So what would you do if you couldn’t fail?  That’s what I’ve been asking myself a lot lately.  Part of the reason for this blog is to find an answer to this question.  I talked myself out of starting a blog for many months.  I thought ‘who would want to read what I write?’ or ‘what if I run out of things to write about?’

I’m an intensely private person and I was afraid of putting my words out there to be viewed…to be judged.  My struggle with overcoming perfectionism didn’t help, but this process has been immensely therapeutic and cathartic for me and I hope something I write touches someone in a positive way.

This blogging journey has been interestingly wonderful.  It’s helping me go deeper in God and his purpose for my life.  I’m perfecting my craft by writing more.  I’m finding myself.  With each discovery another door opens to ideas I never thought of before.  Exciting for sure!

The other day I watched Kobe Bryant’s Muse – a documentary about his life and basketball career.  From infidelity to injuries, he was open and honest about his struggles.  What stuck with me the most is his view on failure.  He basically said “My mind cannot process failure” [paraphrased].  He simply refuses to accept that any failure or setback is final.  That explains the work ethic that has put him on the list as one of the greatest basketball players ever.

Then I wondered what if I adopted that mindset for myself?  Failing is a part of life.  It’s what you do after that so-called failure that makes the difference.  Failing at something is inevitable, but quitting is optional!  Failing doesn’t make you a failure.  You only become a failure if you give up.

When that thing you’ve been working at still doesn’t work out after you’ve tried dozens of times, you can still become stronger through the effort.  You’ve also probably learned many ways that don’t work which can lead you closer to one that will.  Or maybe it’s time to refocus your energy in a different direction.  Either way, don’t give up.  It’s all about perspective.

So to answer the initial question – I would write.  

I will continue doing what I’m doing at this very moment.  I’ll keep writing if I have many readers or none.  I’ll write books, novels, short stories, poems, reviews, thoughts, prayers…whatever.  Because the truth is I cannot fail as long as I trust God no matter how things work out.  He can take what looks like a failure and make it a stepping stone to becoming your best self.

So go after that ‘thing’…that dream in your heart.  Whatever happens, keep going.  Climb those mountains, press through the obstacles, and elevate your thinking.  No one ever becomes a success without enduring some failures along the way.  Sometimes success is not about the end result, but the ability to keep going in face of defeat.

Whether I go on to become a New York Times best selling author or continue as a small time blogger with a few subscribers, I’m already a winner for not quitting.  You can have the same attitude in your endeavors too!  Ask yourself what would you do if you couldn’t fail – then do it.  As the old saying goes “if at first you don’t succeed, try again” and again, and again, and again…