Dare Mighty Things
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs Even though checkered by failure, Than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much ...
“Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs
Even though checkered by failure,
Than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much
Because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
– Theodore Roosevelt.
Have you ever failed magnificently?
Have you ever dared, tremendously?
Have you ever toiled, tirelessly?
Have you ever triumphed, completely?
Those of us who allow ourselves these type of moments
Are truly LIVING.
Not just existing. But LIVING.
The inaugural Nocrastinator’s 7-Day Challenge was as daunting for me…
as it was for the rest of our brave challengers.
I took on the INSANITY Workout DVD that had been sitting on my mantle for over two weeks. Gathering cobwebs.
I ended up working out 4 days in a row, before my resolve succumbed to a combination of fatigue and an unexpectedly very busy weekend.
But unlike before, I can accept and declare that I am responsible for not hitting the 7 days in a row.
No excuses.
But also, no regrets.
I didn’t hit 7 out of 7 days.
As the Organizer, You Could Say That Was An EPIC FAIL.
But I did work out 4-days straight. Often despite the urge to procrastinate, quit, or do the job with mediocrity.
I DARED.
Without the challenge, I would have worked out 0 days out of 7.
A difficult lesson I’ve learned over the years, is to try my hardest, then celebrate what I did accomplish.
And then try again.
The most inspired story I read last year was that of Nick Vujicic.
“We are put in situations to build our character.
Not to destroy us.
You only live once.
So GO FOR IT.”
Even if you don’t have the money, the connections, the time, the energy, the know-how, the discipline…
You can still succeed. As long as you don’t give up.
Did you finish strong?
If not, will you try again?
How was your challenge?
I really want to know – please fill out this short survey, and let me know!
Looking Back on the Challenge.
- Day 1: The Eye of the Tiger.
- Day 2: Protect Your Dreams.
- Day 3: An Excuse to Die For.
- Day 4: Those Who Try, Fall.
- Day 5: Life Ain’t All Sunshine & Rainbows.
It was an honor and a privilege to have you as part of the challenge.
Stay tuned for what’s next.
Resources:
- The Procrastinator’s Manifesto (30-page eBook)
- The Procrastinator’s Manifesto (Audiobook)
- The Nocrastinator’s Time Machine
“The comfort zone is only comfortable because you’ve shrunk yourself enough to fit in it.”
– Bolaji Oyejide.
“Those who try, fall. But those who quit, fail.”
– Bolaji Oyejide.
Go out today and FALL with gusto.
Bolaji O.
The Nocrastinator.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Bolaji O, known as "The Nocrastinator", is an expert in goal getting for digital entrepreneurs.
20 Responses to this article
Hey Bolaji –
Like you, I only partly succeeded in getting some of the things done. But I did have one perfect success – getting up 1/2 hour early every day to walk before getting ready for work. I will be on day 10 tomorrow. It’s supposed to become a habit after about 20 days. We’ll see what happens. Now, I just need to get to the gym regularly.
Baby steps, right?
What’s up, Sharon!
Wow – you are doing it! Great job with the consistency… how have you done over the past week (June 23 – 28)?
Go Get ‘Em, Nocrastinator!!!
Bolaji.
Hi Bolaji,
Thanks for stopping by over at my blog. The timing was just right. I joined your 7day challenge, replacing PRO with NO. Day 1 tomorrow (Tuesday)… actually that was yesterday; I mean Thursday
Let’s hit it.
Max
What’s up, Max!
Let’s get rid of that PRO and add that NO!
(In this case, NO is good.) LOL!
Go ahead, NOcrastinator!
Let’s get it!
Bolaji.
I truly agree with the statements that you have made and the quotes that you have added. I am being challenged right now in my personal and professional life and it is building my character each and every day.
You are one of the beacons of light that keep this all rolling for me and others. I strive to shine as you do daily, thank you. C
What’s up, Chase?
Thanks for your comment, bro. I understand the feeling of facing huge challenges… of being between a rock and a hard place… of not finding success despite best intentions and efforts.
You’re not alone, don’t give up. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Draw on successes you’ve had in the past, no matter how small… as evidence that you can and will do great things. You got this, bro.
Bolaji.
Hey Bolaji, Long time no see. thanks for the inspirational message. I’ve been having some work out woes myself and I intend to get back in the saddle….YAY NOcrastinators
My guy, what’s good?
How things?
Great to hear from you, man! Yeah – we got to get our work out on. I might need another BIG challenge to get back into a good rhythm again! LOL!
Let us know that you’ve started your workout again… post an update comment here.
Bolaji.
You’ve just inspired a blog post out of me. Thanks. What I take when reading Dare Mighty Things is that I would rather fail trying something epic than something common. Those who attempt Everest and fail, still attempt Everest. I would comment the 10 times myself if I had to:)
Live it LOUD!
What’s up, Rob!
Long time no chat. Thanks for the comment, my friend. Can’t wait to read your blog post!
Bolaji.
I did not participate in/know about the challenge, but I am responding nonetheless.
Since you asked..
LOLOL!
Mechelle. You are too much.
Funniest comment I’ve read all day. Thanks for weighing in! So what daring things might you be undertaking this summer?
Bolaji.
Why not do mighty things…because of the butterfly effect, everything you do matters. Here is a quote from the Preface of the book THE SEEDS WE SOW, KINDNESS THAT FED A HUNGRY WORLD:
The “butterfly effect” maxim emerged from the title of a paper Dr. Lorenz presented at the American Association for the Advance of Science annual conference in 1972. He had originally submitted his paper to the conference program committee without a title. One of his friends on the committee was ribbing Dr. Lorenz when he added to the conference program booklet the facetious title “Predictability: Does the Flap of a Butterfly’s Wings set of a Tornado in Texas?” In his opening remarks, Dr. Lorenz’ response to the question posed by the title was, “If the flap of a butterfly’s wing can be instrumental in generating a tornado, it can equally be instrumental in preventing a tornado.” Whatever it is called, Dr. Lorenz’ theory is at once both exquisitely simple and intricately complex. The implication is that given enough time every event, indeed every expression of energy everywhere, ripples through time and space to impact every subsequent event and expression of energy everywhere, forever—the “butterfly effect.”
Wow.
Heavy stuff.
Thanks for sharing that quote on the Butterfly Effect. Certainly thought-provoking.
Bolaji.
Hi Bolaji! True, true, loved your quotes/points…and yes, in many things I have/am positively carried/carrying matters out..it is a matter of discipline and will, no matter if the world is falling down..of course, with the little help of organizational mindset…today was different..didnt do anything of what supposed to do ..felt great…for a change..
Hey Jessica!
Thanks for sharing. It’s a very interesting topic… I could talk about it for hours.
Have a great one!
Bolaji
Hi Bolaji,
I don’t know if this counts as the tenths comment, what with me being a returning commentor, but I just wanted to report back on the NoChrastinator Challenge in view of that I seem to be the only one running at the moment.
Now that was a long and ugly sentence. Literary prowess aside, I find myself strangely rejuvenated and driven by the challenge. I get back to work when I don’t REALLY feel like it, and I get better at meeting my daily goals. It’s a cool thing, there are 3 more days to go. And then?
And then I’ll carry on and start the next one. Nothing makes you reach a goal better than committing publicly to reaching your goal.
Thanks again for popping over to my blog and inviting me, Bolaji. My almost finished ebook sends its best wishes, too.
I’ll be in touch soon.
Max
YOU DA MAAN, MAX!
I’m loving it – way to go!
Keep us posted – you’re doing an AMAZING JOB.
Bolaji.
Bolaji,
I think the most important thing you said here is to celebrate those successes. Focus in on the bright spots. Replicate what worked. Instead of dwelling on what didn’t.
In a world toiled by negativity: media, red x’s on graded papers, and negative criticism, we must shine our headlights on what works and forget about the rest.
Cheers!
Whatup, Chris!
Brilliant observation… focusing on what we’ve done wrong (a favorite pastime of too many of our institutions) is a losing proposition. Mistakes shouldn’t be ignored – they provide room for growth.
But they shouldn’t be dwelled upon, either. Because that saps the very energy and motivation that”s necessary to DARE MIGHTY THINGS!