The Glaring Problem With Taking A Leap
Leap, “they” say. Like this (nevermind those pesky rocks below, or the cold water, or… dragons…):
“Leap and the net will appear.” (What if it doesn’t?)
“Just leap, you’ll figure it out along the way.” (Will I, really?)
“She took the leap and built her wings on the way down.” (Yeah, right…)
“Every great move forward begins with a leap of faith into the unknown.”
… Every single great move? What about smaller ones? Why leap into the unknown? How about forging ahead with as much information as possible…
The Glaring Problem
All those questions reveal the dubious value of leaping-on-out into the unknown.
One problem is that it is scary. Feel the fear and do it anyway, “they” reply to that… but why? Fear can be a motivator. It can also be detrimental to your health! Most people rightly try to avoid fear. Neither life nor work is about going into battle. And shrinking doesn’t do you, or the world, any good.
Another problem here? Taking that scary leap may not work. You may well crash on the rocks below…
But the big glaring problem with taking a leap to make changes or get somewhere, is that you may stay stuck and not make a move at all.
Leaping can feel like jumping off a cliff. And most people are not inclined to do that.
Taking Chances
It is also said that “we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
Now that may well be true.
But, taking a leap and taking a chance are qualitatively different. Taking a chance you won’t regret, doesn’t require an actual leap – whether a scary physical move or even a leap of faith.
Instead you take a calculated risk, with the knowledge that it’s possible. That is something you are more likely to do. Faith, supported by understanding – not blind faith (and potential disappointment).
A calculated risk may include choosing to do something that you personally have not done before, which can feel uncomfortable. Not terrifying scary like jumping off a cliff. Rather, it’s the discomfort that lets you know you’re on the welcome mat to something new and different. A sense of excitement, rather than the trepidation of fear.
From the welcome mat, you can choose to open the door or not. You can open the door and look inside, then decide whether or not to go in.
You can go in, prepared… If someone else has done what you want for your career or your life, there is evidence it can be done, along with clues about how you can do it, too – or something similar.
Following those clues you can advance safely, without fear. and discover more of what you need to know. Then yours is a move into the known.
With the right process for that exploration, you can be confident about your direction and each step you take. Masterful Life Redesign is that process designed to increase your confidence for the changes you want to make.
Feeling Stuck?
All this may all make sense, and yet… you may still not feel ready to make a move – or like you know enough about what direction to go.
Confusion and initial reluctance is understandable. (Because, you don’t want to do something you’ll regret…)
It can lead to feeling stuck, but you have to DO something, right? But what?
Well, here’s a place to start: click here to get our guide to help you Get Unstuck, Stay Unstuck and Keep Moving Forward! We’ll send it by email, along with a few additional resources to help you prepared to take your next, small steps forward – nothing scary, no leaps required.
Check it out. We’d love to know what you think!
About Dolly
Dolly Garlo, is a professional coach with multiple specialty certifications, and a background in healthcare, law and business. She works with professionals, small business owners, and senior executives in business and government service when they are ready for a change of direction in both work and life. Typically this occurs at mid-career, when anticipating early or full financial retirement, following a significant life event or sometimes just because the career ladder is leaning up against the wrong wall. When it’s time to make that move with clarity, confidence and support - to fulfill greater aspirations for more inspired living, purposeful work, confident leadership and even meaningful legacy… it’s time for a Masterful Life Redesign!
Learn more with my free guide, the Masterful Life Redesign Roadmap – get it here: Masterful Life Redesign Roadmap
Or, identify your best next move forward by applying for a New Directions Discovery Session
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