I signed up for my first half-marathon today. I know. It’s crazy. And just typing that out is a risk, let alone accomplishing the 13.1 mile-run in October.
But I’m coming to accept that risk is the only way to stare fear in the face and win. There’s no other way around it. Any apprehension, hesitation, or anxiety will prevent the breakthrough—the growth in me that I long for.
And I don’t want to be paralyzed by fear. I want to be better and stronger every day. I want the moments I live to count—I want every single one to matter. And in order for that to happen I have to be intentional.
I have to decide what I want and make a plan to achieve it. Without a plan one thing is sure, I will fail. What’s that phrase? If you make no plan, you plan to fail. It’s so true.
But I think many times I sit content without a plan or an articulated goal because I believe the lie that success and breakthroughs can happen without them … that there’s a possibility of accomplishment without intention.
And what’s crazy is the lack of commitment to a goal feels safe. Because the thing is, if I actually set the goal, write it down, and say it out loud, I become committed. And I’m suddenly aware of the risk. I realize there’s a certain chance I will fail. And so there’s safety in no goal. Because I’m not forced to face the possibility of failure.
But risk is a willful choice to kill the fear of failure … at a price.
And the cost is hard work. Intentional choices. One small decision after another causing incremental change over time. Change that leads to the accomplishment of the goal, the fulfillment of the plan, and the conquering of the fear.
Whatever the risk, whether it’s writing, or running, or even choosing to love another…
Risk is the door to my breakthrough. The answer to my win. And the key to my growth.
And I’m staring the fear down and choosing it today. I’m setting the goals, making the plans and taking the risk.
How has fear stopped you?
What have you been afraid to risk?
What are you going to risk TODAY?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to take five minutes and just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing, with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Risk…
I have risked before and it was hard. Opening my blog up to the public was a RISK.
Today my risk will be joining the friday group… as soon as I can get a few moments to write it down.
Hoping your risk pays off and you are able o accomplish your goal. I can’t imagine 13.1 miles, so best wishes to you!
EEK!!!
but it is so true…making our moments count…matter. and there is such growth around the bend!
but just saying it outloud… that you signed up…that is a big step! hooray!
Lovely post! What wonderful words you use. “There’s no other way around it. Any apprehension, hesitation, or anxiety will prevent the breakthrough—the growth in me that I long for.” There is much wisdom in what you speak. I love that I was able to read this today. Congratulations on this monumental step forward. I am cheering you on!
Oooh, very interesting thought here: “But risk is a willful choice to kill the fear of failure…”
Yay, you did it!! I loved how you told about letting go of control and embracing the risk. Just wonderful Sharon!
Thank you so much!
Yes, hooray…may I remember that as I’m running…the experienced runners say I will eventually like it!?! We’ll see 🙂
Thank you so much for your cheering…I’m SO gonna need it!
Now if only I can remember my own words and kill that fear daily…that’s the challenge!
Yeah…way to go…I trained for a half marathon some years ago…God used the process on so many levels in my life…small choices all leading to incremental changes…so true…can’t wait to see all God has for you as you strap those shoes on and run right into the challenge. blessings~