Bridging Thought and Action
I’ve noticed a shift in my behavior over the past few months. Specifically, I’ve become much better at closing the gap between thinking about something and actually executing on it. When I talk about “something,” I mean goals, ambitions, or plans. If an action aligns with my purpose, I now jump right in without second-guessing myself. I’m no longer plagued by thoughts of “What if I don’t succeed?” or “What if it fails publicly?” The only limitation I face is time. If I have the time, I’ll do it. If not, I’ll have to let it go, but it’s never because I’m afraid of failing or looking like a failure. This is something I’m incredibly proud of because I remember a time when I would spend ages deliberating before taking action.
The Birth of an Initiative
Take the recent “Chalant Society” initiative, for instance. It came together in a matter of days, and soon after, we had our first meetup. I didn’t let myself get bogged down by overthinking. I simply executed, learned, iterated, and improved my decisions as I went along. You can’t draw real, tangible conclusions without first executing and sharing your ideas with the public.
Collaborating in Club Week
During club week, I initially spent two days advertising my startup. However, I then saw an opportunity to collaborate with clubs. Many clubs want to produce more content but face obstacles like a lack of ideas or motivation. I realized I could bridge that gap by helping them energize and create good vibes on campus, effectively embodying what the Chalant Society stands for.
Over the next three days, I collaborated on several projects, growing both my Instagram presence and the network for the Chalant Society. We spread the word and engaged in activities around campus based on an idea I came up with randomly one Tuesday night, taking action by Wednesday morning.
The Value of Spontaneity
Opportunities don’t always linger. They’re like a passing train. If you don’t jump on, it’s gone—and so is the chance. You have to take action while the door is open, much like approaching someone when the moment is right. Training yourself to act spontaneously can expand your comfort zone, allowing you to do things that make you nervous but ultimately help you grow.
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
Over time, I’ve realized that overcoming fear and social anxiety requires consistent effort. By continuously stepping out of my comfort zone and tackling nerves head-on, I’ve taught my body that I can manage it. Eventually, the anxiety diminishes because it no longer serves a useful function. It’s like retraining your ego to let go and allowing you to move forward without hesitation. This doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and dedication, but it’s worth it.