Why nerves aren’t always a bad thing
As I type these words, I am currently less than 48 hours away from the most challenging task I’ve taken on to date. In just two short days, I’ll be taking on my first 100 mile foot race.
That’s a long way to run, yeah? A ton of unknown bottled up into a day’s time, right?
You bet. And, I’m nervous as all get out.
But, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
How can nerves be a good thing?
Many months ago, I wrote about my own mental struggles experienced within my younger years. For a great deal of time, I was a prisoner to my own mind.
I would worry myself sick – about nearly anything and everything.
I’ve since found ways to combat such a headspace. Not to rid myself of such feelings, but to utilize them. To turn them on their head.
Nerves serve no real purpose – not in any positive fashion, that is. As the great Steven Pressfield wonderfully states, nerves are a form of resistance aiming to keep you from what you are capable of – to hold you back and chain you down.
Nerves – they will wreck you. If you let them.
But they don’t have to. They can serve you well.
Take it from someone who knows.
This race of mine, with all of the uncertainty surrounding it – sure, it makes perfect sense that I am nervous. It makes even better sense, however, for me to channel those nerves into positive energy.
Easier said than done, I understand.
Here’s How I See It
These nerves you feel – nerves stemming from your upcoming job interview, or from the baby you will soon be welcoming into the world. Whatever it may be that has your nerves out of sorts – one question should remain steadfast in your mind: “what can I make of this?”
What can you make of this? Of these nerves taking over your heart and mind?
What can, and should, come from such a feeling?
You ask yourself: What does this mean, for something to affect me in this way? To take hold of my very being? To drive me into an absolute frenzy?
It means that – whatever “it” is – holds some value within your life. It means that you are pursuing something with real conviction, and that you take pride in your actions.
It means that you wear your emotions on your sleeve, and that such emotions are capable of carrying you much further than your stagnant mind is willing to.
Such a feeling, of pure nervousness, is a powerful thing, and something not to be taken for granted. It’s a feeling that not all of us will experience to such a degree, because, well, not everyone is willing to feel it at all.
If something, after all, can be made of these nerves, then ask yourself: “why not?”
Why not?
Why shouldn’t you take advantage of these nerves weighing you down? And turn them into a superpower?
If it can be done by so many before us, then why not me? Why not you?
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Forged in Fire 
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