Lifestream for Marcus Nelson

Reprinted from:  http://marcus.vc/x0Xado

You don’t want to read another New Year’s Resolution.

Nor do I want to write one.  Some things are better left discovered than announced, don’t you think?

In 2009 my Wife & I took the challenge of maturing a startup, leaving the startup, moving to San Francisco, furnishing a new house, enrolling our kids in new schools, and working for new companies. It was exhilarating, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding.  We took on every task head on, and we loved it.  We were fearless.

2010 was no less momentous as we moved into new levels of stability with the household, happiness with our kids, and promotion at work. We felt like we were getting somewhere. Things were good, predictable, and comfortable. Don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with these things.  The economy being the way that it is, we are more than blessed.

But I have to say, there’s this thing that has kept me on edge a bit for the last few months.  I’m feeling “safe.”

“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”  ~ William Shedd

Maybe you feel the same?  I dunno, but last time I checked, “safe” never changed the world.  It’s not inspiring, nor does it inspire others.

No, “safe” maintains.

Now before you jump the gun and think we’re going to do something rash, hear me out. One can make change where they are at.  It doesn’t mean we have to change jobs, move to another city, or upset the apple cart of life.  However, one can change how they think or behave:

• Say what you think, speak what you feel.
• Never be afraid of what others think.
• Don’t wait for people’s permission.
• Take in on the chin if you fail.
• Stop covering your ass.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” ~ Dr. Seuss

You know that feeling where you lean back on your chair, and just when you think you’re about to fall you grab the table to steady yourself… What if you stopped grabbing the table.

Would you fall?  Would you keep your balance?

I want to see what happens.  I need to see what happens.

Let go.

Fearless.