It’s Time for a Walk

Want to get out of your rut? Do something that feels impossible. I’m not talking about juggling knives or touching your tongue to your nose, but tackling a challenge that is bigger than what you believe you’re capable of handling. Push beyond your comfort zone into something that stretches you—mind, body, and soul. I recently faced the biggest challenge of my career: a four-month, no-instructions-available, sink-or-swim situation that changed how I see myself and what I can achieve.

In my relatively new job, much of what I do revolves around hiring. Earlier in the year, I had already tackled some impressive feats—helping hire 12 people here, 18 people there, and even managing to hire 40 at another location. It was challenging but manageable, and I thought I had a good rhythm going. But in March, the stakes changed. I was tasked with hiring 950 people in just three months for a major sporting event. That’s not a typo—950 people. And while I had a team of five to help me, three were fresh-out-of-college interns, one was brand-new to the organization, and the other had less than a year of experience. It was the blind leading the blind, and to make matters worse, after the first month, we had hired only 100 people.

The obstacles weren’t limited to staffing numbers. Everything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong. Our internet connection was delayed by two weeks, a massive snowstorm dropped eight inches of snow just before the first night of work, and none of the rental furniture we needed arrived on time. To top it all off, the house we rented for our team turned out to be infested with bugs. Yes, infested. We lasted all of three hours in that house before I knew we had to walk away and find alternative arrangements. The first month was a mess—frustrating, discouraging, and miles from where we needed to be.

By the end of the second month, we had managed to grow our numbers to 300, but that still left a daunting 650 people to hire in just one month. It felt overwhelming, and the task ahead seemed nearly impossible. But instead of giving up, we adjusted. We hustled like never before, tried new approaches, leaned into creativity, and poured every ounce of energy we had into the mission. Some days we worked 15 hours straight. Slowly, the numbers climbed. By the end of it all, we had hired 810 people. Sure, it wasn’t the original goal of 950, but to our surprise, the event ended up being fully staffed, and we even found ourselves overstaffed during parts of it.

Looking back, I’m still amazed. That project was far bigger than anything I thought I could handle. It stretched me in ways I didn’t know were possible, and it forced me to rely on my team, my creativity, and my faith like never before. It was a reminder that sometimes, we’re capable of far more than we think—especially when we’re willing to step out in faith.

When you’re feeling stuck, predictable, or bored in your routine, it might be time to find a new challenge. It reminds me of the moment when the twelve disciples were in the boat during a storm, and Jesus walked toward them on the water. When Peter saw Jesus, he didn’t stay in the boat. Instead, he stepped out—into the unknown, into what seemed impossible—and he walked on water. For a moment, Peter did something great, something he could have never imagined.

What’s your boat? The thing that feels safe, familiar, and comfortable might be the very thing holding you back. The truth is, comfort doesn’t lead to greatness. Stepping out in faith, embracing challenges, and trusting God to guide you—that’s where transformation happens. Take the step. Challenge yourself in what you know. Push beyond what you think is possible.

Be all that God has called you to be. Be bigger than yourself. Be incredible! The world is waiting for what only you can offer. It’s time to walk.