What Should I Fail at Next?

This morning on my way to the gym I heard a snippet of an NPR show about a book written by Sarah Lewis called The Rise – Creativity, the gift of failure and the search for mastery. The little bit I heard was about how not coming in first compels people to try harder and do better.

After working out I went to Chris Rosati’s house to interview him for Durham Magazine. Chris is the Durham guy who has ALS and has made national news multiple times for his Krispy Kreme heist and his acts of fun and goodwill. Not to spill the beans on my article but Chris talked about how his failed entrepreneurial ventures helped him get where he is now, a very happy guy with a purpose and a great life except for that little ALS issue.

It seemed as if there was one common thread being pulled in my universe today. Try new things, many you will fail at, but it will lead you to something new and better.

I feel as if I am approaching a crossroads. I have just finished being board chair of the Food Bank. Although I still am sticking around as past chair my role got easier. I reached my major weight loss goal, which I am trying to maintain. I did set a new

slightly lower goal just because if I don’t have a target I can easily get off track. I have planned all the major travel for the year and only have one big and one little trip ahead of me.

My list of regular stuff to get done is long so I am not really looking for a major new adventure, but is that wrong? Am I better off trying new things, especially ones that I may not be naturally good at so I can discover my next big thing? Or is it all right not to have a big thing for a while?

Before all you non-profit friends get the idea that I am available, I am not. I am not looking to jump into someone else’s dream. I am just thinking I need a few good naps so I can come up with my own new dream.