Going All In

Growing up, my parents raised me to never half ass anything. Between school, sports, work, or life, I was told to always give 100%. As I continue my path in life I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t always given my all in everything I’ve been apart of, but I’m willing to bet I’m not the only one.

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to play college basketball at Western Washington University. The process of getting a scholarship was much more difficult than the actual games, but it was the process I fell in love with. Fast forward to present time and the same mind set I got from basketball, I now use at every company I’ve ever worked for.

One would think if you’re giving 100% everyday, there’s no way you can’t succeed, right? Unfortunately, wrong. You see, no matter what we say or how we are raised, giving 100% just isn’t possible. But I always sit back and wonder if I did give 100% how successful could I be? As hard as I’ve worked I’ve always been afraid to actually invest in myself. Working hard is one thing, but actually investing in yourself both mentally and financially can take you to a new level…at least that’s what I tell myself.

Now 29, I find myself at a cross roads between continuing up the “corporate” ladder or branching off to pursue my own goals and dreams. To say this is a scary decision is an understatement, but if I decide to not invest in myself now, when will I? These types of decisions although scary, are life changing. When you make a decision with no back up plan, no other options, win or loose, succeed or fail now that’s going all in. People (my parents included) say always give 100%, I say go ALL IN.