I remember a thought I had back when I graduated high school: “From now on, no one can make me try to learn or do anything that I don’t want to.”

It was a thought that had elements of joy and freedom – as if I had just been set free from any more of that horrible oppression that I had to deal with as a student. 🙂

But the thought also had an element of fear and dread. After all, if no one was going to be there to challenge me to work harder, study something new, or run faster around the track, what would happen to me? If I was going to continue to grow, it would be up to me to be the voice of discipline in my own life. Yikes!

Sadly, some people do spend much of their lives idling and coasting from wherever they ended up at their high school graduation.

Fortunately, most of us recognize that we still have A WHOLE LOT of learning and growing up to do.

In my case, I didn’t feel ready to be my own disciplinarian, so I kept going to school. For an additional 12 years I put myself in a position where others had the authority to push me harder than I most likely would have on my own.

This was a very good thing for me because it forced me to develop a much higher tolerance level for learning and trying new things.

So, what about you? What new things have you learned or tried lately?

What uncomfortable situations have you been avoiding because it’s just too unpleasant to be new at something – making mistakes, feeling silly or whatever?

Because it IS unpleasant and uncomfortable.

But it’s worth it.

In fact, I know someone who recently took a chance and signed up for a painting class. Turns out she’s really quite good at it!

So, she took a couple more classes.

Along the way, she discovered a talent that had been hidden inside and a new hobby that she really enjoys doing!

So, take the risk. Do whatever it is that’s been on your mind. Don’t let the fear of the initial struggle and discomfort deter you.

Anything worthwhile is going to have a little bit of that stuff mixed in.

That’s what makes it so rewarding in the end.