Why Not Go For The Gusto?

A few days ago, I had a conversation with my therapist that challenged me in a way I wasn't expecting. I usually talk to her before speaking engagements and other major opportunities outside of my normal therapy sessions, so I can address imposter syndrome and ground myself.

I was telling her about my desire to go back to college. I had applied to a post-graduate program, and to my surprise, I didn't get accepted. I'll be honest. That rejection made me question some things.

Maybe this isn't the right time. Maybe I should just leave school alone. Maybe I've already accomplished enough. Maybe I should be satisfied with what I've already done.

Then she asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks.

"Why not go for your doctorate?"

I laughed a little because, in my mind, we were talking about going back to school. She was talking about something much bigger. Then she said, "Why not go for the gusto?"

That question has been sitting with me ever since. Because sometimes the biggest thing standing between us and what we want isn't a lack of ability. It's that we've convinced ourselves to want less. We've gotten comfortable asking, "What's realistic?"

When maybe we should be asking, "What's possible?"

WHAT I'M LEARNING

Going for the gusto doesn't mean being reckless. It doesn't mean saying "yes" to everything. It doesn't mean chasing titles, degrees, money, or accomplishments just to prove something. It means refusing to automatically shrink your vision because something feels bigger than what you've done before.

Sometimes we make decisions based on what we think we're qualified for instead of what we're called to pursue. We count the years, the money, and the obstacles. We count who has done it before us.

And before we know it, we've talked ourselves out of the very thing we were excited about. But what if rejection isn't always a red light? What if sometimes it's an invitation to reconsider the route? I didn't get accepted into the program I applied for.

That is a fact.

But that doesn't automatically mean the dream is over.

Maybe the question isn't: "Why didn't this work out?"

Maybe the better question is: "What's the next move?"

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
— Proverbs 16:3

I love that because it reminds me that faith doesn't mean I stop dreaming. I can make plans, pursue growth, take the next step, and still surrender the outcome to God.

Faith isn't always knowing how it's going to happen. Sometimes it's being willing to pursue it anyway.

So maybe you've been thinking about going back to school, starting the business, writing the book, applying for the position, changing careers, launching the idea, having the conversation, taking the trip, pursuing the dream you've quietly buried, etc...

Maybe you've been asking yourself, "Who am I to do that?"

I'm asking you to consider a different question: "Why not me?"

REFLECT + RESPOND

What is something I’ve been talking myself out of because it feels too big, too late, or too unrealistic?
Whose expectations have influenced what I believe is possible for my life?
If I stopped trying to guarantee the outcome, what would I be willing to pursue?

THIS WEEK'S PRACTICE

(Go For The Gusto)

Think of one thing you've been putting off because it feels too big.

Write down the following.

THE DREAM:
What do I actually want?

THE FEAR:
What has been keeping me from pursuing it?

THE NEXT STEP:
What is one thing I can do within the next 7 days to move toward it? Don't worry about the entire staircase. Just identify the next step.

Make the call.

Submit the application.

Schedule the meeting.

Buy the domain.

Write the first page.

Have the conversation.

Do the research.

Whatever it is...Go for the gusto!

Not because you know exactly how it will turn out. But because you owe yourself the opportunity to find out what could happen if you actually tried.

QUOTE TO CARRY

"Don't let the fear of what might happen convince you to settle for what already is."

YOU'VE FOUND YOUR NEXT SPEAKER

This is the work I care deeply about helping people become more emotionally aware, resilient, and intentional in how they lead themselves and others.

Whether I'm speaking to an organization, facilitating a workshop, or coaching someone through their personal development, my goal is the same:

Help people move from simply functioning to becoming mentally and emotionally healthier which results in better decision making and improved focus.

If your organization, school, ministry, or leadership team is looking for a speaker or facilitator around mental health, emotional intelligence, burnout prevention, resilience, self-worth, or healthy leadership, I'd love to have a conversation with you.

(NOW BOOKING FOR FALL AND WINTER OF 2026/2027)