Take the leap of faith

 Take the leap of faith

| Jhyren Fajardo

“What if?”

Two words. Countless thoughts.

Students pass on opportunities when they don’t get an obvious reward from it, blocking them from growth. 

Because as students, many of us believe in expected returns, where every decision is weighed against what it gives back. We constantly overthink whether an activity is worth our time and what we gain from it.

If there is no reward, no guaranteed success, or no benefits, we choose not to do it at all. We started treating experiences like transactions, thinking that every effort comes with a reward in exchange.

Furthermore, instead of chasing opportunities for growth, we stick with familiar situations out of fear of wasting time, failing, and falling short of expectations. It often discourages us from stepping outside our comfort zones.

This mindset seems practical. After all, why spend time and effort on something that may not lead anywhere? However, I believe that some of the most important lessons are learned outside our comfort zones. We cannot grow by always choosing what we are familiar with.

“Why give 100% when 50% can still earn me a passing grade?” “Why join organizations or do something, when it won’t even directly contribute to my academic standing?” “Why try something new when there’s a chance I might not be good at it?” 

These are common phrases students think, further discouraging them from trying something new. Constantly choosing the safest option can prevent us from discovering our full potential. 

“Okay na ‘to” has become the standard among the students. Mediocrity is no longer something to overcome; it’s something we settle for. We became content with doing the bare minimum. One reason many people remain in mediocrity is that they settle for average and become comfortable where they are instead of striving for growth. But life isn’t measured only by grades, certificates, and/or achievements. The things that shape us most are often the experiences that don’t come with guaranteed or physical rewards. We should allow ourselves to learn through both success and failure.

Ironically, I do not think that students are afraid of failure itself. We are afraid of failing after giving our best. Holding back becomes the safety net. If we never fully try, then we never have to fully face the possibility that our best might not be enough.

Years from now, most people won’t dwell on the quiz they failed or the competition they lost. They will remember the opportunities they never took. The chances they let pass because they were too focused on whether the outcome would be “worth it.” Many people realize later in life that they wish they had taken more risks instead of holding back due to fear. 

There are studies and discussions online about end-of-life regrets. It shows that one of the most common regrets people have is not living a life true to themselves and missing opportunities because of fear or hesitation.

Failure hurts, but missed opportunities linger. Failure teaches lessons, but regret only leaves unanswered questions. 

That is why I would rather say, “At least I tried” than live with the thought, ”I wish I tried this.” One can reflect courage and growth, while the other is a reminder of possibilities left unexplored. 

This fear of uncertainty is more common than we think. According to Talker Research, 32% of Baby Boomers still carry regrets about missed opportunities and past decisions, showing how chances we do not take can stay with us long after the moment has passed.

So step outside your comfort zone. Volunteer for something unfamiliar. Do things that interest you. Learn a skill simply because it excites you. Explore beyond the monotonous life, do things “just because,” and don’t miss out on experiences because your teenage years are the years you spend building the version of yourself that you bring into your adult life.

Say “yes” to opportunities you’ve been avoiding. Not because it guarantees success, but because it gives you the chance to become more than who you are today and into the person you want to become.