Ready. FIRE! Aim?!…
As a reward for getting into University, my parents bought me my first car.
It was a silver, manual, 2000 Honda Civic Si Coupe entirely bought under the influence of The Fast and Furious series.
It had a spoiler, a loud muffler, interior neon blue lights, and a subwoofer speaker that was so loud that you could hear it from a few kilometers away.
It was loud, obnoxious, and bold.
But, what most people don’t know is that when I bought it, I had no idea how to drive a stick shift.
I was so fixated on the idea of going fast and having the freedom to drive anywhere and anytime, that I completely neglected the fact that there was a steep learning curve to driving a manual car.
After I had my dad drive us home from the dealership, I called a friend over to share the news.
After a brief session of wonderment, she asked me to give her a ride home.
This is when it all went downhill - literally.
At that time, I was only able to drive on flat ground and down hills with my new car.
(If you’ve ever driven a manual, you’ll know that there it takes a certain amount of skill to drive up hills.)
In the end, I drove my friend halfway to her destination and asked her to walk the rest.
And then, I barely made it home.
This wasn’t one of the most glorious moments in my life, however now when I reflect back, my tendencies to jump before being fully ready have led to many great things:
The car of my young adulthood dreams.
The opportunity to co-lead a program of 50 people in India.
To propose to my soul mate in her home country at a rooftop restaurant located at the tallest point possible in Bangkok. (This was my way of signifying that when it comes to our future, the skies are the limits.)
The once-in-a-lifetime chance to relocate to Thailand, a foreign country in which I could fully immerse myself in a new culture, language, and environment.
To seek the help needed to overcome depression and adult acne.
The decision to have 3 children.
To start a coaching practice after several failed businesses because I was called to do it for the rest of my life.
To lead a couple of men through a torrential snowstorm at Mount Garibaldi.
The crazy idea to run a half marathon.
And so much more to come!
The truth is, if we all wait to be fully ready, we’ll never get there.
Instead, I urge you to do like most people who learn how to ride a bike.
Look within and search for that felt sense of reassurance that propels you to take action before you’re ready,
Even though you know you might get scratched up a bit.
Remember, falling is part of the growth process, so rather than avoiding it, welcome it with anticipation and gratitude.
And of course, in the infamous words of the American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson:
“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
I really like that song!
Don’t you?
It’s catchy and powerful, isn’t it?
So, now it’s your turn.
Is there something that’s calling you but you haven’t taken action yet?
Are you waiting for that ‘right’ moment?
You might already have everything you need and so much more.
Typically, the right time is now, and the right place is here.
Commit to yourself, to your values, and your beliefs.
With so much uncertainty in life, most goals and dreams are like planes being built in mid-flight.
You'll figure it out with some forethought, strategic planning, and perseverance.
After all, nobody regrets the days they gave it their all.
In your corner,
Alex
PS. Ready to take action and create your best life?
As a way to pay it forward and give back to the community, I’ve opened up 3 slots a month in my practice to give a 1-hour FREE coaching session to ambitious individuals ready to roll up their sleeves and do the work.
Don’t wait. Click the link, get into action, and start fulfilling your goals that should’ve been done a long time ago: