"One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again." - Abraham Maslow 

When I finished High School the last thing I wanted to do was continue my education. I wanted to take a bit of a break, save up some money, and sort out what type of post-secondary courses appealed to me most. So, I took a year to work and save up some money, then I went to a specialized one-year program.  
After that year away I had a better sense of the direction I wanted to take but felt like I needed another year to get things in order. Finally, the time came for me to get started on my post-secondary studies and I was terrified! I promised myself that I would only do the two years to complete my Diploma and then I would dive into work. The fear I had experienced rapidly morphed into a craving to learn all I could about this fascinating topic of studies. I was able to mesh my experiences over the years and the new knowledge together in a way that was so satisfying! About one year into my studies I decided that I would go back on my pledge to be done in two years. I signed up for an additional two years to complete a Degree in my program.  
Growth happens when you have the courage to start something new. Learning happens when we push through the uncomfortable moments of not knowing into knowing. In order to expand your mind you have to be willing to face your fears and begin a new education. Whether that expanding is in the area of a hobby, new job skills, education, or personal growth, making the decision to start the hard work of learning something new is often the most difficult step. Bravo to those who continually pursue growth in their lives!