Take the Leap
Are you tolerating a job you really don’t like? Are you avoiding a difficult conversation that you need to have? Are you not exercising because you can’t find the time?
Indecisiveness, embarrassment, and disengagement keep us stuck and feeling drained.
I experience this when I write my weekly blog. The thought enters my mind, “What if no one is interested?” Suddenly, it becomes critical that I check email. Why? The anticipation of a negative outcome is paralyzing. By procrastinating, I am making a choice out of fear, doubt, and worry.
Fear is one of the most universal and powerful human emotions. Fear holds us back. Fear limits our potential.
A dear friend was feeling helpless as her 14-year old daughter struggled to fit-in at school. The thought of trying to find a new school for her daughter seemed impossible.
A client was unhappy at his job. It wasn’t the career he wanted but trying to find a new job seemed overwhelming and difficult.
Change. It can immobilize us. The ‘known’ feels safe. The ‘unknown’ feels scary. When change seems daunting, we remain stuck, resentful, and drained of energy.
But what happens when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone? We will either accomplish what we want to do, or we will fail. And the thought of failing can be crippling.
To get comfortable with the possibility of failure, ask yourself: “When have I failed in the past?” and “What did I do to come out the other side?” In other words, what about YOU allowed you to move through the situation? Your grit? Your compassion? Your ability to identify opportunities? Knowing your unique strengths and how you used them in the past can help you push through your fears.
Connect with why you want to make a change. For me, I want to help people live a more joyful life. My girlfriend wants her daughter to feel a sense of belonging. My client wants to be in a career that is aligned with his dreams.
Now, take one small step towards where you want to go. That huge weight on your shoulders becomes a little bit lighter. Just one tiny step creates movement. And when we decide to take action, we feel empowered.
For me, I am setting aside time each Monday to brainstorm blog ideas. My girlfriend is researching different educational options that honor her daughter’s gifts. My client is updating his resume. We are all taking one small step that we can build on towards living a more fulfilling life.
So, when you catch yourself feeling scared, lethargic, or resentful and not taking action, listen to your intuition. Your gut is telling you that things could be better. And the fact is, you have the ability to choose. Make a different decision. Take one small step at a time.
You’ve got the power. Now do something with it. Take the leap.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela
