Jump Over the Puddle
Why life is better when you take risks
As we grow older, a strange thing happens: we start to play it safe. We become cautious, more focused on the long-term consequences of our actions, and in doing so, we stop taking the fearless leaps that once defined us. But what if that shift in mindset is costing us not just opportunities for success, but also the simple, unfiltered joy of living?
The Fearless Years
Remember when you were younger, and every opportunity felt like an adventure waiting to happen? We didn’t hesitate. Whether it was diving into a new hobby, starting a side project, or just doing something purely for fun, we acted on impulse. I recall building several apps in my early days—not because I had a guaranteed path to success, but because the idea of solving a problem excited me. I didn’t care about market fit, user demographics, or whether it would be the next big hit. The thrill was in the doing, in the chase, in the possibility.
As time passes, life demands more of us. Careers, families, responsibilities—they all compete for our attention and energy. And with that, our fearless spontaneity fades. We start analyzing every potential action through the lens of risk and reward. Should I invest time in this idea? Will this hobby pay off? Even something as trivial as jumping over a puddle becomes a calculated decision. I still remember the time I twisted my ankle leaping over one. I didn’t need to jump, but I did it for the thrill, the sheer fun of being in the moment. That’s the essence of living that we slowly lose as we age.
Rediscovering the Joy
But what if we didn’t have to lose it? What if we could find a way to rekindle that spark? Imagine allowing ourselves to take chances—not because we’re guaranteed success, but simply for the joy it brings. Every action doesn’t need to be a strategic move toward some distant goal. Sometimes, the best moments in life come from those random, unplanned decisions that we make purely because they feel right.
So, let’s stop taking ourselves so seriously. Let’s embrace the thrill of taking a shot just because it’s there, because it excites us, because it reminds us we’re alive. Life isn’t just about calculating every move; it’s about finding joy in the leaps, in the risks, in the moments that make our hearts race.
Whether it’s launching a new business, picking up a hobby, or simply jumping over a puddle—take the shot. Not for the outcome, but for the pure, unadulterated joy of living.