Courage · 2 min read
Take the chance you can prepare for
A worthwhile opportunity may arrive without certainty. You can meet it with preparation: learn what is required, understand what you could lose and choose a responsible first step. Courage becomes useful when it serves something meaningful. Give a well-considered possibility more than a passing thought.
There is an opportunity you keep returning to in your mind. Applying for a role. Entering your work in a local exhibition. Offering to lead a project you care about. You cannot know the outcome before you participate. That uncertainty deserves consideration, and it does not automatically mean the opportunity should stay out of reach.
Look closely at what the attempt involves. What skills or qualifications matter? What time would it require? Who else would be affected? What could you reasonably lose, and could you handle that loss? Get appropriate expert guidance when financial, legal or safety stakes are involved. An exciting story about somebody else's leap cannot make those decisions for your circumstances.
Then identify a step that gives you useful information. Speak with someone who understands the role. Prepare a sample. Attend the introductory session. Submit the application after checking the requirements. A considered attempt can be brave without requiring you to abandon every safeguard. You are giving a possibility a fair examination and putting yourself in a position to respond.
The answer may still be no. You may discover that this particular opportunity is wrong for you. Either result can leave you with clearer knowledge than endless speculation. When the preparation supports moving forward, let yourself move. Your life can hold attempts that matter to you. Bring judgment, effort and the willingness to be seen trying, then take the step you have responsibly chosen.
Prepare with care. Then give the opportunity an attempt.
About this piece
Original STUDmotivation writing; everyday examples are illustrative.
Written to encourage worthwhile effort and positive action. Our approach and sources.