The Question That Changed Everything

I’ve had this question framed on my desk for almost 15 years:

“What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?”

At first, it felt like just a nice quote to look at while I worked. I had no idea how much it would quietly push me over the years.

That question dared me to go back to school and get my MBA. (Hard.)
To try canyoneering. (Exhausting.)
To sing at Velour--a local music venue. (Terrifying.)
To leave a safe job and build Elavare. (Wicked scary.)

And you know what? Every single one of those steps was worth it.

Now, I get to help other women wrestle with this same question. The answers are often tender:

– “I’d go back to school.”
– “I’d apply for that job.”
– “I’d start my own business.”
– “I’d try to find myself again.”

But it’s scary, isn’t it?

Especially when you’ve spent years caring for everyone else, putting yourself last, or believing the safe path is the only responsible one.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:

The real failure isn’t falling down. It’s never starting at all.

When I was debating whether to go back for my MBA, my brother told me:

“Two years are going to pass whether you’re in school or not. Wouldn’t you rather be where you want to be when they do?”

He was right. Time will keep moving, whether we choose to do the hard things or not. 

Ready for your next step?

If you’re feeling that quiet nudge but don’t know where to start, I’m here. Elavare is here. We’re building a community of women who are ready to take their next steps together--even if it’s scary.