There’s a learning curve involved with habitually doing things we’re afraid to do.
My reflection from taking such plunges in the past is that their value is often misrepresented. When we hear folks speak about this, we only hear the positives.
We hear folks encouraging us to embrace our fear and step into the unknown. They tell us that it is always worth it to take those uncomfortable steps. Fear is overrated, carpe diem, etc..
Interestingly, such narratives implicitly assume that the reward at the other end always makes the discomfort worth it.
However, that is only true some of the time. Many a time, we learn that we were uncomfortable for good reason. And, sometimes, such failures can be costly.
So, if habitually doing things we’re afraid to do doesn’t always pay off, why should we do it? (or should we?)
My learning is that the reason to take such plunges habitually is because they’re good for our soul. By habitually removing any chance of regret, they change how we see ourselves. We go from passive observers to active changemakers. And, we find ourselves embracing more discomfort and, eventually, more growth.
So, it doesn’t always work out in the short run. But, in the long run, the learning and growth it inspires counts for a lot.
