“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
–Senator Robert F. Kennedy
I’ve sat in a concert hall and listened to symphony musicians play beautifully…
I’ve sat in a performance center, or in church, and listened to singers harmonize on perfect key…
I’ve sat in a theater and watched actors magically transform into character…
I’ve sat in a ball park and wondered how a batter hit a 90 mph fastball…
I’ve marveled at a canvas transformed by a painter’s brush, and read through tears, or out-loud laughter, previously blank pages now filled with words…
And I’ve been thrilled by it all. Not just entertained by the individuals’ skills, but inspired by their bold courage.
Not only do they have goosebump-raising talent, but they had the gumption to apply that talent to hours of practice, and then put it out there publicly. Kudos to them all!
To paraphrase an old saying, their talent is God’s gift to them; what they’ve done with that talent is their gift to God–and the rest of us!
My granddaughter, in her early years of violin, played at school and inspired a classmate to take up the instrument. That took courage–for both of them.
And, who knows, one of them might be playing in that concert hall someday!
A few years ago, I dusted off my 40-year-old banjo and started taking lessons. That’s when I learned my musical talent lies in playing the radio. Hey, I tried!
In retirement, I’ve started writing. While I’m no pro, by any stretch of the imagination, it’s going a little better than the banjo. If it wasn’t, you’d have stopped reading by now, right?
Debbie Blount is a college student at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia. She’s also on the women’s golf team. Nothing unusual about that–except she’s 63 years old!
Debbie, nicknamed “the Ancient Eagle,” says, “I’m 63 years old and I’m on the women’s golf team here. I’m living a dream of being a college athlete.” God bless her!
Debbie could have ignored that inner voice urging her to go back to college, go out for golf, and try to follow her dream. Had she not tried, she would have never known if she could succeed.
There is precedent for hesitancy. Moses, one of the greatest historical figures in the Judeo-Christian world, doubted himself. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity, he balked:
“Moses said to the Lord, ‘O Lord, I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth?…I will help you speak and will teach you what to say’ (Exodus 4: 10-12 NIV).”
Sometimes, we don’t try for fear of failure, or maybe embarrassment. Perhaps we think we’re just not good enough. There are plenty of excuses. I’ve certainly used them!
“But I can’t play Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.”
“No way can I carry the tune in the “Hallelujah” chorus.
“I’d miss a major league curveball by a country mile.”
Yep. Probably right on all three counts. But who’s asking you do be that accomplished?
Death beds are full of “wouldas,” “couldas,” and “shouldas.” Regret is a heavy burden to carry, especially to the grave.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. We can follow our dreams, try doing something, and see how it all works out. Just go for it, in today’s vernacular.
What have you got to lose? Regret? Self-doubt? Timidity? Good riddance!
Why not just give it a try?
10 Comments
Leave A Comment
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
–Senator Robert F. Kennedy
I’ve sat in a concert hall and listened to symphony musicians play beautifully…
I’ve sat in a performance center, or in church, and listened to singers harmonize on perfect key…
I’ve sat in a theater and watched actors magically transform into character…
I’ve sat in a ball park and wondered how a batter hit a 90 mph fastball…
I’ve marveled at a canvas transformed by a painter’s brush, and read through tears, or out-loud laughter, previously blank pages now filled with words…
And I’ve been thrilled by it all. Not just entertained by the individuals’ skills, but inspired by their bold courage.
Not only do they have goosebump-raising talent, but they had the gumption to apply that talent to hours of practice, and then put it out there publicly. Kudos to them all!
To paraphrase an old saying, their talent is God’s gift to them; what they’ve done with that talent is their gift to God–and the rest of us!
My granddaughter, in her early years of violin, played at school and inspired a classmate to take up the instrument. That took courage–for both of them.
And, who knows, one of them might be playing in that concert hall someday!
A few years ago, I dusted off my 40-year-old banjo and started taking lessons. That’s when I learned my musical talent lies in playing the radio. Hey, I tried!
In retirement, I’ve started writing. While I’m no pro, by any stretch of the imagination, it’s going a little better than the banjo. If it wasn’t, you’d have stopped reading by now, right?
Debbie Blount is a college student at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia. She’s also on the women’s golf team. Nothing unusual about that–except she’s 63 years old!
Debbie, nicknamed “the Ancient Eagle,” says, “I’m 63 years old and I’m on the women’s golf team here. I’m living a dream of being a college athlete.” God bless her!
Debbie could have ignored that inner voice urging her to go back to college, go out for golf, and try to follow her dream. Had she not tried, she would have never known if she could succeed.
There is precedent for hesitancy. Moses, one of the greatest historical figures in the Judeo-Christian world, doubted himself. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity, he balked:
“Moses said to the Lord, ‘O Lord, I have never been eloquent…I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave man his mouth?…I will help you speak and will teach you what to say’ (Exodus 4: 10-12 NIV).”
Sometimes, we don’t try for fear of failure, or maybe embarrassment. Perhaps we think we’re just not good enough. There are plenty of excuses. I’ve certainly used them!
“But I can’t play Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.”
“No way can I carry the tune in the “Hallelujah” chorus.
“I’d miss a major league curveball by a country mile.”
Yep. Probably right on all three counts. But who’s asking you do be that accomplished?
Death beds are full of “wouldas,” “couldas,” and “shouldas.” Regret is a heavy burden to carry, especially to the grave.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”
Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. We can follow our dreams, try doing something, and see how it all works out. Just go for it, in today’s vernacular.
What have you got to lose? Regret? Self-doubt? Timidity? Good riddance!
Why not just give it a try?
10 Comments
-
Congratulations Tim, I’m so happy for you!
-
Congratulations indeed! Loved this post and especially the saying “don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good”. Wise words…
-
How often have you heard someone say “I had that idea”, but they did not act on it while the person who did became rich and famous. Another old adage, nothing ventured, nothing gained, has chased many to their grave. As I repurpose my life, may the coulda, shoulda, woulda be a phase I don’t have to lift up as I pass from this life!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. -
Tim, Ben Fuller here. I just happened to pull up Letha’s emails, and yours was the first one, so I started to read, and really liked your, “Why not just give it a try”. Really great job of simple, concise thoughts on the importance of, putting yourself out there, reaching for success, and sometimes failure. Reminds me of something my dad would say, ” Son, just do a little every day and you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done”. Keep up the writing Tim, I think you have discovered another area of success, for yourself, and enjoyment and encouragement for your readers…Ben
-
Tim, congratulations on your Book deal, I can’t wait to read it. I think this will be something you will love and others will love sharing with you. So glad to see you chasing your dreams my friend.
I have taken a lot of risks and chances in my life ……. some with success and some not so much. I wasn’t sure I could fulfill my dream of running a marathon but with God’s help I completed 3.
I didn’t achieve all my attempts, but I am glad I attacked them all.
Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your writing.
Larry Tucker
-
-
Congratulations Tim! I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to read your first ! Hopefully there will be many more to come!
I’m so glad that you decided to “give it a go”! -
Great blog post, Tim! We all need a little push and encouragement from time to time to try something we haven’t dared to try before but have yearned to do so. Fear of failure is real, and can be paralyzing. But trying and achieving is so worth the risk!! Love your writing, and your knack for making us think!! Looking forward to reading your book, my friend. 🥰
-
This blog reminds me of the college admissions essay that my son Eli wrote. He described an experience that spanned his entire 4 year high school career involving theater. In the 9th grade, he had been the only male cut during tryouts, which wounded his ego to tears. For the next two years, he volunteered on stage crew. Then, Eli decided to tryout again his senior year, and my husband and I encouraged him that even if he didn’t get a part, he could be proud of himself for having the courage to “go for it” again. This time, Eli brought his overly-prepared and well-rehearsed A-game to the panel of tryout judges. In turn, Eli was awarded a main role and he was so excellent on stage that the Blumey Judges nominated him for “Best Supporting Male Actor” for our high school musical. Eli learned so much through this experience and it would not have had the same impact in his life had he not tasted the rejection of having been cut initially. Thank you for your words and encouragement Tim! I want a copy of your book ~ congratulations!
-
This is my favorite! ♥️
-
Tim, congratulations on your book contract. I really enjoy reading your posts and it’s such an inspiration to know how dedicated you are in chasing your dream. The effort and style you put in your writing is so enjoyable to read.
Debbie, “the Ancient Eagle” is a great example of following her dream. Sounds likes she was not going to let anything stop her. I’m so glad she succeeded. I would love trying to hit a 90 to 95 mph fastball, pretty sure I could not, but I would definitely go down swinging.
Great times are ahead for you Tim. Keep up the good work……and by the way, I bet you could hit a major league curve ball.
Congratulations Tim, I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations indeed! Loved this post and especially the saying “don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good”. Wise words…
How often have you heard someone say “I had that idea”, but they did not act on it while the person who did became rich and famous. Another old adage, nothing ventured, nothing gained, has chased many to their grave. As I repurpose my life, may the coulda, shoulda, woulda be a phase I don’t have to lift up as I pass from this life!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Tim, Ben Fuller here. I just happened to pull up Letha’s emails, and yours was the first one, so I started to read, and really liked your, “Why not just give it a try”. Really great job of simple, concise thoughts on the importance of, putting yourself out there, reaching for success, and sometimes failure. Reminds me of something my dad would say, ” Son, just do a little every day and you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done”. Keep up the writing Tim, I think you have discovered another area of success, for yourself, and enjoyment and encouragement for your readers…Ben
Tim, congratulations on your Book deal, I can’t wait to read it. I think this will be something you will love and others will love sharing with you. So glad to see you chasing your dreams my friend.
I have taken a lot of risks and chances in my life ……. some with success and some not so much. I wasn’t sure I could fulfill my dream of running a marathon but with God’s help I completed 3.
I didn’t achieve all my attempts, but I am glad I attacked them all.
Keep up the good work, I really enjoy your writing.
Larry Tucker
Congratulations Tim! I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to read your first ! Hopefully there will be many more to come!
I’m so glad that you decided to “give it a go”!
Great blog post, Tim! We all need a little push and encouragement from time to time to try something we haven’t dared to try before but have yearned to do so. Fear of failure is real, and can be paralyzing. But trying and achieving is so worth the risk!! Love your writing, and your knack for making us think!! Looking forward to reading your book, my friend. 🥰
This blog reminds me of the college admissions essay that my son Eli wrote. He described an experience that spanned his entire 4 year high school career involving theater. In the 9th grade, he had been the only male cut during tryouts, which wounded his ego to tears. For the next two years, he volunteered on stage crew. Then, Eli decided to tryout again his senior year, and my husband and I encouraged him that even if he didn’t get a part, he could be proud of himself for having the courage to “go for it” again. This time, Eli brought his overly-prepared and well-rehearsed A-game to the panel of tryout judges. In turn, Eli was awarded a main role and he was so excellent on stage that the Blumey Judges nominated him for “Best Supporting Male Actor” for our high school musical. Eli learned so much through this experience and it would not have had the same impact in his life had he not tasted the rejection of having been cut initially. Thank you for your words and encouragement Tim! I want a copy of your book ~ congratulations!
This is my favorite! ♥️
Tim, congratulations on your book contract. I really enjoy reading your posts and it’s such an inspiration to know how dedicated you are in chasing your dream. The effort and style you put in your writing is so enjoyable to read.
Debbie, “the Ancient Eagle” is a great example of following her dream. Sounds likes she was not going to let anything stop her. I’m so glad she succeeded. I would love trying to hit a 90 to 95 mph fastball, pretty sure I could not, but I would definitely go down swinging.
Great times are ahead for you Tim. Keep up the good work……and by the way, I bet you could hit a major league curve ball.