Do not play safe. It is time to step out of your comfort zone and play the full-fledged game that life has to offer! No one has ever turned out to be extraordinary when all they did was sit sternly in their safety havens. Once I heard a quote that stirred something deep in my heart. I would like to share it with you.
“A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are built for.”
— John A. Shedd
The quote is so self explanatory that I do not see the point in interpreting it. But if you want it broken down, let’s just say that we, as individuals, are safe in the comfort zones we have built around us (e.g.- our homes, under the supervision of our friends, working in a 9 to 5 government job which doesn’t kick you out etc.) but is it really what we came here to do? Be safe? Feel secure and comfortable and not venture outside that box? When I asked myself this question, I heard an echo of realization burst out inside me.
The next few pointers are here to encourage you to break the rut, make yourself more visible in this world and be a super human because you definitely have the ability and grit for it:
Make Your Life an Example to Go By
Do not die a hero by following all the rules that the world has cast on you. Rather leave behind an example of a man who did what others couldn’t bring themselves to do or be. Have the bravery to say Yes where others withdraw and live a life that generations after, look up to. Lead by example.
Challenge Yourself
You are the biggest competitor you will ever face. Why not show yourself how good you can turn out to be? May be you will end up surprising yourself. Encourage yourself to raise your standards each day, thrash your comforts out of the way and prove it to your mind that you decide the rules.
Don’t Be Normal or Safe
Normal is so overrated. What is the point of leading an ordinary life with all the extraordinary gifts you have? Value them, use them, make something beautiful out of them. If weird is what makes your soul dance, be freaking weird but do not give in to the world’s orders.
Do Not Care about Judgments
If you are good at something, you will receive more criticism than appreciation. So let’s not focus on the results, just give it your all while you do the work. Some people will judge and discuss your victories and failure anyway. Don’t let any of it bother you.
Jump on to Jobs that You Love or Wish to Explore
Don’t limit yourself to anything that feels wrong. Don’t join a company for its brand value and regret later about how little you had interest in it. Go work for people you have always been inspired by, start your own creative business, be an artist in your own rights. The world is your playground. Utilize it, don’t play normal or safe. That is not how innovators roll.
Do Something that Scares You
Everyday attempt something scary. Do this with full intention and in all consciousness. Do it like you mean it. Fake confidence is also confidence. Convince your brain that you are used to taking huge leaps and you will end up doing several great things in this life.
Conclusion
Don’t listen to the society ranting about staying safe. There is absolutely no fun in safety. It is boring, it is overrated and it surely gets you nowhere marvelous. So be ready to jump in and make the world a beautiful place.
We need brave souls who have the capacity to listen to their hearts and act accordingly.
Don’t stay in a protected environment and think it is nourishing you. It is just feeding you like a baby and making you dependent and less capable. Break free, be your own hero!
Written By: Sampurna Sengupta
*****
Related Articles:
