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I Believe in Courage by Sydney DeBoer
As a younger child, my mom would always ask me the question, What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? At that time, I had no idea what she was talking about. I didn't know what that question meant. I didn't even know what that had to do with me!!
So, what does it mean to fail?? Does that mean never trying, or never having the courage to try? Does that mean never being responsible enough to deal with the consequences if you might happen to fail?? How does one measure failure?
According to the website www.dictionary.reference.com last accessed on March 25, 2008, Failure is being proven unsuccessful; lack of success. So wouldn't it be considered a failure if you didn't even try or could one argue that that is success?
What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail? Have you thought about it, ever? From my point of view, I believe it takes courage to take action. Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, or pain, without fear. Courage has to come from deep within and you will need strength to accept the consequence if you should fail. Could failure actually always be just a do-over ? As Thomas Edison once said, I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb. If you ask me, this is the right attitude one should have if you asked yourself what would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail. Is it fear that is keeping you from attempting to accomplish your dreams?
Let's talk about a few things to get rid of this fear many have. First, talk about your fear with someone you can trust and you know will listen. Second, visualize succeeding. And third, take a chance and face your fear. You must face it, live through it, and prove to yourself that you can survive it. There is no such thing as failure but there is a chance to learn and gain experience. So I challenge you to find your courage and yourself. Go out there to start your story today, and if you don't remember this, you will always miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.
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