What if it all goes right?

Do you remember your first school dance?

I do. I had been looking forward to it for weeks. Got dressed up, my parents dropped me off, and I walked in excited and energized with one mission: ask that special person to dance.

Here is how that actually went.

I found my friends right away and we laughed and enjoyed the time together. Of course, that was just a diversion — it meant we were safe and not risking failure.

At some point, after talking about it for a long time, I walked over. Not directly, mind you. Kind of a circular route. I approached, went to ask, and managed only to say "Hi" before retreating back to the safety of my friends.

We have something we are excited about and want to pursue. An experience, a passion, even a big dream. Then we begin the "What if…" game. You know that game — where your sole focus is on what could go wrong.

Your brain, the world's greatest confirmation machine, ratchets up and quickly begins to highlight everything that could go sideways, even going to extremes and conjuring up an earthquake at the very moment you start your new experience.

I have had the opportunity throughout my life to embrace many amazing adventures — from imaginary quests in the forest next to our house, to meeting Chuck Norris and Bo Derek, to swimming in the middle of the desert on a port visit to the United Arab Emirates.

In retrospect, I was brave and decisive every time the opportunity presented itself. In reality, those decisions often took time. And I will admit there have been moments when I over-analyzed something so completely that I chose to forgo the opportunity altogether.

The dance floor is everywhere.

It is time to change it up. Time to put your brain to work FOR you instead of against you, by changing the question.

I know what you are thinking. That it sounds like an oversimplification. I can assure you it is a far more powerful shift than you imagine. But you MUST try it and prove it to yourself.

Try this right now. Think of one thing you have been hesitating on. Now ask: "What if I do this and it goes better than I imagined?" Sit with that for just ten seconds.

The key here is that clarity does not come from simply considering all of the possibilities and pitfalls. Clarity follows action.

In many cases you do not need to know the final outcome. You need to take the first step, you need to open the door. Use your brain to find the next step that will move you toward your outcome, instead of preventing you from moving at all.

This is exactly why I built PlayWorks.

Everything I have shared in this letter — the circling, the "what if it goes wrong" loop, the moment you finally take the step — that is the work we do together inside PlayWorks.

PlayWorks is a structured experiential learning community designed for adults who want consistent clarity and forward momentum. Through intentional play, movement-based learning, and guided reflection, members build creativity, communication skills, and practical next steps they can apply immediately.

It is not a seminar. It is not passive learning. PlayWorks begins by breaking patterns — using movement and playful interaction to wake up focus, lower resistance, and shift you out of your head. From there we engage, reflect, and you leave with a clear and grounded commitment that feels realistic and ready to move.

Step Inside PlayWorks →

Here is a favorite quote of mine from Nelson Mandela:

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."

Read that again and really allow it to sit with you for a moment. It is exactly what I have shared above. Shift the focus of your brain to your hopes and dreams, to what can go right when you make that choice you have been considering.

I recognize that for some of us, this is easier said than done. And I know the Tiger is already whispering back at you right now. That is exactly why I am here, and why I coach. If you are ready to stop circling and start moving, let's talk. I am ready to walk with you, until you are ready to walk on your own.

Before you go: One question to sit with this week:

What is one decision you have been circling and what would it look like to take just the first step toward it this week?

Until next time,

The Tiger Is Inside You.

P.S. If this issue made you think of someone who is still circling their dance floor, forward it to them. They might need this today.

Quote of The Week:

"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." — Nelson Mandela

That is the Tiger that I refer to and the idea of creating the metaphor for the Tiger came from Jim Lawless in his book, Taming Tigers.   

It’s fear and self-doubt dressed up as protection, convincing us to stay safe instead of stepping forward and growing. The Tiger is loud, convincing and relentless, but here’s the truth: it only has the power we give it.

Every time you step forward in spite of that roar, you weaken its grip and strengthen your own. That is what Tiger Letters are all about, sharing knowledge, experience, fears and inner strength to make your dreams a reality.

So, the next time your Tiger ROARS, smile at it, step forward reclaiming your power and break through the fear barrier into your growth zone.

Before you go, here is ONE way you can work with me.

Book your FREE Kickstart Call with me - 1:1 performance coaching to help you break through fear, self-doubt, and procrastination—so you can finally move forward with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Until next time!
The Tiger Is Inside You.