E-couragement: All In

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe This conversation seems to surface often. The theme: Success. The question is often phrased, “What does it take to be successful?” Depending on the exchange, the focus of success can vary. For example, we might be referring to success in terms of business, relationships, financial, or personal life. This seemed like a complex concept, until the day I stumbled across a consistent trait, which underlies all meaningful success.

“He’s going all in!” caused me to freeze on the ESPN channel airing the World Series of Poker. I was captured by the excitement in the commentator’s voice and the energy pulsing through the crowd. This daring player sprang from his seat and began anxiously pacing. His personal cheering section rose to their feet chanting in support, living vicariously through their risk taker. Finally, the dealer flipped the decisive card…the one that would seal this competitor’s fate as famous or forgotten.

I can’t remember what happened next. Really, I don’t care. The teaching was already clear. That poker player had made the move most people resist. He took the action step that leads to success both professionally and personally. He went all in. If there’s a common theme that successful people share, it’s the courage to go all in. Consider the writing of Scottish mountaineer William Hutchison Murray:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

Here’s what I’ve found. The aspects of my life I consider most valuable—most meaningful—and most successful stem from the moments I had the courage to go all in. Whether it pertains to being a dad, husband, friend, or businessman, the common thread has been my willingness to fully and wholeheartedly commit. I also recognize times when I lacked an all in mentality – moments where I required an escape route or safety net. You guessed it; the results weren’t nearly as meaningful, memorable, or life altering. In order to experience the fullness of professional or personal success, you’ll need the courage to go all in.

Leave your comments: Where in your life do you need to go all in?