I’ve noticed in my travels, that far too many of us are stopped dead in our tracks by fear. Much of the time, if not MOST of the time, the fears that stop us are irrational, and we allow our insecurities to run away with our common sense. We turn molehills into Mountains of FEAR. There is no good that comes from Fear, especially if it keeps a good person from achieving their destiny.

The Winners Perspective — In my days on this planet, I’ve learned that if I have a choice, and I always do, I will choose to view the world from the winner’s platform, rather than from the whiner’s platform. The view is better from the front of the pack, and the air is much crisper up near the top, isn’t it? When I was younger, I was a long distance runner for my high school and college cross-country teams. At distances of 3 to 6 miles, I learned that the view was a heck of a lot better from the front of the pack during the race then looking at some fellow’s behind for 5-6 miles. I advise you to consider from which perch YOU’D like to view the events of the rest of your life. Do you want to view the world from the back of the pack, or would you prefer to take in the view from out in front of the pack? If you’ve decided on the view from the front, get busy doing what you need to do to run at the front.

Consider Risks — There are many risks in life, but I believe it helps to put them into proper perspective. How often does the average business decision that we make in our careers cost someone their life, or result in the layoff of dozens of people? That’s right. It DOES happen, but the reality is that such sad events happen VERY infrequently. Given that perspective, do we REALLY need to agonize over every decision, every business risk we take? Of course not. Go ahead, consider risks in your life, and in your career. Then, while it’s fresh on your mind that no one is going to die if I do this, take a chance! Decide to take a positive action that moves you forward. Take action, now! All actions in life carry some risk, but the truth is that most of our decisions lead to forward progress, not a disaster! The odds are in your favor, my friend, so roll the dice while they’re hot! Remember this: You’ll never gain a thing unless you risk it. Without risk, there are few rewards. With significant risks, you may enjoy significant rewards. Go ahead. Do it. Do it now. Take a chance. Spin the wheel. Take the first step. You’ll feel great when your bet pays off, and your positive action carries you forward!

Running the race from the front of the pack requires sacrifice and commitment. You cannot get to the front of the pack without practice and taking some risks to get stronger and more aggressive. I subscribe to a positive, aggressive philosophy where we aim to win, and we aim to do it in the right way, every time. No shortcuts and no crying over spilled milk. Do it the RIGHT way, and do it now!

Michael Beach is an award winning Business Coach, Public Speaker, and Executive Development Coach in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Michael and his associate coaches work with medium sized companies to develop the next generation of emerging leaders and ensure their sustained success. For more information check out the Michael Beach Coaching & Consulting channel on YouTube.