Leaning In

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career, lost almost 300 games, missed the game-winning shot 26 times. I’ve failed over and over again in my life. That is why I succeed.”  – Michael Jordan, professional basketball player

What’s Sheryl Sandberg talking about?  She’s talking about going for it.

Going out with yet another man hoping he’s the one.

Going for that promotion.

Going for the bigger apartment.

You might not get the guy, the job or the mortgage, but you’ll have the deep satisfaction of knowing that you went for it.  You jumped off the cliff, took the leap of faith, did one thing every day that scared you.  Look, clichés exist for a reason.  They make sense.

Years ago and old boyfriend and I were hiking.  We came to a log that was placed across a babbling brook.  He started across and I froze.  It was maybe 3 1/2 feet above the water.  If I fell in, I would have gotten wet.  But I was scared.  He took my hand and said “Go for greatness!”

What’s the point of being here in, body form, on this planet, if you’re not going to make the most of it?  I don’t mean make stupid, reckless choices.  I’ve made some of those and I’m grateful I’m still here.  And since I’m still here, I’m going to continue to make thoughtful, scary choices that push me to expand my sense of self.  Writing this blog pushes every insecure button I have.  But in writing it, I learn about myself and hopefully help a few people out.

As a leaner-inner for most of my adult life, I can tell you that falling flat on my face feels a lot better than falling on my butt.  At least I went for it.  And like Michael Jordan, I aim to miss 9,000 shots in order to dunk the few really important ones.

Go for greatness!