“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
As someone who speaks about the importance of designing your destiny and going after what you want, Mae’s message speaks volumes to me.
When you pursue your dreams vs. settle for a comfortable life or what others expect you to do, you live your best life.
As we move into the final third of the year, I find that most people have forgotten what their dream looked like in January let alone when they were 10 years old.
When you have a big vision and calling, it’s easy to squash what you’re here on this planet to do by saying to yourself –
- Who am I to do that?
- It’s not the right time to do that because I have [fill in the blank] on my plate…
- We’re already almost through the year so I’ll wait to start next year.
And, countless other dream-stealing thoughts.
Time passes quickly and in a flash you’re 10 or 20 years older, and you’ve settled for less than you’re called to do.
Doors close, opportunities pass and it’s possible to miss out on a lifetime of what matters most.
Even if your life is good right now, deep down you may realize there is part of you that’s settled for good when you were destined for great.
When you’re looking at the wheel of well-being and you examine all seven areas – physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, financial, relational, and creativity (your business or career), reflect on where you just accepted this is all you were designed to have.
You only get a limited amount of time to live out your mission, purpose, and calling.
- Are you making the difference you want to make?
- Are you living your life at a full-out “10” – or are you stuck with mediocre or comfortable?
Great leaders understand there is the safe path where you never stick your neck out or really design your own destiny – and there is the path that is more dangerous as it is filled with risks where you’d soar higher than you ever thought was possible and/or you might (temporarily) crash and burn.
If you choose to take the safe path, your world will be filled with average – and it will never be a full-out “10.”
The biggest rewards come from those willing to take the biggest risks.
- Going all-in for your dream job – the one you’ve been doubting you are capable of handling…
- Picking up and moving to another city, state or country – where you have no friends or family…
- Starting (or growing) a business – despite countless set-backs and so-called friends who tell you your idea will never work …
Even if you experience failure, it will be temporary and you’ll be stronger, smarter, and wiser.
In order to experience massive personal growth, you’ve got to put yourself out there and take risks.
This is what leaders worth following do – and why they live a fully actualized life that is a “10.”
For most of my life, I avoided any kind of risks – and this is one of the biggest actions that held me back.
When I chose to expand my growth edges and take bigger risks, there were times where I ended up bruised – and didn’t make the best decision.
I learned resilience, flexibility, and courage.
And, when I look at all the times I jumped without a net and had it work out, I realize the awe-inspiring gift of designing my destiny and living the life of my choosing, one where happiness, success and meaning are constant companions on my journey.
How about you?
As Mae West said,
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Action 
The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify where you’ve been holding yourself back or settling for less. What is one action you will take to design your destiny and fully live out your mission, purpose and calling?
Comfort doesn’t change the world.
Vulnerability changes everything.
Be a leader worth following.
Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.