You can live a safe, predictable life, or you can live a wild, chaotic, unpredictable life. The former provides you with a sense of safety, and the latter a sense of excitement.
Living your life on the line that separates these two extremes is what I call “living life on your edge.”
One secret for living life on your edge is to do something in your life that scares or intimidates you.
It’s a wonderful way to grow and challenge yourself.
When I was 20 years old, I was intimidated by the consulting industry and the case interview — BUT I did do it anyway. (I’m so glad that I did!)
This month I joined the Girl Scouts and volunteered to be a meeting leader for my youngest daughter’s troop (the parents take turns leading each meeting).
I am TERRIFIED — but I’m doing it anyway.
I’m sure I will figure it out, as I usually do (though not always within the time frame I prefer). But, not knowing in advance what I will do or how I will figure it out makes me nervous.
(I ended up reaching out to my network and they’ve been very helpful.)
Here’s my question of the day:
What are you vigorously pursuing in your life that intimidates you?
Share your thoughts with me below.
How to Live an Amazing Life – Sign Up for Free Tips and Strategies for your Career and Life.
This form collects your name and email so that we can add you to our email list that delivers the free resources you are requesting. Check out our privacy policy for details on how we protect and manage your submitted data.
We’ll never spam you or share your email. Unsubscribe at any time.
96 thoughts on “Living Life on Your Edge”
Hi Victor,
You share in your email that you are TERRIFIED of being a Meeting leader. Well, in my case I never really understood digital media and how it impacts businesses. Thus, I decided to write my master dissertation on exactly this topic – How to design effective Digital marketing strategies.
Let’s see how it goes 🙂
Kind regards
Your Fan
Dimitar,
Good luck to both of us!
-Victor
Hi Victor,
I am terrified of DANGER. Sounds pretty normal, right? Yes, but not in my case. I am afraid to fall on the rails in the tube,even when I am far away from them; afraid to get some terrible desease, afraid of some slight dirt or rubbish, as it might contain billions of tuberculosis (or something worth) bacteria, so i wash my feet with antibacterial whipes when i walk in flip-flops, etc.
Well I just came back from a month-trip from (you won’t believe it) Indonesia! And it was not a ‘5-star-resort-and-spa’ holday, it was a proper travelling aroung the country with hostel bulk bed nights, terrible smells,dirty dishes (whish is somehow typical even for some solid cafes) total lack of comfort that I am used to. Victor, during that month I was afraid of just one thing – heart attack. Result: I saw amazing wild thigs and places: erupting vulcano, waterfalls in monkey forest, terrific lagunas, open smiley local people – all the things I would have never seen with a deluxe tour guide or from the window of a nice hotel room. And you know, I became more free. Free from fears that something bad should definetely happen to me. I am still coucious , but my mind is clear =)
Hi Victor,
I am a single mother with two lovely children. Six years ago I decided to build a home for my children. I was terrified but I did it anyway and moved in last year. I have worked for my current employer for 15 years now and this year I would like to make a career change to consulting. The thought of this is intimidating because I’d be leaving my comfort zone for a completely new field. However I believe the skills and competencies gained overtime together with your insightful advice have given me the courage to take the plunge!
Jennifer,
Good luck! Whether your first attempt succeeds or not, I suspect you will learn and grow in ways not possible by sitting on the sidelines.
Best Wishes
-Victor
Hi, Victor. Absolutely love your business insights that can be applied to life’s challenges. I pass along your articles to friends and colleagues constantly. I am about to enter an Executive MBA Program at UTSA(San Antonio), and am wondering whether I should take on a $60,000 debt at 69. But, like you said, you have to stretch yourself if you want to take the next step up. Keep up the good work.
David,
Wow, best wishes on your journey.
-Victor
I’m running the boston marathon this coming April and I need to fundraise 5 thousand dollars for it. I’m both excited and terrified for my first marathon!
Hi Victor,
I am creating my own brand of personal accessories (sunglasses, wallets, card holders, laptop bag, cufflink, etc…)
My previous jobs full time jobs were, LPG broker, trader, business development manager, materials scientist. I have a MEng is Materials Science & Engineering and have never worked in fashion or marketing before.
I am very excited about this challenge. Always a pleasure reading your e-mails Victor.
Thanks,
Harsh
Hi Victor,
Hope you’re well. I’m working towards Pakistan’s Civil Service (CSP) exam, which is one of the most competitive examinations in the country. We have about 30,000 people vying for less than 200 vacancies every year – with the best and brightest Pakistanis flying in from top universities from all over the world to secure a position in the prestigious roles that the CSP (heir to the British Imperial Civil Service in India) has to offer.
The thought of failing scares me everyday. But I’ve worked hard to crack the nut for the last 8 years and will continue to do so until I succeed. It’s CSP or bust for me. Wish me luck!
Currently preparing to get into Consulting after not succeeding last year.