Not ready for a change? Let’s take the jump anyway.
There are a few big (expected) moments in life where society or perhaps family norms tell us when we should take a leap. Things like going to kindergarten, when we move out on our own, when we get our first jobs, getting married, having kids, buying a house. Of course these moments will be different for all of us and our appetite for taking a risk will vary based on our own circumstances. And no doubt, there is still fear in each of these scenarios, even if societal pressure is telling us we should be ready.
But when we decide to take risks that are less ‘expected’ by society or our family’s standards, the leap can feel overwhelming to take.
Why is that?
Perhaps it’s just that. A path less taken or less talked about is scary. We don’t have a blueprint or a path to follow to find whatever success looks like to us, so we don’t go for it.
Or maybe we used certain skills to get us to where we are today — yet still find ourselves longing for something different — so our self-trust begins to fade.
It could even be doubt that others instill in us because of our gender, race, lived experiences, etc.
So whether it’s one of these, a combination or your own hesitations of being ‘ready to take a leap’ that goes against the path most taken, let’s get ready to do it anyway, shall we?
I’ve taken a leap a few times in my life and even at different ages, I found I had to let go of a few things in each instance as I jumped in…
Control. I stopped trying to control everything and focused on what I could actually impact.
People Pleasing. When we try to stop managing other people’s emotions and really focus on our own wants, needs or desires — it’s amazing how we start to get things that we want.
Timelines. Expectations are a funny thing. We set goals, outline plans to achieve them and then face ups and downs of hope and disappointment as we navigate those waves. Letting go of timelines could be the most difficult of the three in terms of managing our own hopes, but when taking a risk — it’s so important.
Letting go isn’t a one and done experience. And I still have this sticky note on my desk reminding me to let go of these things on a daily basis. But I know I’m working towards a more balanced AND fulfilled life by continuing to grow in this area of releasing things that are no longer serving me.
For anyone thinking about taking a leap, but still has some hesitations about it…answer these 5 questions:
What values would you be prioritizing by taking the leap?
What skills or personality traits would get highlighted?
What do you fear most when thinking about the leap?
When you imagine the best possible outcome with taking the leap - what does this look and feel like?
What would you lose by NOT taking the leap?
What do your answers to these questions tell you? What fears can you let go of and what do you need to feel safe in taking the leap?
We get one of these beautiful lives. And sometimes comfort can be the biggest hurdle to taking a leap. Don’t let comfort confine your next best adventure!
Slightly terrified, but loving it,
— A
