Just Do It

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that we never know what life is going to throw our way next, and the best time to do something is now. You may want to start a business you’ve been dreaming up for a while – do it now. Is there a class you’ve always wanted to take, a language you’ve always wanted to learn? – do it now. Maybe you dream of becoming a professional harmonica player (hey, this

is a thing) – DO IT NOW!

What are you waiting for? Not enough time? I would counter that we tend to make time for things that are important to us. Even five minutes a day, or an hour a week would get you moving along. Fear? Tell fear to take a hike; don’t let it rule your actions. Fear will hold you back from doing crazy, beautiful things with your life. Wouldn’t you rather have tried and learned from your attempts than live with the “what if”?

Why do we always gravitate to the depressing side of “what if”? What if you pursue your dream and it’s everything you wanted and more? What if you actually make it and get to wake up every day doing something you love? You’ll never know until you take that leap.

For me, it’s becoming a published author. I went so long, barely telling anyone – not even my friends – that I’d written a book. It sounds so cliché to say you’ve written a novel. Isn’t everyone working on a book these days?

But their book is not MY book. It’s not MY story. I let the fear of “I’m not good enough”, “I don’t know what I’m doing”, or “NO ONE CARES” to push me into hiding something that I’m really passionate about, and that is just not okay.

It’s taken me a long time for me to admit to myself that I do have something to offer, and even though it’s scary, I’ll never know where it can take me until I try. If things don’t go according to plan, then what have I lost? A little of my pride maybe, but I’ll have gained experience. I’ll know what to do better next time! Because there will be a next time.

Let me tell you a little secret. Persistence is, in my opinion, one of the BIGGEST keys to success. You don’t have to be a genius, have a million followers, be what the world calls “beautiful/handsome” – all you need is the drive to show up, do the work, and keep doing it until you make it. DON’T. GIVE. UP.

If this path doesn’t take you to where you want to go, then try another. And another, and another, until you find a route that works for you. It may not look like the destination you set out for, but it will be beautiful nonetheless. It will be tailor-made for you.

So, I’m going to keep writing, because I love it, and I know I have something to offer. I don’t have it all figured out; maybe I won’t get published in the way I’m hoping. Maybe I will. But I’ll keep trying and learning until I get to where I’m meant to go. What dreams are you hiding today? What will it take for you to embrace the “what if”?