No Matter How Scary It Feels, It’s More Scary Staying Exactly Where You Are.
In life, we’re constantly presented with opportunities to leap into a better existence—whether it’s through choosing healthier lifestyles, kinder relationships, or more fulfilling careers. Whatever it may be, one truth remains: the leap doesn’t come without fear. That split second of "Do I, or don’t I?" can feel paralyzing. Sometimes, I even struggle to acknowledge that the opportunity is there because it often requires a difficult choice. Yet, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the fear of staying where you are is far greater than the fear of jumping into the unknown. When you jump, the pain of pushing through fear is sharp but fleeting, while the rewards last a lifetime.
Taking the Leap:
Back this summer while travelling in Croatia I met up with a few friends all of who had their diving certificates, as they worked on boats. Diving for me was always out of the question, as it meant getting into the deeper parts of the open water, and from unfortunate past experiences where I felt myself thrown against the seafloor by heavy currents after which I thought for sure there was no turning back. Ever since, that experience I defined myself as not a deep-sea swimmer, or water sports enthusiast, without realising just how many opportunities I was blocking myself from and allowing the development of my own character through everyday experiences.
When one of my friends suggested trying a diving experience, I dismissed the idea without a second thought. But when they responded with a simple, "Why not?" followed by, "Do it to overcome your fear," it stopped me in my tracks. That was a perspective I hadn’t considered—doing something solely to conquer a fear. I realized that my tendency to stick with what I "like" was limiting me. So I decided to start embracing challenges purely to grow. I was unfamiliar with this way of living but hey it's how new doors open, right?
As you can assume the next day I booked the introductory dive. This goes without saying but I felt like a nervous wreck the entire morning. I had to mentally push myself with each step I took on my way to the diving cabin down by the beach. You would think once you make the tough choice it's all uphill from there, but even in the time leading up to my dive, I had doubts and wanted to back down. But I kept reminding myself why I chose to do this in the first place, and that it won't naturally feel like the most exciting thing to do. This wasn't about loving diving. It was about proving to myself that I could do it.
When the moment arrived, I strapped on my tank, secured my mask, and walked to the boat's edge. Everything inside me screamed to turn back. My anxiety hit its peak. But I knew it was now or never, and so with a 'fuck it' mindset I jumped- terrified and panicked.
To my surprise the second I felt water surround my body, I felt a rush of adrenaline and excitement, dissipating and melting my fear away. Adrenaline and awe overtook me, and suddenly, I was diving.
How One Bold Decision Defined Me:
Diving underwater, navigating around the coral reefs, while washing the fish and sea creatures teemingly swivel around my flippers felt like I stepped into another world. The fear I’d held onto for years dissipated in a matter of moments, replaced by a sense of exhilaration I can only describe as freedom. And I instantly knew this one bold choice would help redefine me forever.
This leap wasn’t just about diving; it was symbolic of how self-change often demands a single moment of courage.
Why Bold Moves Can Define You:
That leap wasn’t just about scuba diving; it was symbolic of how a decision towards self-change and breaking out of your own inner fears can seem impossible, but it requires a moment of trust, belief and a 'fuck it' mindset.
This experience resonated with other past experiences I took which however took longer than a split second to come to realisation.. such as building up my courage to leave a toxic relationship or finding the faith in myself to quit my first corporate job in London. In retrospect, the feelings and the buildup of fear were the same. Hesitation still prevailed my every step leading up to the point of making the decision redirecting my mind to give in to the overwhelming urge to back down and retreat. Yet, every time I made that jump, that sense of liberation and fulfilment was unmatched.
It's difficult but often times these decisions don't come with a very clear view of the outcome. I was unhappy in my relationship, yet I did not expect to feel such a sense of liberation and freedom the moment I broke it off. I thought I'd feel alone and vulnerable. Likewise, my job felt unfulfilling, but I didn't expect to feel my spirit revived, but rather feeling lost, confused and in despair.
Now, I understand why people say your 20s are for taking risks. It’s not about recklessness; it’s about challenging yourself, even in small ways, to break free from your comfort zone. Each risk reshapes you, proving that you don’t need a perfect plan. You’ll figure things out when you get there.
Fear for a moment, Courage for Life:
Here’s what I’ve learned: the greater the fear, the greater the reward. Each time we confront fear—whether by booking that last-minute trip, saying yes to an unexpected opportunity, or conquering an everyday challenge—we allow our everyday lives to open up to a new landscape of infinite possibilities. The leap is never easy, but it’s always worth it.
So, no matter how scary it feels, remember that staying where you are is scarier. The pain of fear is temporary, but the rewards of courage are forever. It's worth asking yourself 'What’s one fear I've been holding onto?' and 'What’s stopping me from taking the leap?' every once in a while to ensure we live every day of our lives to our ultimate potential and understand how and why bold moves can define you.
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