Ever caught yourself at the gym, debating whether to push for a new personal best or to stick with a weight you *know* you can hit?
Science and psychology both tell us that venturing into the unknown and stretching our limits is where we find magic. It’s about leaning into the challenge, appreciating the journey as much as the destination.
Embracing difficult tasks, even when fear is overwhelming, is transformative. Yes, there’s a risk of not achieving that personal record, or feeling like a fish out of water. It’s a blow to our pride. But it’s in these trials we discover our true strength, resilience, and the strategies we need to improve.
This is the fertile soil in which growth flourishes. 
In both sports and life, it’s common to hear people listing their hurdles right before a pivotal moment. “My back’s been acting up, I tweaked my elbow, I’m not sleeping well,” and so on.
This is a pre-emptive construction of excuses for a possible failure… a safety net for our egos.
And trust me, I’ve been there, making excuses, and occasionally I still catch myself at it.
Why?
Because, I’m human. I’m not perfect. And it’s challenging to put ourselves on the line, especially with big events on the horizon like the Open.
Yet, this isn’t just about athletes; it’s a universal phenomenon. Whether it’s returning to school, starting a new career, or actively engaging in our health journey, the underlying fear of failure or ridicule looms large.
However, stepping into the unknown requires bravery, and embracing these challenges is immensely fulfilling.
That’s one of life’s rare certainties.
And luckily, CFA is a place where we all understand pushing past limits, achieving wins and losses, and never letting either define us or you.
So…let me ask…with this one life you’ve been given…what are you choosing?
To be a spectator or a player?
Further reading:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/…/five_science_backed…
