It's Okay to Fail
This may not be groundbreaking news to you. In fact, you may be one of those warriors who has jumped for something, failed and raced after the next challenge life threw at you.
Well, I am NOT one of those folks. For whatever reason, I have done everything in my capacity to avoid failure in life (on a major scale). Sure, I make small mistakes all the time.
But lately, I've been embracing the idea of failure. Because I've avoided it for so long, it's likely I haven't learned as much from experiences than my "try anything" friends.
Honestly, failure scares the shit out of me. And it's that fear that I run from. But ultimately, I want to look back on my life thinking, "That was amazing. I couldn't have done it better." rather than "Well, at least I was safe."
Don't get me wrong, playing it safe can be good too. Playing it safe keeps you healthy, in good relationships and out of scary situations. But I think there might be a point you reach of living in the 'safe zone' where you start to see diminishing returns.
Anyway, that's my deep thought of the week. Now on to some fun stuff...
Dinner Tuesday night had to be quick, but filling - pretty much a standard in this household. I got home from lap swimming and a trip to Tar-get around 7:45 and the manfriend was racing until 8 pm or so.
I chose black bean and veggie tostadas inspired by the latest Real Simple.
Ingredients: corn tortillas, black beans homemade refried w/ garlic, grilled zucchini, bell pepper, onion and mushroom with shredded mozzarella on top. Put in the oven on broil for 5-8 min. Side: cottage cheese and cantaloupe
We doused ours in tobasco and salsa to give it a punch. These are easy, cheap and delicious - triple win!
It's official, I've jumped feet first back into training mode and that includes yesterday's 45 min trail run at lunch (hilly trails are about a 9 min run from my office) AND this morning's wet 7 miler.
We're clearly still having that bipolar weather I mentioned before, but for some reason, I don't mind it. The rain sprinkled in among days of sun isn't so bad. I had almost forgotten what it was like to run with your shirt and shorts sticking to you the entire time...
Tell me... about a time you (or someone you know) failed and came out ahead because of it.
Extra credit reading
If you want to get a laugh, you should read Ali's blog. Every time I do, I find myself a) laughing and b) thinking that if I weren't so damn serious, I'd want Ali's humor. Plus, she's a runner and what's not awesome about that?
Well, I am NOT one of those folks. For whatever reason, I have done everything in my capacity to avoid failure in life (on a major scale). Sure, I make small mistakes all the time.
But lately, I've been embracing the idea of failure. Because I've avoided it for so long, it's likely I haven't learned as much from experiences than my "try anything" friends.
Honestly, failure scares the shit out of me. And it's that fear that I run from. But ultimately, I want to look back on my life thinking, "That was amazing. I couldn't have done it better." rather than "Well, at least I was safe."
Don't get me wrong, playing it safe can be good too. Playing it safe keeps you healthy, in good relationships and out of scary situations. But I think there might be a point you reach of living in the 'safe zone' where you start to see diminishing returns.
Anyway, that's my deep thought of the week. Now on to some fun stuff...
Dinner Tuesday night had to be quick, but filling - pretty much a standard in this household. I got home from lap swimming and a trip to Tar-get around 7:45 and the manfriend was racing until 8 pm or so.
I chose black bean and veggie tostadas inspired by the latest Real Simple.
Ingredients: corn tortillas, black beans homemade refried w/ garlic, grilled zucchini, bell pepper, onion and mushroom with shredded mozzarella on top. Put in the oven on broil for 5-8 min. Side: cottage cheese and cantaloupe
We doused ours in tobasco and salsa to give it a punch. These are easy, cheap and delicious - triple win!
It's official, I've jumped feet first back into training mode and that includes yesterday's 45 min trail run at lunch (hilly trails are about a 9 min run from my office) AND this morning's wet 7 miler.
We're clearly still having that bipolar weather I mentioned before, but for some reason, I don't mind it. The rain sprinkled in among days of sun isn't so bad. I had almost forgotten what it was like to run with your shirt and shorts sticking to you the entire time...
Tell me... about a time you (or someone you know) failed and came out ahead because of it.
Extra credit reading
If you want to get a laugh, you should read Ali's blog. Every time I do, I find myself a) laughing and b) thinking that if I weren't so damn serious, I'd want Ali's humor. Plus, she's a runner and what's not awesome about that?
Comments
Those toastadas look delicious! I have not been cooking much this week - this post is a reminder that you can make fast, easy, healthy meals!
I am excited that you are back in training mode! What is your next race?
If I had been afraid of failure, I would never have had time in CO, or worked for Small Planet Foods (marketing? No experience! But, now I have some... :) ), or taken on a job in an entirely new field of Nutrition that I'm now totally in love with.
Everyone can relate to this, but the difference in our stories is how we *react* to it. A quote I heard recently really speaks to this - "Our creator* would not give us the longing to do that which we are not capable of doing." - (*beliefs aside, this is powerful either way) - just to say that the things we WANT are in our minds for a reason. We shouldn't be afraid to go after them. :)