Fear and Confidence

Monday, July 8

My oldest started Drivers Ed last week. He did the in-class part a few weeks ago, but last week was his first time behind the wheel (other than a few jittery laps in parking lots). Despite the pep talks and the encouragement, you could see the anxiety on his face.

Using Find My iPhone, my wife and I tracked his every move. After a few trips around our neighborhood, the instructor had him hit the streets. We look down and suddenly he’s 20 miles away. We were shocked. And also encouraged.

After his two and a half hours on the road, he was home. Only one curb had been hit - and it was in our neighborhood. He said that he was nervous at first but after a few minutes, he felt comfortable. The fear had gone away and he knew he could do it. He walked out the door anxious and afraid, he walked in the door calm and confident.

This is the process of starting on any journey. There’s fear, concern, doubt. “What if I fail? What if I can’t do it? What if I’m not good enough?” And the only way to silence it is to get in the game. And quickly you realize, you can do it. You do have what it takes. And that the only way to fail is to not try. You realize that fear was a liar all along.

Today you have a choice: you can listen to the fears or you can silence them and take the step. Only one option will make you better. Lean in.

Keep chopping wood. 🪵🪓

-Kevin

*no emails from me the rest of the week. We preach rest and recharge around here and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing before a busy travel season picks up. Hope you get to enjoy some down time as well. Grateful you take the time to read these emails each day (especially for those who share them with their teams and families). Means the world.