I was a timid and shy kid while growing up.
It was so bad even in school that I would nod my head and tell my teachers I understood what they taught even when I didn't.
It went on and on. I became a loner. That's what happens when you are timid and shy. I lost so many opportunities. So many times I would have aired my views and made a difference.
So many times I would have stood up to answer that question and feel on top of the world. I missed those moments. It was easier for me to crawl inside my own shell. Because being curled up in my own shell felt safer.
But being in that state, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to be able to confidently do alot of things.
I remembered the first time I heard it was in a movie. I didn't really let it sink in but it was stuck in my mind somewhere.
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I was in Junior high when I had my first crush. I would practically freeze whenever she was close-by. Not like close-close, but like sitting in same seat or maybe in a chair close to me. Yet I could barely say a word to her.
She was so beautiful.
There was this particular night. I was self reflecting. Like how can I grow out of this? Like I wanted more out of life. I wanted bravery, courage. I mean it felt like I was in a cage built by my own self.
I remembered clearly my sister was watching this movie and I overhead the same quote and it was;
NEVER LET THE FEAR OF STRIKING OUT KEEP YOU FROM PLAYING THE GAME
It opened my eyes to the fact that, all I had was fear. Fear of the unknown. It meant someone out there had passed through what I was struggling with and came up with this quote that it ain't worth being afraid.
So, I started building this school of thought from that very night. The next day was when I got to test my newly found courage.
I remember how it happened that day. I needed a pen and she was seated close as usual. So with my new courage, I decided to ask her for a spare.
It was the first time I spoke to her. After so many months being in the same class. All I said was "do you have an extra pen?"
I had sweaty palms just from that question. A question I summoned all the courage that David used to kill Goliath to ask her.
She smiled and said yes and gave it to me. In my mind I was like why is she smiling???. I collected the pen. When I was through, I wanted to give it back when she told me to keep it. Still smiling at me.
We became friends from that day. Apparently, she had always liked me too. (PS I was and still a fine boy. Lol)
For me, it was a huge step at the time. I think that was the first step I took towards killing self doubt. I started speaking out more. It felt exciting like I had this new self belief system.
Went through the remaining year in school on a high. Even went on to become the school Head Prefect.
I've been growing and taking on challenging roles ever since. Even through my time in college. All because I understood what it really meant to NEVER LET THE FEAR OF STRIKING OUT KEEP YOU FROM PLAYING THE GAME.
So, this is my entry for the ongoing contest tagged "A Quote That Has Positive Impact On Your Life". I hope this helps someone out there.