Whenever Michael Jordan gets on the golf course and his friends ask the stakes of the game–how much money they’re betting against one another–rumor has it that his stock response is: “Whatever makes you nervous.”
That’s what you should bet on yourself, every time. Not what makes you comfortable, but what makes you nervous.
Your muscles get stronger by running, jumping, lifting weights, by stressing them out, by pushing them, not by sitting on the couch.
Mario Andretti said famously: “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough”.
And the one-liners could go on and on… Point being that you’ve got to push your comfort level to grow. That goes for your photography, your filmmaking, your art, your vision, your business, your whatever.
You will not succeed if you do not take risks.
[thx for the flying shot martin gisborne!]
So true. Almost every major creative triumph I’ve had was when I didn’t want to do it in the first place– take the ENTIRE rig to London, shoot in freezing weather, don’t just pull over but stomp through the cactus to get the shot… But like paddling upstream, the moment you stop paddling, you head the other direction. Effort always wins.
Well timed. This is why this ex 300lb guy will be running the Tough Mudder next May. Oh, my photography will get better too :p
I have been shooting nature scenes for the past few years and I am just beginning to shoot portraits for clients. So much to learn about starting a business and delivering consistent results. It makes me nervous. But I’m doing it anyway. “Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!”…well, maybe not “full speed”, but moving forward nonetheless! 🙂
btw – Not sure I would be pursuing this path if not for all I have been learning through your creativeLIVE productions. Thank you ~ from the bottom of my heart for all that you do and for your wonderful, generous guests!
Feeling super motivated after reading your message. It is currently pouring outside but I am looking at my camera bag with an uncontrollable amount of excitement. Where’s that rain gear?
Amazing post, Chase. I love your message. Thanks for sharing.