No, it’s not a new question. But listening to this NPR report about how Google is innovating in a time of huge tech trouble on the way to work on Tuesday morning triggered a series of thoughts that lasted me all day.
Source: inspirational-images.tumblr.com via Little on Pinterest
(you can also download a high-res image of the same quote from Lifehacker — very cool for printing or for your desktop wallpaper!)
What Would You Attempt to Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?
The answer? I honestly don’t know. It’s overwhelming for me to approach projects without thinking of back-up plans and contingencies. I’m definitely not a pessimist — I love setting goals and I embrace new opportunities. But I am by nature someone who assumes that there will be challenges on any journey. So if I were to remove all obstacles, what would I attempt? A few items on my list:
- I would learn to play the guitar and go into the recording studio to put together an album.
- I would complete an Ironman triathlon.
- I would help the company that I work for become the world’s #1 multimedia group, spreading hope, inspiration and possibility to those who need it most.
- I would have and raise three children.
- I would learn to make beautiful and delicious meals that were both easy and inexpensive.
- I would travel to every continent.
- I would become a fabulous photographer.
- I would launch a non-profit organization.
I know I could do any and all of these things (well, maybe not all…remember this quote?). But truthfully, I think there is some value to having non-attainable goals, or at least things that are on the “someday but not today” list. The items on my list are not priorities, or else I’d be working on them right now. I have other things that are more crucial — having one child in two months. Helping the company I work for launch one TV show at a time. Making meals that are easy and inexpensive but not beautiful. I love love LOVE the quote because I think it can inspire all of us to think BIG and then act small.
So, what would you attempt to do?
About Katy
I would start my own magazine.
If I answer the question does it mean I should probably try it? Haha.
I’d swim in the Olympics, write romance novels, and open a bed and breakfast with a bakery/coffee shop attached.
Well I’m starting this – I’m going for my personal training certificate which I know will be a HUGE challenge. But I often wonder if I allow the fear of failure keep me from going back into the music industry. The band I used to manage was stolen from me a year and a half ago and they’re really getting successful now but that’s all because of a buzz that I had built. To others this means I could do what I did again; to me I fear this was just luck.
WOW.. very thought provoking. thank you.
Thank you Katy…..I would run a marathon or a sprint triathalon, I would start another business. I would start a scholarship for working single moms to help them with the costs no one thinks about like dinners, babysitting and having a few moments of fun with the children when not working or doing homework at 2am ( can you tell I have been there done that twice). I would finish my book and have it published.