Today’s word is Dare. Of course, as soon as I see that word, I think of Dr. Brené Brown, whose book Daring Greatly
has become a staple in the bookcases of personal growth junkies like me. I even wrote about her last year.

The gist of the book is the importance of vulnerability – of showing up and daring to be ourselves, to risk failure while attempting something new, rather than staying hidden in safe mediocrity all of our lives. It’s about being engaged in our own lives, rather than being spectators.

This is a concept that speaks to me, because it is only in the past decade that I have really explored what it is that I want from my life, and I have been in this world for over half a century already. Nothing is ever wasted, and all of the experiences and mistakes and failures that I have experienced during that half century have contributed to making me who I am. But I am done with doing what I think other people expect of me, and my life is so much better. I walk through the world with a lightness in my step, because I am no longer trying to be someone or something that I am not. It feels so wonderful.

This lightness and freedom to dare greatly did not happen overnight. I still struggle with doubt and fear, especially when it comes to asking people for money. Money for myself, that is. I will fundraise for a good cause quite ruthlessly and shamelessly, but when it comes to supporting my own family, I am struck dumb. I’m getting better at it, but I have a long way to go.

I was privileged to be on a live call with my hero David Wood yesterday, and he inspired me to change my approach to my business completely. He told me that the true product of my company was freedom.

Health is part of that freedom, and there’s no question that the physical products I get from the company have greatly improved the quality of my life. I was at kettlebell today and deadlifted 110 lbs, for three rounds of eight lifts each. I am back where I was before my illness, and I am thrilled about that. I will never stop using these products, because they are making me much healthier and happier than I was before.

And yet, the purpose of the business is not just to sell products. It is to allow people to achieve the kind of freedom that allows them to listen to live calls at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, or to go to the beach at 10 am. It allows them to volunteer at their kids’ schools, or in Africa if they so choose. It’s not about the money – it’s about the freedom. The freedom to dare greatly, to not be tied down to the nine-to-five, to live a bigger life.

What would you do if you had the freedom to dare greatly?