A Leap Of Faith

Return to what you know.
For some, that's routine, for others it's the knowledge that a textbook can provide.
For me, it's sport.
Sports are easy to write about, but hard to write well about. It doesn't matter whether it's about Golf, Ice Hockey, Petanque or Fly-Fishing. If it's poorly written, it doesn't matter how good the subject might be - there won't be readers.
But here's the thing - the style of the author changes depending on the comfort and knowledge they have of their material. Obvious right? Well, maybe so - but why hasn't it been written about prior? Maybe it has. Can you prove it?
For a writer, it's not about being 'average' with their content. It's getting the best stories, most impressive leads, and crucial quotes - they make and break the text.
For an athlete, being 'average' isn't acceptable either. It just isn't. They come up with the best strategies, most impressive performances and crucial plays. And if they don't - they become fodder for the media.
You've seen what pressure can do to athletes. See it in their eyes, their shaking hands, the unecessary movements. Big moments create big characters. When you see Kobe Bryant calling for the ball on the wing, you know he's not afraid of the moment. He won't slide to the corner, shying away from the ball, gesturing "No, no - you take the final shot Lamar Odom. You make the last gasp play."
Even when Brett Favre or Peyton Manning misfires on a touchdown pass during the 2 minute drill in the 4th Quarter, you know that despite the failure, they've learnt something from the experience. That's what makes a champion. In failure, and adversity one can learn and strive forwards and become better. The desire and willpower to improve oneself is what makes a champion.
Manu Ginobli was never the fastest guy on the court, or the most athletic - sure he was above average, but never exceptional - but his effort and desire set him apart from his peers. We've seen the images of him iced from ankles to knees. During the pre-season.
It takes heart to train yourself to the brink of collapse, to push that extra lap around the football field. That final benchpress that burns so much you need two spotters. The last dumbell curl that leaves your bicep screaming for hours afterwards.
And why do they do it? Why, perhaps do you do that? It's minimal gain for a whole lot of pain. Ali, The Greatest said that he could only truly know his limits and abilities once he was past pain and the psychological restraints of his mind.
That burning desire for success lies within all of us. Dormant.
It's up to you to awaken it, nobody can make you work so hard you're ready to crumple to the floor. There can be inspirations, quotes, family, role-models, the list goes on.
But at the end of all things, there is only you and your desire. You must jump to be successful, you cannot be pushed.
Take the Leap of Faith.