Nerves, we all have them. The best are what people call the “nerves of steel.” We feel invincible. You know what I mean? Running right into the line of fire, bring it on. Ready to take on anything that comes our way. Timid? I don’t think so. Brave, proud and strong; that’s what feeds that fearless attitude.

So what about the rest of the time when the nerves become full blown nervousness? For me it’s an ongoing struggle. I like to analyze things. Encounter a problem or scenario, break it down and digest it. What happened and why? How to handle a situation? Process the details and make a concise decision for next steps. This process is great in the “working” world. I always have trouble with it in the “personal” world.

I’ve had this type of nerves before. My best example revolved around finding someone to spend time with. I used the past tense of example as I found the most beautiful woman in the world. When I’m with her, I have those nerves of steel that I talked about above. She didn’t give certain traits to me. What she did was even better; she woke up those nerves that were in me all along. She brings out the best in me. For example, the first time I spoke to her on the phone was the best hour of my life. The hour before it was the worst.

Why? Well, I analyze everything. I broke down all the possibilities of how our conversation might go. What I might say, her response and my answer. So much analysis the nerves of steel didn’t exist. I was a nervous wreck. Would she like me? Would we connect? Would; that one word all but stopped me in my tracks. I had so many nerves that I delayed calling her that very first time. I had to stop my analysis, pull back and not do the one thing that was the hardest for me – thinking. It’s great to be prepared but with anything, you can only do so much. On that night, it was time to act. I picked up my phone and called this girl that I had only previously chatted with online. I ventured into the great wide open. Since that beautiful woman has come into my life, I’ve been blessed with very good days. The night of our first call will stay with me all the days of my life. To this day, I love chatting with her on the phone. When she travels for work, we talk to stay in touch. I love the sound of her voice. Goose bumps, even now.

Why is all of this important? This week I will put all the analysis down and venture into a new opportunity for myself. New people, new challenges, new direction. I’m cautious by nature, but through my wife, I’ve learned I am also strong, brave, determined and confident. All of these qualities will need to be up front and center as a new chapter begins. I don’t know what the future will bring. I do know that analysis can help you to prepare. I also know you need to take action. Step up and show the world those nerves of steel. Is it scary, sure? Is it worth it, absolutely?

Let’s do this!

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