When You Risk Failure, Amazing Things Happen

When we do things that scare the crap out of us, good things usually follow… At least, that’s what I’m telling myself leading into my first ultramarathon (ultra).

Previously, I never would have dreamed of running that far. I scowled at marathon runners who spent countless hours pounding the pavement thinking how bored they must be.

But perceptions shift and situations change. Over the last 18 months, mine certainly has as I’ve gone through an emotional and spiritual  transformation.

It’s lead me to a few places, and this weekend it leads me to something I thought was impossible.

Never settle for where you’re at

This phrase is quickly becoming my mantra. We get one shot at this thing, and to settle for mediocrity is truly a shame.

It is far too easy for you to be content with the status-quo.

You have the potential to accomplish amazing things, but it is on you to ultimately get there.

Lately, I’m writing about my physical journey, but this applies everywhere. Why are we content with being average when we have the capacity for so much more?

Never settling is about challenging yourself, and that is what I’m doing on Saturday.

I’m treating this experience as a day of adventure. I know a few things: it’ll be way hotter than I’m used to, longer, and hillier than anything I’ve run before as well.

This scares me, but I know we’re amazing creatures. Our ability to adjust to the unknown is what makes us unique. The conditions are extreme but so what?

There’s no pity party for our obstacles, so let’s have some fun and enjoy new experiences.

What are your limits?

Part of the reason for partaking in this ultramarathon is because I know many are not crazy enough to do it.

When you take risks you are sometimes rewarded in different ways. What I’m doing gives me no tangible reward which is fine. I’ll gladly forego anything tangible for personal growth.

We’re constantly evolving and searching for new qualities to define us.

Our society shoehorns us to take comfort in certainty. We feel good when things move smoothly and we’ve traditionally avoided risk because we’re conditioned as such.

The funny thing is that all major breakthroughs in your life and mine come from taking risks… however hard it may be.

I routinely get caught up in the comfort of just ‘being.’ Then I remind myself that everything good in my life has come from doing things that scare the shit out of me.

If you take a sec and think back, I think you’ll agree. Now I try to embrace fear and uncertainty. It’s a risk for us, but one worth taking.

When we push our boundaries and risk failure, amazing things happen.

I get goosebumps thinking about my first ultramarathon on Saturday. I’m fuelled by passion. Passion to complete something meaningful.

Whether it’s physical or in everyday life, playing it safe isn’t worth it, so get out and push yourself.

Push past that mental block, curb your excuses and you’ll be glad you did.

Photo by Bohari Adventures