“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” — Henry Ford

I don’t know about you guys, but I for one am sure glad it’s Friday! The last couple of weeks have just been tough ones. And I have an entire weekend where my husband is actually off for a change, so I might actually walk away from the computer and get to spend some time with him.

As I thought what what to talk about for this post, I wanted to do something that gives you something to think about over the weekend, and am hoping we have some great conversation about it.

Our profession is in such a state of flux. As many have said in your comments this past week, it seems so many people are riding the wave of fear. Fear isn’t a pretty thing. It makes us irritable, leaves us feeling uncertain, and puts us on the defensive. I think it’s fear that brings some of those awful conversations we’ve seen online because people feel so uncertain about their future.

I spent last night on a webinar given by our very own Sarah Barton about job search skills for MTs. It was an awesome time. And we saw some of the same things in that group. Attendees were both seasoned professionals and new professionals, as well as some students. In the Q&A session, the questions were the same and many centered around “What if I can’t do it?” Each of us can remember those days, and probably still have those kind of days even today, no matter where you are in your professional or personal life.

So, today I want you to think on this one question: What would you do if you could not fail? I believe it is often fear of failure that keeps us from doing things. At the same time, there can be a positive side to fear. Sometimes it’s also fear that protects us from things that might harm us. It’s sort of a double-edged sword.

Somewhere I read that perhaps a better question is what do you want to do that’s worth risking failure for? Let’s be realistic. In anything we do, there is always a chance of failure. And, particularly being the perfectionists that we all are as MTs, we sure don’t like that feeling of failure. Yet, if you never take the risk, you also never know the sweetness of victory. What is that thing for you? Are you doing it? If not, how could you take steps toward that?

I want to leave you with this video as it’s one of my favorites about stepping out in life. Have a great weekend and let’s hear your thoughts!