What if I don't fail?

A few months ago I attended an excellent presentation by an inspiring leader in the direct selling business. The gist of it was, get over your fear...take action. Sure, you may fail. But what if you don't?

Yesterday while running that phrase came back to me in a big way. As is often the case when doing something uncomfortable...alright, painful, I have to pysch myself up to keep going. 

I realized I have to keep running instead of stopping. What if I just keep running even though my aching legs tell me to stop?  I will be prouder and happier with myself and feel better about my upcoming triathlon race.

l also realized I can apply that question towards any aspect of my life when facing a decision on whether or not to take action.

For example:

• I'm afraid to call that difficult customer because he might think I'm being a pest. But what if he gives me another order?
• I'm afraid to tell my neighbor about this great new product I'm using because he'll think I'm trying to push it on him. But what if he wants to try it and it helps him?
• I'm embarrassed to share what I'm doing with a close friend because he might ridicule it. But what if he thinks its pretty cool that I'm trying to better myself?
• I'd better not start that business because I might lose my life savings. But what if I don't? 
• I'm not going to sign up for that half-marathon, what if I can't finish it? But what if I can?
• I'd better not try and fix the car myself because I might not be able to figure it out. But what if I can?

Most of our fears are irrational but hold us back. Next time you are afraid to try something, think about the opposite of your fear happening and dwell upon that! Attitude can be a very powerful motivator!

Man of Steel Trailer #3

The third trailer for the new Zach Snyder movie, "Man Of Steel" debuted last night and I can't wait to see this interpretation of the Superman story. The theme seems to center around the age old concept of destiny vs free will, which is a common thread from one of my favorite song writers, Neil Peart, of Rush. Following that theme is the sub-theme of the father son dynamic. Fathers always want their children to have a greater impact on the world than they themselves had. In this way, fathers wish for their sons to fulfill great destinies.

The movie is a complete reset of the Superman story and may be hard to grasp for those who like me, were children when the Christopher Reeve, richard Donner films came out with Krypton being an crystalline ice world. this carried through even to bryan singers Superman Returns.

First, the Kryptonian science and technology seems to be very organic as opposed to cold and icy like in previous superman movies. The trailer showed creatures or ships flying with lots of wing like movement.

Second, Kal El appears to be some kind of different Kryptonian even before being sent to Earth. The early peeks indicate that he may be an illegal birth, a natural born child as opposed to a genetically engineered person, again, born with free will instead of a destiny.

Third, the earlier films seemed to gloss completely over the fact that Supermans existence proves that we are not alone in the universe. He is the first visitor from another planet and his discovery would have enormous impacts on Earth. Again, his destiny would inpart, be to establish first contact with extra terrestrial life.

I can't wait to see this movie!

Attitude

Which comes first, the champion's attitude or the championship? Having a goal, then committing to work towards it every day with relentless, unwavering focus- This is what separates champions from the pack.