The summer I was eight years old, my father spent hours trying to teach me to dive. I would run up to the edge of the pool with all the motions of diving in, but stop short at the very last second and never follow through. No matter how elaborate my theatrics, both he and I knew that the final step of entering the water wasn't going to happen. I was terrified of the water. My fear halted all progress.

My dad tried pep talks and demonstrations. He reminded me that I knew how to swim. But nothing helped. The thought of falling air-born into the water petrified me. Finally, one afternoon toward the end of the summer, totally without warning, he scooped me up into his arms and threw me into the water. In shock, I started to swim and made my way to the edge of the pool and got out. Irritated, but safe, I learned that the world would not end should I fall into a pool of water. His method, although startling, worked. I eventually overcame my fears and learned to dive. Had he never thrown me in, I probably never would have learned to dive. I was stuck -- blocked by a wall of fear that began at the edge of the pool.

Many of us carry debilitating fears into every aspect of our lives -- into our careers, family life, social life, and spirituality. Usually, it is a fear of the unknown that stops us cold. What will happen if I quit this job to start my own business? What if I really try at this business, and I fail? Who will I be if I lose 50 pounds? Who will I be if I proceed with lifestyle changes that I want to make? What will other people think if I do these things?

Let's take an example of someone with a desire to write a novel. This person may tell everyone else that she's going to write a novel. She may buy the computer to write it, collect ideas in a folder, but never really take the time it takes to sit down each day and write. Thousands of people have aspirations of being a published author, but very few follow through -- really doing what it takes to polish their writing skills and actually write the book. Others may even write the book, but then store it away in a closet for fear of submitting it for possible rejection.

That last point of no return -- that moment you go air-born and dive in must be taken if you are to achieve success in your ambitions. Yet so many people don't follow through. They give up. They turn back and eventually give up on their dreams. They convince themselves that they tried, when really they know deep down that they were not willing to let go of their fear and do what it took to dive in.

I've seen people do this with dieting, with marketing their businesses, even with living their religious convictions. They go through all the elaborate gyrations of going after their dream and then stop short of diving in with everything they have. The thing about diving is that it takes definite commitment. You're propelling yourself forward -- your entire self. Nothing gets left on the edge of the pool -- your whole body - head to toe is submerged in the water. You can't half-heartedly dive. You're either in the water or you're not.

If you are to be successful in any endeavor, you have to jump in with all your might -- with all you have and all you are. Clinging to the edge of the pool or inching in is not a dive. There is nothing quite like the grace or beauty of a perfect dive. It's smooth, complete and defies fear. There's an indescribable exhilaration as you flow through the water and float back to the top.

What is it that you have been putting off in your life? What goal or dream do you pretend to follow but always stop short of giving your whole soul? Take that leap of faith. Commit. Let go and dive in with all you have, for only then will you conquer your fears and reap the joy of your dreams. But, don't dawdle, someone you love may tire of watching your pretense and throw you in! And it just might be the best thing that ever happened to you!

Marnie Pehrson, a mother of 6, has been highlighting truth and talent for 15 years. Whether it's writing a novel that spotlights individuals who've made a difference in the world or helping a talented entrepreneur create a platform for his life's work, Marnie underscores truth and talent in innovative and compelling ways. She is the creator of www.IdeaMarketers.com and helps experts promote their products and services online. For more information on her various projects and books, visit http://www.pwgroup.com. Contact the author, Marnie Pehrson , at marnie@pwgroup.com
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