Chasing the Uncomfortable
There’s a moment in everyone’s life where they stand on the edge of something big, a vast canyon of uncertainty stretched out before them. Some people turn back. Some people freeze. And some — the rare breed that achieves what others can only dream about — leap. They go for it. And that’s where the magic happens.
Now, “going for it” is as much about strategy as it is about courage. It’s not a blind leap into the abyss. It’s a calculated, albeit risky, move into the unknown, driven by the undeniable truth that growth doesn’t come from comfort. Most of us live tethered to the mundane, held back by a fear of failure, a fear of judgment, or simply a fear of what’s next. But here’s the deal: no one’s ever scaled a mountain by staying at base camp. It’s the uncomfortable climb that gets you to the summit.
Think about Steve Jobs. The man had everything to lose when he returned to Apple in 1997 — the same company that had fired him years earlier. But instead of licking his wounds or playing it safe, Jobs went all-in on a vision that was equal parts audacious and reckless. The result? He didn’t just save Apple. He transformed it into the first trillion-dollar company in history. That wasn’t a play-it-safe move. That was a bet-the-farm move. Jobs didn’t just understand the power of going for it — he embodied it.
Or take Malala Yousafzai, who didn’t just go for it — she risked her life to do so. After surviving a Taliban assassination attempt for simply advocating for girls’ education, she had every reason to play it safe, to retreat into anonymity. Instead, she doubled down, becoming a global symbol for courage, determination, and activism. Today, she’s a Nobel Peace Prize winner and continues to advocate for millions. The world didn’t change because she held back. It changed because she went for it.
Here’s the kicker: most people already know this. We’ve all read the stories of successful entrepreneurs, revolutionaries, or activists who defied the odds. But knowing isn’t the problem. The problem is acting. We’re hardwired to avoid risk, to stay safe, to cling to the status quo because it’s easier. But “easy” doesn’t create legacy. Easy doesn’t create wealth. Easy doesn’t create impact.
Look, I get it. It’s terrifying to chase something when failure is a very real possibility. It’s paralyzing to think about what people will say if you fall flat on your face. But ask yourself this: what’s scarier? The idea of failing at something great, or succeeding at something mediocre? Because if you stay put, if you play it safe, if you avoid the risk of going for it, you’re guaranteeing a life of mediocrity.
One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we need to be ready before we act. Guess what? You’re never fully ready. You think Einstein was ready when he published the theory of relativity? He wasn’t. He questioned himself at every turn. You think Malala was ready to take on the Taliban? Hell no. Going for it isn’t about being ready. It’s about knowing that not acting is the bigger risk.
So how do you do it? How do you take that leap? First, acknowledge the fear. It’s there, and it’s not going anywhere. The goal isn’t to be fearless. The goal is to move forward in spite of the fear. Then, bet on yourself. It’s the most powerful investment you can make. Don’t wait for others to tell you you’re ready or capable or worthy. Validate yourself. Own your ambition, your talent, and your drive.
Going for it doesn’t mean you won’t fail. You probably will. Failure is part of the process. But here’s the dirty little secret: the real failure is never going for it in the first place. Every missed opportunity, every ‘what if’ you let pass by, is the slow death of potential. It’s the loss of what could have been, had you just been brave enough to act.
The future belongs to those who do, not to those who wait. It’s messy, it’s risky, and yes, sometimes it’s heartbreaking. But it’s worth it. Because when you go for it, you’re betting on yourself in the biggest game there is: life. And when you bet on yourself, the odds start to shift in your favor.
So here’s my challenge to you: stop waiting. Stop making excuses. Stop playing small. Leap. You may stumble, you may fall, but you’ll have lived. And that, my friends, is where greatness begins.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
