“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.” –John A. Shedd

Human beings are not made to live a sedentary life. In fact, science has proven that the more we exercise the entire human experience – physical, mental and spiritual – the healthier and more alive we become.

However, many have chosen, even subconsciously, to be less than what we are capable of due to fear of failure or just plain old laziness. We think we are playing it safe, when in reality, we are speeding up the inevitable end or at best maintaining our mediocrity.

Success Generally Happens in Small, Consistent Victories

Most of the time we wait until we think we have a 100% probability of succeeding before we embark, which, in most cases, results in little to no action. The fact is, you can never know with 100% certainty the outcome of any choice. I’ve heard it said that a great leader will look for a 70% to 80% probability of success, then pull the trigger. This discipline prevents inactivity and becomes the signal to compel action, outside of emotion and logic alone.

“When you walk to the edge of all the light you have and take that first step into the darkness of the unknown, you must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for you to stand upon or you will be taught to fly.” –Patrick Overton

I love this quote. It is a representation of all great successes in business.

It can be scary to be a leader, and sometimes it’s dark as a moonless night out there. But greatness comes from leaning in and taking that next step – believing you can handle whatever is waiting on the other side of the darkness.

Pushing through your fears and uncertainty is how you become more than who you currently are. It’s a time of exploration, learning and growth. No “failure” is truly a failure if you learned and grew from it. Leaning in creates momentum for the next step, and the next step, and pretty soon you’re at a slow trot toward a sprint to the finish.

So, What’s the Point of All This?

I’m glad you ask.

We are all meant for our own version of greatness. Greatness must overcome the limitations we set and accept for ourselves. Small actions are often the only catalyst we need to create the momentum that carries us through fear, laziness, and doubt. And success breeds more success.

Take action. Be committed to something bigger than your fears. Just get started. Lean In.