“Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing.” (Oscar Wilde)
Wow! I think this is a really powerful quote because of its motivation factor. When I read it, I hear, “Get up off your butt and do it!” What is it? Anything new or unfamiliar that I want to learn, do, feel or be.
I have to take risks to gain experience. I have to open up, expose my weaknesses, and be vulnerable. I have to ask questions, listen, request help when I don’t understand, and listen some more. I have to risk falling down. Getting hurt. Losing everything. What’s the reward for all of those risks?
Experience!
Plus, I lived life instead of letting life live through me, which is priceless in my book. I would much rather have the experience in which I failed than lack the experience I was too scared to attempt.
Of course, I don’t think you get anything in life for nothing. Everything has its cost. You don’t achieve success without sacrifice of some kind. Whether that’s time, money, integrity, et cetera. But you certainly won’t have any new experiences, or additional experience in a familiar area, if you don’t take that first step outside your comfort zone.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken over the past year?
Did you succeed or fail? Was it worth it? What does having that experience under your belt feel like?
WEB RESOURCES
The Greatest Risk Of All by Deanne Urquhart
How To Take A Risk Without Fear by Gladys M. Anderson, M.Ed., CTACC, LMFT
Don’t Wait Until You Have the Perfect Plan, Take Immediate Action Now by Loren Fogelman
Congrats on making the choice to step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Just the choice to do things differently is a step in the right direction. The true test comes once you hit your “brick wall” which stops you dead in your tracks. Be an implementer, continue to move forward toward your purpose.
Hi Loren! For me, there are no “brick wall[s]” because every problem is really just an opportunity in disguise, seriously. Every obstacle is there for a reason and once you get past it then you’ve learned something you didn’t know before and you have a new experience under your belt. It’s all about perspective and self-talk.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Leah
I tend to play it pretty safe if I’m being completely honest. I decided awhile back, however, that this would be the year when I would try new things instead of wimping out. Mind you, last year I found myself experiencing new things, but for many of them I really didn’t have to step outside my comfort zone. That said, some of those experiences were pretty awesome.
I like the quote mainly because it is SO true and I never really thought of it that way before. Thanks!
Hi Laura! I’m glad you liked the quote. And I don’t think you’re the only person who tends to play it safe. I think the same reason most people play it safe is the same reason so many people rely on “try” to cover their halfhearted attempts at taking risks: Most everyone is afraid of failure.
I’m happy to hear this will be the year you take the leap outside your safe zone. And hey, thanks for stopping by! I’ve missed you around these parts but I know I don’t usually write about topics in your area of interest, and I’ve enjoyed reading about your good news and goings on over at your blog, so I’m tickled you still come around. Take care!
Awesome quote! Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?
By the way, I just brought a client to your blog to demonstrate what REAL blogging is like. She was very impressed.
Hugs,
Mom
Aw shucks, Mom. Thank you!
But I wish I’d known you were going to bring company with you – I would’ve straightened the place up a bit. 😉
Inspirational Quote – Topic: Risk | Unleash the Flying Monkeys!: Good morning, I just wanted to let you know that I have linked to your website with a dofollow link so that my visitors can see your blog. I come to your site on a regular basis and enjoy reading your blog so I thought others will to. Cheerio
Thank you for this!