Courage

Eleanor Roosevelt famously said,

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”

This isn’t going to be extensive, but I just want to note to everybody today how awesome you are and how much you can achieve every single day.

For a hot second I thought Eleanor! What an ominous thing to say. Then I gave it some more thought, and really, so many things scare us as adults. I heard on the radio the other day (they were asking listeners what scared them as kids vs what scares them now) and adults are scared by so much more than children.

Of course, the fear is different here. We aren’t hiding ourselves under the sheets from monsters in our closets, but tax season is spooky to an adult. Student loans, speed traps, kids, etc. all scare adults. Don’t get me started on bills and subscriptions.

Today, I want you to face the mountain. We’re not going to summit the whole thing today — we’re going to follow Eleanor’s guidance and do one thing that scares you.

My example is I want to play soccer again. I had fear that I’m too out of shape to play at the level I want to, meeting new people, looking bad, you name it. I decided to pull the trigger and sign up free agent for a local league. Same day I went for a 5K run, in the pouring rain. That was something I had to do for myself. As crazy as the idea was, I feel great!

Maybe it’s hitting the gym you’ve been paying for for the first time in six months. Maybe it’s taking 30 minutes and knocking out all your monthly bills you’ve been dreading paying. Whatever it is, do it. Promise it won’t destroy you and you will feel better.

I’ve got two second-related quotes/scenes for you to be inspired by.

The first is Ted Lasso:

“You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory.

Be a goldfish.”

Be courageous. Even if the brave act goes a little South, just be a goldfish and move forward.

The second is from the beloved film “We Bought a Zoo.” About 20 Seconds of Insane Courage. Check it out:

That’s really all you need! Live on the edge a little. Laugh, dance, make terrible jokes. Try to be a little more authentic at work today. It won’t kill you; hopefully, it’ll build out your life to be just that smidge more joyful.