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| Sunday, April 02, 2006 |
What would you attempt if you knew you would not fail?
Laini and Megg have started a new weekly challenge called Sunday Scribblings with the intention of providing "inspiration and motivation for anyone who enjoys writing and would like a weekly challenge." Although the site is worth looking at for Laini's art alone, I do like the idea of a weekly prompt. So here goes ...
I have a whole list of things that I'd like to accomplish, and I made the list with the intention of actually attempting them one day. Someday I will bake and decorate a wedding cake, for example, but it won't be for anyone's wedding because of the very real possibility that it would be a failure. Or ugly, at the very least.
So what would I attempt if I knew I would not fail?
I'd like to try to write a novel. Not a serious attempt at getting published. Just a lark to say "I've written a novel. It's sitting there in my desk. Would you like to see it?" I had every intention of participating in NaNoWriMo last year, but then we had a vacation in mid-November and my plans slipped away. I don't know why the spectre of failing to finish it should stop me from starting. Maybe it doesn't. Maybe I just feel a little bit silly entertaining the thought that I could have enough original material in my head to fill a whole book.
I would like to fly a plane. Failing on that front would have dire consequences, though, so chances are I will never be brave enough to try it. But if I knew I would not fail (and if I had the time and the money), I would sign up for flying lessons.
If I knew I would not fail, I would open a bakery. But first I would go to cooking school and learn the secrets of the pastry chef. This dream, too, falls victim to time and money even before fear of failure.
Had I time and money, though, I wonder whether fear of failure would stop me from attempting these things. I know that I have Alex's full support in whatever I do, and there's always a lot of comfort found in that. But I have a whopping self-doubt that might overrule that. It would be nice to find out one day.
posted by Nichole @ 11:58 AM
. . . . . comments . . . . .
Laini says, "Hi Nichole! Thanks for participating -- your response is a perfect example to me of why I love this question. If we would really attempt these things if we knew we wouldn't fail, I mean if we're not being whimsical and we really really believe we WOULD, then it's clear we should find the way to attempting them anyway. I wish you well with your novel -- I wish NaNoWriMo wasn't in November, that's a terrible choice. It should be January with New Year's resolutions and the lull after the holidays. Also, if you open a bakery I'll come in and munch, but I would never ever ever want to fly a plane. eek!" (1:12 PM, April 02, 2006)
GoGo says, ""I would like to fly a plane. Failing on that front would have dire consequences, though, so chances are I will never be brave enough to try it. But if I knew I would not fail (and if I had the time and the money), I would sign up for flying lessons."
Reasons to reason yourself out of things, are the very same reasons to reason yourself into them. I say take that risk and fly! Growing up, the minister of our church flew a plane in his 70s. Not sure what a man of God would have on you. ;O)." (5:37 PM, April 02, 2006)
Shannon (Sentimental) says, "Girl those are some fabulous dreams that I think you can accomplish! They are beautiful thoughts. Great post and glad you are taking part in the SS." (7:33 PM, April 02, 2006)
beansprout says, "I've been reading all the Sunday Scribblings and it has struck me that we all think what we want to accomplish is so BIG. And it is to us...nut to others it seems totally doable. These things you want are within your reach. You might want to check out my posts called A Little Bit of Confidence and Demons of the Imagination. They're all about trying to slay self-doubt. It is somrthing I struggle with daily. Be well." (8:34 PM, April 02, 2006)
megg says, "i'm so glad you've joined Sunday Scribblings! Your post is wonderful. All of those dreams are so inspiring and honest. Thank you for sharing them!" (4:40 PM, April 03, 2006)
HoBess says, "I'm struck by the question you pose: Given the time and the money, would fear hold me back?
Sometimes, I think, I console myself by saying "Oh! I could never afford that." or by saying "Ya, right, like I have time for that."
Glad I found you through Sunday Scribblings. This will be a tough but interesting question to answer." (5:38 PM, April 03, 2006)
Jennifer says, "Money - my big hindrance for alot of my dreams too. Not fear..." (2:43 AM, April 05, 2006)
Jana B says, "I like the point you made about how we SAY that money and time hold us back... but even if you removed those, the biggest obstacle we face is actually... ourselves.
Glad you joined the "SS" LOL" (12:18 PM, April 07, 2006)
birdie says, "This is a very interesting question. You can't actually attempt anything if you know that failure is no longer a possibility. To attempt implies a certain degree of uncertainty. Today we are privy to so many thoughts and ideas that it seems we'll never be able to get to all things we'd like to do. I believe, however, that when you have a dream that touches you so deeply it glances off your soul, you will have no choice but to pursue it. A great posting, and I enjoyed reading it." (4:50 PM, April 09, 2006)
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