Nothing is more provocative or action oriented than those three simple words — “just do it”. Yes, the good folks on Nike’s marketing team came up with a brilliant tag line; but it is much more than that. In just three short words, one describes what is required to overcome adversity, to let go of one’s fears and worries, and to move forward with strong conviction. Just do it, put simply, is to gather up every bit of inner courage and try. Seriously… what is the worst thing that can happen?
I remember my Dad saying “just do it” when I was too scared to ask the girl to homecoming. I remember my Taekwondo instructor saying “just do it” when I didn’t want to break cement with my hand. In both instances, the question was “what is the worst that can happen”. In looking at it that way, really, what was the worst thing that could happen? Could she say no? Yes. Could I break my hand? Yes. But… what if she says yes? What if I break the cement instead of my hand? Choosing to try is choosing to succeed; choosing to try is choosing to overcome those fears instead of letting them win. In the end, I got the girl and I broke the cement; the score: Me 2, My Fears 0.
So, if you are sitting on the fence, just do it. Enough already. Choose to try. What is the worst thing that can happen? Could something bad happen? Absolutely. But what about something great? I have found, in my life, that trying far outweighs not. I have found that even when I fail after trying, there is a worthwhile journey there. Life is about choices. If you choose to try, you will never feel regret and you will likely get more than you would otherwise. So before saying no… before giving up… before surrendering to the fears… think of what you are saying no to. If what you are saying no to is too much to give up, just do it. Take a chance. Sometimes a leap of faith is what is needed to move forward. Just a thought.
