Daily Archives: March 16, 2010

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

It seems so obvious, doesn't it? Never trying implies living with regrets, or unfulfilled dreams. Failing is at least an attempt. So you should always TRY something, right?

There are some things with which I am not at peace with my fear of failing. Just because having my writing rebuffed terrifies me doesn't mean I shouldn't at least try for publication. Just because I am afraid of being rejected from graduate schools and certain jobs doesn't mean I shouldn't try.  These are things that I'm working on and I can only hope I will move past some day.

However, aren't there some things that it's ok to never try? Or is it a fine line between never trying and not really desiring? Like, I'd really like to run a half marathon, but I know I'd fail at winning one. I mean, that would be cool, and I'd be really proud of myself, but also I don't really feel the need to try for that one. 

I guess I think there are some situations where this is an appropriate question to ask oneself, and there are other situations where it is better to roll with whichever decision and outcome makes the most sense. 

Maybe I'm over-thinking this. The point is, most likely, that trying is always ideal. But if you are like me, and internalize failure far more than you should, failure sounds like a really awful thing that should be avoided in order to be happy. I'd end up wondering why I spent so much time trying to win a damn half-marathon when I knew I'd fail anyway. I guess I just know my limits.

Anyone else feel this way?

In other news, I went to the Korean spa today and had about a pound of Ashbloem flesh scrubbed off of me. I feel like a new me.


Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 226 other followers