The Leap of Faith

The Big Year

The Big Year is a movie starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. The simple idea is that these guys put their lives on hold to have a big year. That included traveling all over the world at the stop of a dime to view rare species of birds.

I’ve got to admit, when I saw The Big Year, I never knew there was actually a thing such as traveling all over the world to find rare species of birds. To me, that sounded a bit ridiculous. Leaving everything else to do something that wasn’t going to help with a future career, job, or relationship was a premise that I couldn’t comprehend. However, the wheels started spinning by time the movie came to an end.

Why do we do what we do?

What motivates you to do your daily routine? Is it money, success, family, or are there other factors? Would you ever consider dropping everything to pursue something you never thought you could accomplish? To you, that might be something completely different than from what I’d do. Doubt, fear, the possibility of rejection, and failure were just a few key deterrents that prevent us from attempting new risks. For you, maybe it involves you doing something outside of your comfort zone, something you know you can do, but you don’t because of the negative thoughts within your head.

Key to Happiness

In all of my years here on earth, I’ve come to the realization that the true key to happiness is being you. Be yourself. Be what you want, despite what others may say, think, or how they may try to deter your efforts. Ask yourself: are you doing what you truly want to do? If not, why not? I've taken risks in my life. I've started businesses without any business background. I have started business companies/ideas revolving around the following topics: computer building, tutoring, web development, e-books, online teaching, e-commerce, and a nonprofit animal charity.

I've learned new skills along the way. I learned how to build websites, code, use graphic design software, market, connect to communities, cold call, budget, and work long hours for little to no payoff.

Even though none of them ultimately were very profitable, I wouldn't change anything. I took a chance on myself and trusted that I would end up okay and I am. Although there were financial sacrifices made in addition to more prevalent graying hair throughout the process, I made it through. I left employment avenues that didn't make me happy. I took the leap on the pursuit to happiness.

Time is of the Essence

Recently, I stumbled upon an interesting news article about an app that will count down the day to your death. Obviously, nobody is God, and nobody knows for sure when that day is coming. That’s not the point. The main concept here is knowing that indeed each day, we are a big closer to it becoming a reality. We only have so many valuable seconds, days, months, and years left here on earth. I know that’s stating the obvious but seeing the actual estimation of our own demise played a big role in myself striving to have a big year.

Having a Big Year

Technically, a big year starts on January 1 and runs until the end of December which is a complete 365 day cycle. Even though it may not be New Year’s Day, we can’t wait for the time to be right to do what we’ve always wanted to do. Time is ticking as you read this. Go do what nobody thinks you can. Prove everyone wrong when you complete something that everyone said couldn’t be done. Am I advising you to go around the world finding rare species of birds? No, unless that’s what your heart desires. Having a big year is doing what you want, regardless of how absurd that thing may appear to others. It’s about what YOU want to do and ultimately be.

The Challenge

Don’t wait. Challenge yourself today to make strides towards completing your elusive goal. Make plans, make changes to those original plans, and work harder each day to accomplish those dreams that seem so unrealistic. Start with a big day. Then progress onto having yourself a big month. The gradual scaffolding of your big year is a safe-proof way to ensuring yourself that your plan is attainable. Once you start seeing results, your momentum will not be stopped. Don’t let anyone stop you from starting. Make this your reality in 2017 and forward. Go have yourself a big year.