"What men want, what we truly want, deep down in our most masculine core...is to know that we have what it takes. And knowing that we have what it takes boils down to one simple word... Risk."
-Andrew Ferebee, Founder of Knowledge For Men
Not because it looked fun. Not because I'm a thrill seeker. I jumped off an 80-foot cliff because I wanted to know I could do it - period.
An 80-foot jump is just a metaphor for anything that scares you, but deep down you want to do it.
For some, a 5-foot jump is their 80-footer. For others it's quitting a job you hate, starting your own business, or committing to your fitness journey once and for all.
In this case, my 80-foot jump was an actual 80-foot jump, and despite the risk, I HAD to do it. I just had to.
Similarly, back in February of 2018, when I decided to quit Doordash and pursue all my goals and dreams full time, I took an 80-foot jump then as well. (click here to read about that jump)
As a result of taking that jump, I now run a blog, a YouTube channel, coach clients, wrote a book that makes me passive income, have a six pack, and a host of other dope shit that I've always wanted but never had - not until I decided to follow my heart, stop playing it safe, risk it all, and take an 80-foot jump.
Not to mention the immense amount of joy, fulfillment, love, and wholeness that persists in my life daily.
I don't say this to brag, well maybe only slightly. I share it more so for those who've spent years WANTING but not having. I share it to let you know that what you WANT is on the other end of taking metaphorical 80-foot jumps.
You cannot just say you're going to jump. You can't just plan to jump.
You can't just go to the top of the cliff and walk back down.
You must say it, plan it, go to the top, and actually JUMP.
Then trust in yourself, everything you've been through, as well as a little trust in something bigger than you, that you will make it safely to the bottom.
And, on the other end of the experience, you'll have something you've always wanted but never had.
Props To Those Who Jump
The jump itself was awesome and creates a fun story to tell, but what's more important and worthy of hearing is the jump a person has to take on the inside.
I witnessed many of my friends take on their fears that weekend. And each of us had to take a jump on the inside that was beyond our comfort zone.
I acknowledge each of you, my friends, who have jumped. Both people who were on this trip, as well as people who weren't. If you've taken "80-foot jumps" lately, I commend the fuck out of you.
IT. AIN'T. EASY.
Support For Those Who Want To Jump
For those that want to make their jump, but are afraid, I promise you you're ready. Focus less on the fear of failing and focus more on the act of jumping. I know it's scary. And it's actually okay if you don't want to jump due to the fear.
Just know that the person you want to be is a product of taking those jumps. "Those jumps" being things you want but are afraid to go after. Like starting your own business, sharing your story on social media, or asking for a raise.
You will be a new version of yourself with every limit your surpass. And I'm excited as hell for you.
Live Dangerously Until You Die: a metaphor
One of my all-time favorite virtual mentors, Elliott Hulse, explains it well in the video below. I'm paraphrasing, but what he says is that our hearts and souls tell us things we want to do. However, often times, there is a lot of perceived risk (danger) that comes with those desires.
Elliott's "advice" and experience is to DO those things we feel are dangerous anyways. Why? Watch the video to find out.
Thank You (bonus clip)
Thank you for reading this post today. Whether you are a long time follower, or brand new, I appreciate your willingness to consume the content I create.
My intent is that these blogs help you be the best version of yourself and overcome the battles we all face in our separate journeys. And if not that, at least entertaining for 6 minutes of your life.
I feel much joy, passion, and fulfillment in running this blog. It is your readership, audiencehood, and following that makes that possible.
Thank you.
Much love,
Gabe
p.s. here's a bonus clip of me jumping the 80-foot cliff
