Monday Motivation: Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You

“Do One Thing Every Day That Scares You” is the bumper sticker I have in a frame along with my Boston Marathon bib signed by Kathrine Switzer and finish photo with the Boston Marathon medal around my neck and my arms around my two supporters my husband Scott and son Adam. I keep the frame next to my work desk to inspire me to try something new that scares me. It might be something new in business, fight for women’s equality, sports or life.

This week I will live that bumper sticker motto again as I travel overseas to England to run in the “Women Can Marathon” with the relatively new global organization called 261 Fearless, a global supportive social running network which empowers women to connect and take control of their lives through the freedom gained by running. Through a series of non-competitive running clubs, a unique education program and private communication channels, 261 Fearless provides networking, healthy running support and a sisterhood to women all over the world.

I’ll let you in on one of my deep secrets, I have been scared to fly over the ocean since the Pan Am 103 Flight crash December 21, 1993 when one of my good friends was suppose to be on the flight coming home from studying abroad. Lucky for her, she changed her flight a month before leaving to the following day and missed the tragic flight although a couple of her friends perished on route home. Sometimes news images and stories can settle in logical minds changing them to doubtful. I know 1993 was a long time ago but the memory has always stuck with me.

So last December on a brave moment in my life, I called my son and asked him if he would accompany me to England for a week so I could run in the Women Can Marathon with my 261 Fearless global friends. He said “yes” immediately and I booked our flights. We take off Thursday for this adventure. I am very excited by realize I may feel some anxiety as the flight dates approach. It’s a reason the bumper sticker’s message is a perfect for me the next couple weeks.

On this Monday Motivation, I ask you to join me this week in setting aside one of your fears in business, life or sports and say yes to something you have wanted to do but are afraid to try or conquer. I am positive there is something that immediately comes to mind when you think about what you have always wanted to do but stopped yourself from doing. What is it? Why has it stopped you? Won’t you feel better if you conquer and succeed at it?