What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail? For roughly five years I stared at a little plaque sitting in a box on my desk with those words etched in the dull pewter finish. After 17 years in the real estate industry, real estate was all I knew, at least, it was all I thought I knew. So, maybe the better question is, what's wrong with failing or with taking risks, calculated risks? After all, many of life's greatest "failures" are men (or women, to be politically correct) who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up or never stepped out of their comfort zone to begin with. Henry Ford once said, "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."
It took me five years to put the lid on the little box on my desk and walk out of my office, leaving the "security" of a career with one company for half of my life behind. It was my brother, of all people, who shared a quote with me a few months prior to giving my notice that really resonated with me, almost haunted me. It wasn't one of those things that just stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it but more of a gradual, "okay, I get it." I poke a little at my brother because we are highly competitive, know each others hot buttons and both just like to be (know we are) right. Therefore, Todd, I acknowledge your potential part in my decision, however, for any attempt at further credit, I demur.
"Don't ever take a job that you aren't willing to leave in a day, because if you aren't willing to leave, you are willing to compromise both what you do and who you are." Unknown
How long have I compromised in my life with my beautiful wife, wonderful children, family, friends and myself? How do I change and what does the real "me" look like. Those are questions I just don't yet know how to answer. Thankfully, life is a journey and not a destination. I know I will find and share the answers to these life questions, and by the way, give insight into the title of this blog. I truly look forward to sharing this next chapter of my life with each of you.
Cheers,
Aaron
