Stepping into the Spotlight

I normally don't do this, but (just this once) I'd like to ask you to watch this short, three-minute video before reading the rest of the blog.  Notice the girls in the background.  They're important.

After more than seven million YouTube views (and growing), Greyson is suddenly a star.  Certainly in the eyes of his classmates, and (soon, if not already) in the eyes of a record company somewhere.  I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd bet that Ellen's producers have already called him.

Just a sixth grader, Greyson took a risk.  A huge risk.  On video.  In front of his peers.  At an age when reputation means everything, and when sports are "in" and music is "out".  Most kids his age would be too embarrassed or shy or nervous.  Heck, most anyone would be too embarrassed or shy or nervous.

If that were me, I would think, "What if I get up there and the girls laugh at me?  What if the video posts to YouTube or gets passed around on Facebook because I forgot the words/sang off key/forgot to zip my fly?  What if I completely ruin my future with one embarrassing performance now?"  We let our fear dictate our decisions, rather than our passion.

I've always said that there's a fine line between courage and stupidity, and (granted) it can be a hard line to find sometimes.  But I also believe this: the absence of fear often leads to greatness.  Greyson was fearless, and greatness isn't far behind.

What is it that you want to do, but are afraid of?  Have you been making decisions based on your fears or based on your passions?