards are not all business-related.
Agnes I LOVE traveling. I can’t imagine not wanting to travel and see the world. I haven’t been out of the country (yet) but I have been all over the southern U.S. and it’s been wonderful. I love seeing new places, meeting new people, and just learning. I haven’t been on a vacation since we bought our house last year, but we do have one planned in a few months, and I’m super excited. 🙂
Good for you, Keri!! Just being open to adventure is an amazing first step… the rest comes as it able. and have fun on your well-deserved vacation!!
I used to live a pretty comfortable “average” life. I was never really a risk taker. In fact, I’ve had to face the fact that I am more of a person that likes routine. BUT, I am enjoying stepping out side my usual “norm” and taking a more risks. One of those was putting myself “out there” for the world to see with my online branding.
You are so right though..there is SO much in life and our world. Our life experiences is what makes it richer, fuller and more enjoyable.
I accept your challenge…. ” Take a few risks, smile a lot and have stories to tell. “
I love having you on our team, Kim… you are all character so I don’t think you necessarily need to take more risks (although help yourself if you wish!) – you just need to step out of the shadows and share that energy!!! and keep telling stories!!!