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Standing 80 feet above the water on a cliff that overlooked the Snake River was spectacular! The thought of jumping into the water from this height was just plain frightening!
After all the instructions which included how to hold your arms in an X and grab your life vest so it would not be sucked off of you as you enter the water. And how far you needed to launch yourself outwards as to not go crashing into the rocks below. I was still scared silly!
"I must be crazy!", I said, "but when has that ever stopped me from doing something?" I just took a deep breath, and launched myself outwards. It felt like an eternity before my feet crashed into the water. What a rush! I almost couldn't believe it. I had jumped off a perfectly safe rock 80 feet in the air to the water down below. I came up and let out a big whoop! Success! Now that was fun! Let's do it again!
Fear of failure is real. Standing atop an 80 foot cliff, I knew the risks! I could definitely get hurt doing this. Broken bones, concussion, and I guess even worst case scenario, I could have even died on that day. That would have been a failure, right?
What I haven't told you is that I had an acute fear of heights, and on that day, I overcame that fear for good. That wasn't the first time I jumped off a cliff that day. I began the day cliff diving from 5 feet high and then 10, and so on, until I dared to try the ultimate height for me of 80 feet!
For many people, this gripping fear I had of heights is felt when they stand at the precipice of something new. But the source of their fear stems from failure. What if I fail? What will my friends think? Will people laugh at me?
Emerson said that life is a series of experiments, the more you make, the better.
An experiment is made up of trials. I am no scientist here, but a trial is an idea put to the test to see if it works. In other words, you 'try' it out!
You try something new and you fail. Is that the end of it? No! Learn from your trial. What caused the failure? What changes need to be made to improve your chances of success? Failure becomes the launching pad for learning and knowledge!
Now you have a perspective on life that can help to overcome that fear of failure. Take Emerson's advice and make life a series of experiments. So what if you fail, as long as you have learned something! Oh, and have some fun while you're at it!
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Awe! What's life without a little fun! LOL I have fun with this thing called life. Glad you noticed! Always looking for the fun and the humor. Once in awhile I have to look for the silver lining, but not too often!
McK, You and Rob have a lot in common in that you both bring your adventurous spirits into your writing. It makes your articles come alive because they are packed with your own experiences, that are colorful and inspiring. This article has moved me to try things that I have been afraid to do. Jumping off an 80 foot cliff is one of them, however, I'm not going to do it any time soon. Facing an intense fear and defying it has got to be the most empowering thing. I do it too, in my own way, but have never jumped off a cliff. Great article. Thank you.
Awe! You're way too kind! Thanks, I think my head swelled a little. Wait let me check to see if I can still get through the door. Yup, I can still make it! That was one of the scariest things I have ever done. The other was sitting on a 3,000 lb bull! Didn't actually ride him, mind you, but just getting up on that beast was scary! Thanks again for the kind words, it's appreciated greatly!
Thanks for sharing. We all have one fear or another and most of us find a way to overcome it.
Very true! Action in the face of fear is called courage! Thanks for the input, John.
It's action while having those fears that will bring you success. Find a mentor that is willing to help you along, a partner in crime so to speak. My partner is my wife. I bounce ideas off of her and use her creativity and energy to put myself out there as a writer. I look at Internet Marketing as an elephant! It is very big and complex! My dad always said you can't eat an elephant in one bite! LOL I am new to this IM thing, but I do know this, I don't expect to be a success in every aspect of Internet Marketing right away. I have begun with writing and blogging and learning the ropes of social media. I haven't a clue how to build a website, or drive traffic to it. My best advice...Action everyday, Learn everyday, Adapt everyday....Repeat! Hope this helps a little. Hey! You have inspired a new subject for an article! LOL "How to eat an elephant!" Thanks for the comment and inspiration!
How I ernjoy the way you write, your style and subjects.. outstanding.. The only fear one should have is the fear of fear itself, easier said than done of course, but yes, never been scared of heights but jumping off a rock 80 feet down to water? that would scare the bejuncers out of me...
I must admit, though, having some peer pressure helped me along. Seeing how all my buddies were doing it, and not dying! LOL I figured I could do it, too. That fear of heights ranked right up there with my fear of talking to a girl I thought was all that! LOL Never did drum up the nerve to ask her. Then she moved! Sad thing was, I found out later she liked me! LOL No matter, I did marry me high school sweetie though....Awe see there, you got me started on another ding dang article! LOL Thanks for the comments.
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