I learned to swim when I was five, but wasn’t taught any of the finer points of swimming technique. As an undergraduate it was required that I take a course in swimming. I never considered myself an athlete and the class was difficult for me. Diving off the high board seemed impossible. Whenever we practiced I started at the back of the line and as soon as I neared the rungs of the diving board ladder I’d slip to the back. I never practiced a high dive. Not once.
On the day of the final exam I dutifully swam four laps – backstroke, breast stroke, side stroke, and freestyle. Then, reluctantly, I dove off the low board.
“That’s fine,” the instructor said. “Now take your high dive and you’re finished.”
His stared at me, then at the high board. It seemed to be several hundred feet above the pool.
I desperately wanted the “B.” So I coaxed my mind into Zombie mode, made my body climb up the ladder and without looking down, I ran to the end of the board and dove. Since I’m here to tell the story I must have survived.
It’s been more than fifty years since I was traumatized by the only actual high dive of my life. And yet, many times since then I’ve silenced my fear and dived into the dark figurative pond of the unknown. I opened a law practice when I had practically no money to live on. I’ve married, (not too scary), and divorced, (very scary). Since the publication of People Tools, I’ve been asked to be a guest on many TV shows. This is something that terrifies me, so every time I click back into Zombie mode backstage and then make myself take the leap.
I have learned that none of my fears are universal. They are personal to me. Thousands of tourists enjoy viewing the Grand Canyon while standing on an acrylic floor. I will never do that. I find it difficult to end an important relationship. Some bosses seem to enjoy firing people. I do not look forward to public speaking. My brother enjoyed that limelight.
A friend of mine works with hospice, and when he asks his patients what they regret it is never something they did in 
their lives. They always regret what they haven’t done.
So choose whatever method works for you, and then follow your dreams. Live your life so you won’t have serious regrets about not doing something because you were afraid. Say “I love you” more often. Look for a job that better suits you. Make new friends (and stop spending time with friends who don’t treat you well).
In other words, have the courage to dive off the high board, even if you’ve never done it before. You might not win the competition, or get the job, and the man or woman of your dreams might say “no.” But how will you know if you don’t take a chance?
It’s not the reward that counts. It’s the attempt. You owe it to yourself to give the high board a try.
Alan
