Do something every day that scares you, every day.

When I walk out onto the mat before every big competition, I feel a wide range of emotions. I'm scared to death, but supremely confident. I'm nervous, but I feel unbeatable. My hands are shaking, but I'm at peace. The crowd is roaring, but I hear complete silence. I have a lot to lose, but everything to gain. Someone once told me that every day you should do something that absolutely scares you. That's how you promote growth. There is an unknown realm, that very few are brave enough to venture into. The realm where you could be completely embarrassed, or you could become great.

After the 2013 wrestling season, I finished up my fourth consecutive year undefeated. That's right, I hadn't lost a single wrestling match in any style since 2009. I had won two NCAA titles, two World Championships, an Olympic gold medal, and countless other awards. I was 69-0 on the international circuit. I could have easily walked away, finished my career as the only wrestler to ever go undefeated on the senior level, and had been whispered about for generations in wrestling circles as one of the greatest ever.

Not me. I love being afraid. There is such an adrenaline rush when you put it all out on the line. Walking to the center of the mat and staring into the eyes of a man and seeing the same hunger that I have in my own. Goudarzi, Dake, Tsargush, Taylor, Howe…I live for these matchups. You train to beat the best guys. Before my semifinal defeat at this year’s World Championships, I turned to one of my personal coaches, Bryan Snyder, and said, “This is what it’s all about.” Win or lose. It’s what every wrestler dreams of. The good thing about losing is that they don't give you trophies for it. There isn't a constant reminder of what you didn’t do sitting on your living room table.

See, it takes courage to put it all out there on the line, in front of thousands of people. There is honor in that. You can never lose what you’ve already gained. Lacing up your shoes is half the battle. So I encourage you. Put it all out on the line. Risk embarrassment. Risk failure and disappointment. Risk getting your butt kicked, and having your dreams put on hold. I know you’re scared. I am too, but this is where you separate yourself from the pack. If you're ever nervous before a match, remember, the best wrestlers have those same feelings. Once you put your foot on the line, you also put your dreams on the line. How hard are you willing to go to get what you want? Never let your fear of failure outweigh your desire to succeed. Conquer your fear. Become great. Dream it. Do it.

An inspiring conversation once went…

“What if I fall?”

“Oh but my darling, what if you fly?"

-Erin Hicks

-Jordan