This is a story about missed opportunities.
“But I can’t run a mile.” I told Chet, my old high school tennis coach, over the phone.
“Of course you can! Just do it, even if you’re slow!” Chet said.
“I don’t think I’m going to make it on the team.” I lamented.
“I know you can do it.” He encouraged me.
“Okay…” I said, not sure what else to say as we ended our conversation.
I didn’t make the college tennis team. I didn’t even try out…
I wonder what was going through Chet’s mind as he talked with me on the phone? Here I was, a tennis player he mentored and trained for four years, not going out for the team because I didn’t want to run a mile?
I was an adult and made up my mind. I decided I wasn’t good enough for tennis because running a mile was too hard. I confidently decided not to go out for the team because I lacked confidence.
I rarely wonder about “what could have been.” An infinite number of futures are possible if you change one small decision in your life. While some find this fun to consider, I usually find it unhelpful and laborious.
Sometimes poor decisions lead to better events. I may have never met Miranda or other good friends if I had played college tennis. You never know what could have been and thus why I don’t dwell on the past.
Still, this was one of those big decisions that changed the trajectory of my life. Looking back, I could easily see myself playing tennis and learning from the best. I might have majored in sports medicine and become a high school or college tennis coach. I could have beaten Federer at Wimbledon! My life could have been very different had I admitted my fear and overcame limiting beliefs.
I don’t wish for a different life for a second, but there is a sense of nostalgia in the multiverse of possibility. What other opportunities did I miss out on?
Years later, while I was still in college, Chet passed away. I’ve since had this nagging thought I disappointed him by not pursuing my tennis destiny. It’s a selfish thought, because it’s likely not true, but it’s still there. Why didn’t I just run the damn mile!?
I can’t go back and change things. I don’t want to. The good and the bad combine to forge who we are. I just wonder if there are any opportunities I am missing right now?
I’m attuned to purpose and possibility. It’s what I do as an author, so it makes sense. I’ve learned you have to notice and pursue your own destiny opportunities. It’s up to you to take action. No one can tell you what to do or where to go if you aren’t ready.
No one could have convinced me to run the mile and try out for the team because I was self assured in my limitations. I was young and foolish, but aren’t we all at that age?
I’ve since found that reminders, gentle nudges in the right direction, and tools are absolutely helpful. You decide when to take the leap, but get help to build your platform. Books, podcasts, courses, and other media have been invaluable to me on my journey.
I wrote my latest book, Catalyze Your Destiny, to get people on the right track. It exists to help those who find themselves drifting along. It’s the book I wish I had in college when I didn’t take a chance on myself. Maybe, just maybe, a self-discovery tool would have uncovered a truth I needed to embrace. The book is my personal note to anyone needing a leg up to discover their why.
There’s a point in everyone’s life where they decide they want more. Some experience this moment when they’re younger. Others find it later. Still others miss every opportunity that comes their way and become old and full of regret. I’ve met far too many elderly folks wishing their lives were full of more of the good stuff.
Now I’m curious. What about you?
Is there a defining moment in your life? A moment where you see a distinct split in your life timeline?
One decision can change everything. One choice can affect the rest of our lives.
It’s a sad truth that many will pass, having never lived out their true purpose. I desperately want you to avoid this fate. Don’t wait until it’s too late…
I don’t look back at my life and wish I had done things differently. I don’t regret, even though part of me feels I missed many opportunities… Instead, I surge forward one week at a time determined to set and reach huge goals.
The amazing thing about life is it brought you right here to this very moment. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. Every decision, life circumstance, and unknown element has carried you right here.
Don’t stay there. Catalyze your hopes and dreams and mark this moment in time. Live with a zest for life and don’t miss golden opportunities.
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