Dare to do mighty things because the benefits of doing mighty things include developing strength and confidence in our lives as we learn that we have options, alternatives, and choices that we may not have recognized earlier in our lives.  

Dare to be bold because we get no benefits by choosing the easy way. Those who choose the easy way seldom develop skills that require years of learning.

Dare to outgrow your previous self. Life requires skills and abilities to reach the higher levels of confidence and capabilities. Unless we are willing to grow beyond our previous self, we may spend our lives at lower levels of knowledge and abilities, wondering why we can’t get ahead. There is no easy way to do so.    

Dare to love and be loved. In most cases, being loved means having the confidence to understand our own needs, and the willingness to share them with someone else who has similar dreams.  

Dare to reach out and grow beyond your old patterns of thinking. Unless this process is understood and initiated, you may inadvertently settle for less than your best effort by engaging in patterns that are limited and damaging.

Dare to define yourself as someone who has gifts and abilities to make a difference in life. Always commit yourself to the higher road. Enjoy the present, but focus on rising above the old patterns in ways that add to the overall success of those around you. To do this effectively means having the confidence and knowledge to make a difference to others. Share what you know, and give something back to those who have strengthened you. 

Dare to know what you want by trying numerous plans and possibilities. Don’t be afraid to move out of your own narrow area of expertise. Make a difference. Share what you have learned and reach out to others.    

Dare to ask for what you want. And dare to have heighten aspirations. If you settle for less than your unique vision of your own future, you may find that your future may become less than your own dreams.

Dare to give and dare to reach out to grow beyond the past. Don’t settle for less than your best view of yourself as someone who is confident and capable. If you decide to settle for less, society will allow you to become less. Don’t do that. If you engage in patterns that allow you to accomplish less, you’ll get it.

Dare to look to the future as you use your tools and perceptions to make the world a little better. Help others. Love others. Contribute to those who are unaware of these principles. Reach out for education and knowledge. As you take this road, you are likely to discover a new future.

Dare to have courage and dare to endure as you focus on your quest and your hopes and dreams. In this manner, you may discover that this pattern leads to opportunities that were never even considered.  These new opportunities may take you in new directions, new hopes, and new dreams. Count on it.

Dare to do what must be done, and even if it seems painful and uncertain, do it anyway. Be confident in this effort as you face anxiety and uncertainty. You are more than your feelings. Your hopes and dreams can lead you to discovering what your future was meant to be. Reach out. Look for new opportunities. As you do so, you can literally create a new future for both yourself and those around yourself. Dare to face anxiety. Dare to make mistakes.  

And dare to reach for the sky.

Dare to share your insights and dare to share your knowledge. Dare to face your fears and dare to move beyond them. Dare to take responsibility for your choices. And always dare to hold yourself accountable to a high standard.  

Dare to learn and grow and live.

Dare to be and dare to become.

John Waterbury is a retired Clinical Mental Health Counselor who has lived in Utah since 1984 when he moved to Bountiful with his wife and four children. He wrote a weekly column for several years for the Davis County Clipper titled “The Dear John Letters” which was also used throughout the intermountain West focusing on addiction and mental health problems. This column focuses on mental health and life management issues.  λ