You don’t want to read another New Year’s Resolution.
Nor do I want to write one. Some things are better left discovered than announced, don’t you think?
In 2009 my Wife & I took the challenge of maturing a startup, leaving the startup, moving to San Francisco, furnishing a new house, enrolling our kids in new schools, and working for new companies. It was exhilarating, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding. We took on every task head on, and we loved it. We were fearless.
2010 was no less momentous as we moved into new levels of stability with the household, happiness with our kids, and promotion at work. We felt like we were getting somewhere. Things were good, predictable, and comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with these things. The economy being the way that it is, we are more than blessed.
But I have to say, there’s this thing that has kept me on edge a bit for the last few months. I’m feeling “safe.”
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”
~ William Shedd
Maybe you feel the same? I dunno, but last time I checked, “safe” never changed the world. It’s not inspiring, nor does it inspire others.
No, “safe” maintains.
Now before you jump the gun and think we’re going to do something rash, hear me out. One can make change where they are at. It doesn’t mean we have to change jobs, move to another city, or upset the apple cart of life. However, one can change how they think or behave:
- Say what you think, speak what you feel.
- Never be afraid of what others think.
- Don’t wait for people’s permission.
- Take in on the chin if you fail.
- Stop covering your ass.
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
~ Dr. Seuss
You know that feeling where you lean back on your chair, and just when you think you’re about to fall you grab the table to steady yourself… What if you stopped grabbing the table.
Would you fall? Would you keep your balance?
I want to see what happens. I need to see what happens.
Let go.
Fearless.
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Good post, Marcus. I’m getting to know you more, and I had no idea you and @emilyjo had been through so much adventure. The first thing I thought of when I read this was John Piper’s Desiring God. He talks about following Christ as not being ‘Safe’, or at least it shouldn’t be. The second thing I thought of was a CS Lewis line in one of the Narnia books, about Aslan, where he is described as not being ‘Safe’.
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Sounds like you have some more adventure ahead. Looking forward to seeing what it is.
Marcus, love this post. It’s great advice for anyone “stuck”. You’re right that changing your life completely can be a big way to detour your path (I just did) but you can also make changes in the life you live already.
I think everyone should give it a shot at least once. What’s the worst that happens? You simply change again.
Fantastic description of where REAL entrepreneurs go next! Safe simply isn’t a natural state for entrepreneurs.
I don’t know about fearless, but I long ago decided I’d rather embrace the fear and jump than stand on the edge wondering.
Keep us posted.
Great posting – thanks!!
To be fearless, accept survival is mandatory
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Marcus, you and Emily are very inspiring. Our boys played together twice in Santa Cruz, and I have been inspired by your propensity for going further. Nobody knows what the future holds. But unless you do, (not try), you will never know what the end of the tunnel actually is.
“There will be times when it’s tough going and you’ll question whether you can do it or not. There’ll be times when it seems fruitless and there’s absolutely no progress whatsoever. That’s when you take a deep breath, dig down deep, and persevere.”―Nancy Sathre-Vogel
Oh, I know brother. I know.
🙂