Not Bigger, Bolder.

Hey Team!

It’s been one of those days. Highs and lows… and I’m sitting here writing in the middle of it.

As I’ve mentioned before, I like writing these the week of, sometimes the day of, because it’s real-time. Whatever energy I’m holding tends to show up in the words. Today’s energy is mostly tied to the Moab 240 lottery.

I didn’t get chosen. Fifty-fifty chance, and my chips landed on the side I wasn’t hoping for.

What’s surprising is this: I don’t feel defeated.

Am I disappointed? Of course. I was visualizing Utah as one of those life-changing experiences. But there isn’t an ounce of sadness or frustration in me, because this is what happens when you’re in the arena. When you’re actually stretching yourself, outcomes don’t always cooperate. If anything, plans get shaken more often when you’re playing a big game.

Note: I had a little fun here on my Instagram post, nod to Top Gun of course. 

This Week’s Shift

Two days ago I read a line that stopped me: The bold life costs you comfort. The small life costs you your potential. That landed.

First, it connects directly to what I wrote recently: Not bigger, bolder. There’s an energy here that feels bigger than coincidence. Because it’s true. This isn’t just about bigger, faster, longer. It’s about bold. Impact. Depth. Range. Bold choices.

Second: living a bold life has tradeoffs. You won’t always win. You won’t always be understood. You’ll outgrow rooms. You’ll change circles. You’ll take shots that don’t land. That’s the price of admission.

Two weeks ago I threw my hat in the ring for Moab. That was the win, in a way. The commitment. The choice to step toward a start line that scared me a little.

And my honest belief is simple: it’s not my time. The universe has other plans… bolder plans… and I’m meant to keep training, keep building, and keep stepping toward the next start line.

From The Field

Sticking with the theme, there’s something I haven’t shared with many of you.

When I was 17, I played for Canada’s National Water Polo team. I travelled, competed at a high level, and when it came time for the World Championships… I got cut at the tournament. To this day, I don’t fully understand the reasoning. I wasn’t the best on the roster, but I wasn’t the worst either. I was devastated.

And the hardest part: my parents flew to Istanbul to watch me play. Heartbreaking beyond just me.

Fast forward to 2021. I was part of an entrepreneur community for nearly five years. The founder told people I was “a staple.” Then unexpectedly, I was removed. When I asked if I’d done something wrong, the answer was no: nothing at all. Politics. Misalignment. A door closed without an explanation that made sense.

It took me years to see this clearly: those moments of rejection never defined my worth. They shaped my resilience. And I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.

That’s the part people miss about resilience. You can’t download it. You can’t outsource it. You learn it through experience… through losses you didn’t choose, and through decisions you make anyway.

So yes, I choose the bold life. I take risks. I push the limits. Because life feels more fulfilling when you’re actually testing your potential… not protecting it.

Before you close this, take 20 seconds and answer this honestly: where are you currently waiting for a guaranteed outcome before you act? Then do the bolder thing anyway. Apply. Ask. Register. Share. Start. Let the arena decide the rest.

If this hit today, do me a favor: save this for the next time you feel “rejected.” And keep going because the universe has bolder plans for you.

Catch you on the Start Line,
—Matty