“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Playing football for Harvard University should have been my crowning achievement – but I was afraid.
I was a senior in high school and had dedicated my life to playing varsity football. I had accomplished all of my goals for the season. My hard work should have culminated in attending a university I never dreamed possible. Instead, when the Crimson ran onto the field in front of a raucous crowd that fall, I was standing on the sidelines. I was afraid that I wasn't good enough. Afraid I couldn't handle the academics. Afraid to take a chance. Despite my abilities, I shied away from a life-changing opportunity, because I was afraid to fail.
The outcome of this decision proved to be a vital part of God's plan for me – I met my incredible wife at TCU – and it propelled me to pursue opportunities I otherwise might not have. I moved away from my family after college, had a beautiful baby girl before we were sure we were ready, and when Harvard called this time, I answered.
My life going forward is about one thing: living life – without fear of failure – to its fullest potential. Striving to never again make a decision that makes me look back and say, "what if?" Moving beyond any doubts or fears, and sometimes, even running toward them. This means starting a company that is a long shot, taking on a leadership role before I am ready, and even taking my family of six on an overnight camping trip – in one tent.
There will be nothing more fulfilling than looking back over a life fully and freely lived – where my only regret is that it has to end.
I was a senior in high school and had dedicated my life to playing varsity football. I had accomplished all of my goals for the season. My hard work should have culminated in attending a university I never dreamed possible. Instead, when the Crimson ran onto the field in front of a raucous crowd that fall, I was standing on the sidelines. I was afraid that I wasn't good enough. Afraid I couldn't handle the academics. Afraid to take a chance. Despite my abilities, I shied away from a life-changing opportunity, because I was afraid to fail.
The outcome of this decision proved to be a vital part of God's plan for me – I met my incredible wife at TCU – and it propelled me to pursue opportunities I otherwise might not have. I moved away from my family after college, had a beautiful baby girl before we were sure we were ready, and when Harvard called this time, I answered.
My life going forward is about one thing: living life – without fear of failure – to its fullest potential. Striving to never again make a decision that makes me look back and say, "what if?" Moving beyond any doubts or fears, and sometimes, even running toward them. This means starting a company that is a long shot, taking on a leadership role before I am ready, and even taking my family of six on an overnight camping trip – in one tent.
There will be nothing more fulfilling than looking back over a life fully and freely lived – where my only regret is that it has to end.
— Chad Hufsey