Fear of Regret vs Fear of Failure

Last week, I noted in an Instagram post that I frequently have people commenting on how when I come up with a new goal or idea... I kind of just go for it. Sometimes it works out the way I want, other times it doesn't but that's not the point here.

A perfect example of this is actually... this very website. I had been pondering the idea of starting a blog for a while but I never could decide on exactly what I wanted it to be about and justified my lack of action by telling myself it wouldn't provide me with a viable income anyway. As time went on, I came closer to my graduation from the University of Toronto and spent a lot of time researching jobs when I came to the realization... I don't like any of my options and I felt like I had so much more to share with the world. It was at this point that I sat down on a Sunday night, and published the website on Monday afternoon; I should note that I think it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I didn't tell anyone I was doing it, I didn't really even know what would come of it or what type of response I would get. I don't know exactly what this website or where my coaching sessions will lead however, the point here is really that if I hadn't just sat down and followed through with an idea that I had, I would have no choice but to work in a mundane 9-5 job this fall. By publishing this site and marketing myself prior to graduation, I give myself a shot at attaining the job and lifestyle that I really want.

My fear of working in a Monday-Friday 9-5 job while following directions of my superiors is far more frightening to me than the possibility of this site and my services not going where I want them to go. The last thing I want to do is become complacent; nothing about my life thus far has followed a "normal" path and I certainly don't want to lay down now and let society lay out the next chapter of my life.

If you're hesitant to try something than try to figure out why. If you're only afraid of failing, take a step back and think about how you'll feel in a few months (or weeks, or years) if you don't at least try it out.

Example: I love running, and I always wanted to be on a school team so I went to the Varsity track tryouts... knowing I'd be the slowest one there. I'm so glad I went though! I spent 2.5 hours working out with this incredible group of athletes (some of whom were olympians) ... I couldn't walk for a week but man it was worth it and no one was mean or rude about anything! Fast forward, I try out for a swim team a year later and ... I got in! just because one thing doesn't work out doesn't mean nothing will.

Further, I am 100% sure that if I hadn't gone for the track tryouts I seriously would regret it. I was super nervous but I basically figured that if things really went horribly wrong, than it would be over quickly and I could go home and sleep it off.

In conclusion, if you want something, consider what you need to do to get it and just go for it! Not everything will be as simple as a sports team tryout but there is always at least something you can do to become one step closer to attaining that goal you've been sitting on.

Remember, keep your fear of regret LARGER than your fear of failure.