The ascent up a roller coast- er’s first big incline, the moments before an important interview or presentation, the thought of seeing someone you have a crush on or that you haven’t seen in years; these are all moments that are guaranteed to produce sweat in your palms and butterflies in your stomach.

Doubt and fear are our natural road blocks. They are what prohibit us from trying new things, completing tough tasks and committing great achievements. The uncertain- ty that creeps into our minds and fills our guts can weigh us down like a sack of bricks tied to our ankles.

What may typically happen to quell mounting concerns is to give up on the task at hand and admit defeat. By reasoning through your submission to doubt and trying to move past your abandoned effort, you loosen that sack of bricks but only momentarily. Maintaining this self-defeating attitude will keep you vulnerable to the weight of fear for as long as you allow it.

It is when you take a deep breath, open your eyes wide and march forward with your charge, regardless what may happen, that you work up the courage to swat away doubt and properly take in what lies ahead for you.

No job interview, first date or overall awesome experience was ever gained without taking initia- tive. Good work, such as the start of a community service project or the defense of an unjustly accused per- son, always requires a first hand to be raised or extended. Even simple acts, such as reconnecting with old friends, take confidence and initia- tive but can have great payoffs.

I’ve encountered countless

situations that could’ve turned awkward and painful. Assisting in a Sunday church service that was spoken entirely in Spanish, performing a trumpet solo in public and speaking in front of crowds of people I’d never met before were a few personal experiences that were ripe for supreme embarrassment. The trumpet solo only proved to be slightly disastrous, but it was the fact that I did it that meant more to me.

Many people create “bucket lists” to document things that must do before they die. How many people actually complete their lists? For that matter, how many people listed the things they truth- fully wanted to do, no matter how tough it may be to accomplish? I could list that I want to go skydiving (true goal) when I really just want to drink with Bill Murray at the Playboy Mansion (awesomely true goal). Committing to the goal takes some balls, but actually pull- ing it off requires a whole other set of testicular fortitude.

Granted, the “reach for the stars” and “try anything once” mentalities can lead to major trouble and harm if not treated correctly. The unseen possibilities that can open up if you just open yourself up, though, are amazing.

I’ve seen great places and won great awards, but it’s difficult for them to measure up to my love of professional wrestling. I could have remained a fan of pro wrestling for the rest of my life, but I love it too much to only be a spectator. Now, I am training to be a manager alongside guys that are bigger and tougher than I am – and I love every minute of it.

You can remain in a comfortable zone for as long as you’d like, but you’ll never learn and grow if you don’t push yourself into un- comfortable situations.

The meek might inherit the earth, but the bold will enjoy it first.