“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream”
C.S. Lewis

It’s the new year. Another chance to start fresh and anew hitting the reset button. Or maybe you have the burning desire to redeem yourself from last year’s epic mistakes and mishaps.

You probably have goals. Some new. Some redos from last year and the year before. Maybe your goal is to lose weight gained from the festive holidays. Or perhaps you want to devote more family time with your kids, quiet time in meditation and prayer, learning a new hobby or stepping it up a work by acquiring new skills.

These are fantastic goals to create a joyful and peaceful life. Some of these listed are mine as well.

But this year, I dare you.

I double dare you to do that “thing” you’ve always wanted to do more than anything else in the world.

But haven’t.

You stopped at the starting line because you were too scared to get up and go for it. That “thing” freaked you out so bad you ended up in a fetal position rocking back and forth crying for mommy.

No judgement here at all. Many times, I was too afraid to go for my big goal too.

Or maybe your reason for holding back is no time, not enough money, lack of knowledge or experience, no resources available, never-ending obstacles and roadblocks on your path or low self-confidence making you feel unworthy.

But here’s the truth.

These are not reasons. These are excuses pretending to be reasons. We come up with excuses because that “thing” pushes us way beyond our comfort zone. The big doozie goal requires deep change to achieve it. And that’s scary! Our natural response to change is resistance with a knee-jerk reaction saying “No, I can’t to do it because of….!”

We all do this. Including me. It’s difficult to visualize ourselves achieving a breakthrough goal because the result is far from where we are right now. But what matters most is the person we become in the process of achieving the big doozie goal.

The development occurs while you are doing the work day in and day out. Not at the end when you cross the finish line. Reaching the touchdown is the party when you celebrate and thank God for the guidance and opportunity He gave you to build strength and develop your character.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”
– Proverbs 3:5-6

Last year my double dare goal was testing for 5th Dan master in KiMudo, the martial art I train in. It was a mountainous goal requiring every ounce of my ability, tenacity, perseverance and energy.

It was one of the hardest things I ever did in one year. It was scary, difficult, painful, exhausting and overwhelming.

But the journey blessed me with great rewards of self-confidence, belief and trust in myself I never would have achieved without this crazy goal.

I challenge you to tell your excuses, “Screw you!” Then kick ’em to the curb. No excuses! (pun intended).

The Bible says, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
– 2 Chronicles 15:7.

Make 2019 the year you finally muster up the courage to do what you want. Even if it’s mustard seed size of courage. It’s a start and will grow each time you show up working towards your goal.

Do something that stretches you. Pulls you. Pushes you. Yanks your limbs. Burns in your heart. Explodes your mind. It’s gotta rock you to your core. This is your breakthrough moment catapulting you to new heights with the vision of seeing life from a wider, broader, deeper perspective.

Whatever goal or thing is daring you… go for it. You will receive blessings and rewards for walking the courageous steps towards achieving your goal.

Don’t put it off for another year. Make a commitment to do it. Start today. Don’t wait until December. Take this opportunity to walk in faith and believe you can make your dreams come true.

I double dare you.

Feature photo by Tyler McRobert on Unsplash