Fearless - Doing What Others Wouldn’t

Fearless - Doing What Others Wouldn’t
The benefits of taking a shot at “it”. Whatever “it” is.

Does this title make you uncomfortable? Or does it strike in you a sense of curiosity and adventure?

Our financial advisor has a saying, “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” I realize he didn’t coin this expression, but when he said it to me several years ago, it resonated.

In hindsight, I’ve never shied away from professional or career opportunities that presented unchartered waters or offered a 100% completely different path, and looking back I’m glad I didn’t - for three reasons:

1. I learned more about myself in the process.
2. I experienced things I wouldn’t have.
3. I encountered people I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Several years ago, I was bored out of my mind in my current position and expressed that to my manager. In a “Well, what do you want to do?” brainstorming session, I was given the opportunity to completely overhaul the catering program for a supermarket retailer. I seriously had no idea what I was signing up for, but it was an amazing experience … and I became aware of the value I brought to the organization. Whoa!

In the process of the catering program overhaul I was involved with week-long photo shoots and hand models (new experience!). I partnered with every division in the organization (new relationships!). And, I honed my sales acumen by sharing the WIIFM (what’s in it for me) with the directors and VPs, while maintaining a focus on the overarching corporate goal (skill building!).

Was it hard? Absolutely. Did I shed some tears? You bet. But I don’t regret it for one second. And neither will you.