Driving Towards Success
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Driving Towards Success

sometimes you just have to take a risk and overcome a fear.

48
Driving Towards Success
labelled for free use from Google Images

A couple weeks ago, I finally overcame one of my worst fears – driving on highways. To clarify, I have been driving for almost five years, and still, I had trouble driving on highways. Honestly, think about it! You’re going 50+ miles per hour inside tons of metal, that if you navigate it just a little to the left or right, you’re dead.

In overcoming this fear, I decided that I just needed to do it. I got in my boyfriend’s shit-box car, and set out on the road. See, during the daylight, there is enough light to see the road lines, signs, and no incoming car headlights glaring in your face, which makes driving a lot easier. Unfortunately, I had decided to drive at night, and had trouble with seeing the road lines, noticing directional signs to figure out where I was going, and had very bright car headlights shinning in my face and mirrors. In short, I was a mess.

It was when I was going the minimum 50mph on a highway just outside Boston, that I almost had a breakdown. I started tearing up and breathing fast, thinking that I was going to die and that it was my fault. The road was filled with potholes, there were no lines dividing lanes and I was going very, very fast. So what did I do to make this situation better? Well, I talked to myself.

In times of extreme panic or stress, I find talking to myself (in a totally not-crazy way) really helps. This time, myself pep talk consisted of me saying “Amory, you’re doing great. You know what you’re doing, you’ve come this far, and this will all be over soon. No one has beeped at you, and you’re doing fine. You’re okay”.

Once I was in an area where I recognized, I found driving was much less stressful – I was less stressed about what speed I was going, what lane I should be in, or what I should be doing as a “Good Driver™” And the best part? The next day when I had to drive back, I knew I could do it, and didn’t feel scared or worried at all.

This, I think, it a good metaphor for life: it’s cheesy, I know, but it’s true. If you’re worried about something that you’ve never done, you don’t know what it will be like until you do it, if you plan enough and work towards that goal, there should almost never be a problem blocking you from your success.

So –get behind the wheel and get a grip. The worst that can happen if you fail? You end up exactly where you are now.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70749
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132364
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments