The Compass Blog

Face Your Fears – October 9, 2017

There’s one particular scene from a movie that’s been playing on a permanent loop in my head lately, one that resonates with me when I’m faced with making big decisions.

Remember that scene where Indiana Jones raced his German adversaries to a remote cave in search of the Holy Grail? And after a series of trials they finally made it to the cave where an ancient knight guarding the grail tells him he must choose the true grail out of a multitude of options. But the German villain, being the bad guy he is, cuts in line and opts for the most extravagant and ornate grail he can find, and takes a drink. Moments later, the bad guy horrifically shrivels up, dries out, and disintegrates into a pile of dust.  And the knight says: “He chose…poorly.”

Minus the Hollywood special effects – it’s easy to think that our own poor choices will have a similar effect. It’s easy to be so wary of making bad choices that we try to avoid making any choices at all. It’s easy to be afraid, and that fear can often be paralyzing.

In my own life, I’m no stranger to fear, like the fear of not being a good enough parent, or fear of losing the people I love. There’s the fear of rejection, the fear of the unknown, the fear of starting all over, and the fear of watching my life get away from me. Sure, there are all sorts of choices that I could make in each of those situations, but which are the best ones? And which are the ones that will turn me into a pile of dust?

It’s enough to make me want to reach for a paper bag and start hyperventilating into it.  It’s no wonder so many of us choose not to choose at all.  We stay where it’s comfortable and safe – and boring.  That’s why I try to remind myself to make decisions based on conquering my fears instead of avoiding them. It’s a great little mantra; however, following it requires me to put on my big girl pants and be courageous.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?


Have you ever wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard but never had the opportunity? Was fear of failure holding you back? Or perhaps it was the stiff lift ticket price? Why not spend an entire winter learning how to shred powder?! Many resorts offer season passes to their employees.

Was fear of failure holding you back?

Or perhaps it was the stiff lift ticket price?

Why not spend an entire winter learning how to shred powder!?! Many resorts offer season passes to their employees.

Search Ski Resort Jobs now, and discover your next adventure!