This past summer, the world turned its attention to the Games of the XXX Olympiad. Across the London area, athletes from all over the globe turned in amazing performances, captivating us with their skill, determination and sportsmanship. People gathered all over the world in front of TV’s, computers, some even tuning in by radio to catch the latest news and cheer for their countrymen. Was there a moment during the Olympics that inspired you to train a little harder, set a goal for an up coming event or try a new sport? Maybe some of you were inspired to just start exercising. Come to think of it, life is like a triathlon.
Now, by definition triathlon is “an athletic contest comprising three consecutive events, usually swimming, bicycling, and distance running”. What if we looked at it from a slightly different perspective and called it a try-athlon. Would that help take some of the fear out of it? What is it that prevents people from getting out of their comfort zone and trying something new?
I believe the answer is very simple. The fear of failure is what stops most people from not only trying something new, but from leading the life they were meant to live.
I believe the answer is very simple. The fear of failure is what stops most people from not only trying something new, but from leading the life they were meant to live.
This fear of failure paralyzes us from reaching our full potential as athletes, and experiencing some of life’s greatest moments. We see this in sports all the time, but also in many aspects of daily life: work, school, and relationships to name a few, where fear prevents us from trying. What are we afraid of? Are we too worried about what others may think or say? Too vain as to how we might look in spandex? Being the slowest in a training group or last in race? Look clumsy or awkward when first learning a new skill? I guarantee you, the Olympians we watched had plenty of awkward moments when they first started off.
What’s that old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”. The Front Range here in Colorado is an athlete’s playground with so many things to choose from. So, find a sport you like and just get out there and do it. Life is far to short to be spending your free time doing a sport you don’t like. Give it your best shot and jump in with both feet and embrace the new challenge. The only person you have to answer to at the end of the day is you so, do what makes you thrive.
The athletes we had the opportunity to watch during the Olympics failed on more than one occasion to reach the level excellence they are now at. One of the reasons they are champions, regardless of their final outcome is that they have learned from these failures along the long journey to London. It’s better to fail trying, than to not try at all. Failing can be artistically beneficial and when we allow ourselves to become vulnerable by putting fear aside, we often times achieve the greatest growth.
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