For almost 20 years, most of my life decisions were based on fear.

 I was afraid if I didn’t get good grades I wouldn’t get a good job, and my family wouldn’t be able to live an elevated lifestyle. Later, I was afraid if I stepped outside my comfort zone, I’d lose what comfort I’d gained for my family.

After years of working to live the lifestyle we believed we’d wanted, I realized I’d fallen into a dangerous routine — one that was taking my family and me further away from our true dreams.

But to change the routine was scary, so I kept it to myself. Thankfully, my wife, Laura, helped me talk through those fears, and to remember our real dreams.

She helped me understand that it’s never too late — nor too early — to go to work on our dreams, to battle the negative talk and simply find a way to make it happen.