Quote of the Week

“Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.”– Frederick B. Wilcox

Frederick B Wilcox is credited with this quote, but the information I found about him is muddled at best. Supposedly, Wilcox was an American engineer and inventor, best known for the electric water heater. (I say was, because I couldn’t find his birth/death dates. Given his photo I am assuming he has passed on.) However, when I looked up the history of the electric water heater, I only came across an Edmund Rudd–no Wilcox. And yes, I went down that rabbit hole trying to verify the author of this quote.

No matter. Let’s assume Wilcox said it. “Progress always involves risks.” He understood that we can’t progress without stepping outside of our comfort zone into the unknown. I particularly like this quote because it creates a great visual of this concept. Imagine a baseball player trying to reach second base with his foot firmly planted on first base? Can’t be done, folks.

In order to achieve our goals we often need to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown. 

I'll give you a real life example. In spring of 2024 I decided I needed my own store to sell my work so I didn't have to rely on the whims of other retailers. (Amazon, I'm looking at you.) Direct sales was a complete unknown for me. It meant letting go of my website (which would be my first base). I had to educate myself in the various direct sales options, learn how to build a store, learn how to deliver the product, about taxes and regulations and a long laundry list of other topics. It was a huge deal with no guarantee of success.

While I am still learning and tweaking and figuring aspects of it out, I can say that the experience has been empowering. My belief in myself has grown. If I can figure out something I knew absolutely zilch about, I can figure out anything.

That's not to say there hasn't been frustration and befuddlement along the way, but every challenge overcome strengthens my belief in myself. I am very, very glad I took my foot off first base.