Letting go of fear

In July, I participated in my first criterium race. I consider it a success even though I have some areas to improve.

I had a blast racing, despite it being one of the toughest physical things I’ve ever done. It was such fun, it made me want to race again. Wednesday is the last crit race of the season, and I’m giving it another go. This race will be faster and longer, and I’m terrified. I’ve started to register twice, but chickened out both times. I have have no idea why I’m so scared.

Actually, that’s not true. I know exactly why. I’m scared of failing. (Or at least my version of failing.)

At the races last week, there was a person in one of the top categories I’ve watched race week after week. This racer is good and incredibly fast, often on the podium. Toward the end of the race, as the field came around the corner and I saw this particular racer was behind them, I realized something: We aren’t going to win every race. There will be tough days. There are days we aren’t going to hit our personal goals. But what if the fear of those days keeps us from even trying? I may fail to meet my personal goals, but I don’t want to be the person that lets fear keep her from trying.

So I’m pushing back against my fear and racing Wednesday. I don’t know what your fear is or what you’re anxious about trying or doing, but do it. It may be something physical like signing up for a race. It may be a calling to a particular mission field or to step out in faith on something. It may even be a fear of signing up for a JDRF Ride and the commitment to fundraising. Whatever it is you’re feeling called to do, do it. Don’t let the fear or the doubts stop you. Sometimes you’re going to fail, but sometimes, you’re going to succeed. And even failure yields great lessons.