One thing I noticed about myself is that I have the courage to take risks. And I am grateful for that trait.
The truth is: I am scared. But that fear turns to courage and it prepares me to take that risk.
It is a paradox because I am comfortable taking risks — be it starting 2 companies and running them with good people or just get my bag, rent a car and drive off to the mountains to spend some hiking time alone. At the same time, I tell people I am risk averse. I started my companies slowly and didn’t raise a single external cent till today because I am not interested in anyone being an obstacle in my big vision. I rent small cars because it is easier to manage and I stay in the shadows than a big flashy fast car. I think ultimately, I measure risks differently from most people.
A quote that made sense to me:
Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. And by doing it, they’re proven right. Because, I think there’s something inside of you—and inside of all of us—when we see something and we think, ‘I think I can do it, I think I can do it. But I’m afraid to.’ Bridging that gap, doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that—THAT is what life is. And I think you might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s special. And if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself. Now you know. A mystery is solved. So, I think you should just give it a try. Just inch yourself out of that back line. Step into life. Courage. Risks. Yes. Go. Now. — Amy Poehler
I have the courage to take risks because I think I can do this and if I can’t, it is just a learning lesson. And that is okay. I talk about fear in 2016, feeling lost in 2018, doubts in 2020, inadequacy in 2020, and resilience in 2021. I am still learning; learning to deal with this fear-courage relationship, the repercussion of doubt and inadequacy. It is normal though, just have to reframe and overcome it.
Once the storm passes, you don’t care about how you went through it. You just appreciate the strength in overcoming it.
Have courage. Have faith. Everything is going to be okay. You will always survive the storm. Otherwise, it is a fun journey nonetheless.
Love,
L