Taking the Leap
Is it a calculated risk? We will see ....
If you know me, and some of you do. You know that I am a person of deep thought and risk-taking. In my younger years, you might have called me impetuous!
In fact, some people did say that about me. You see, I am made of a different cloth.
Risk taking has never been an issue for me. Case and point, I sold everything I owned and moved into a RV and traveled the country for 5 years and documented those travels on YouTube. lol … yup, a true restless soul.
There have been people in my life who asked me when I would settle down and some even more insulting by asking when I would become more stable. I laughed. I am as stable as I get.
When people try to insult my restless soul, it can hurt. But for me, it determined my resolve. I. do. not. want. to. be. normal!!!!
In my mind stable means boring. Status quo. No zest to experience life. Yea, that is not me!
I will readily admit my restless soul was significantly dampened by my role as a single father and yes, that was probably the only time someone could define me as stable, or normal!
Even during the time I was raising my kids - my restlessness never left me.
Fast forward …. decision making has never really been a problem for me and taking risk is in my DNA (thanks Mom).
So, why do I give you all this information ….
It is to set the stage. Sometimes taking a risk to do something meaningful and important is what we need to do. Is it scary? Yes, it is.
On the signature line for my work email, I quote Tracy A. Malone, “Sometimes the fear won’t go away. So you’ll have to do it afraid.” This quote resonates with me because fear can be the singular reason why you stay put and do nothing.
This quote helps to remind me that I can do whatever I set my mind to do and yes, sometimes the fear will not go away and I need to do it afraid! It helps me to tap into my courage and follow my dreams.
As I have grown older, risk taking is a bit more calculated. Perhaps this is a product of my age and life experiences. Maybe I am a little more risk averse than when I was younger. Regardless, I will still take the leap when I truly believe in what I am doing. But, I may calculate the risk a little more closely than before.
Personal transformation comes from doing something that makes you uncomfortable. When I am coaching clients, I ask them what has been on their mind that they have wanted to do or to discuss a change in their life that is important to them.
Then, the real question …. what is holding you back?
Life has a way of standing still when we are not intentional about it. Sometimes the change feels too heavy. The problem is not that you are broken or lazy, it is because there is a loss of clarity on what needs to shift or change in your life.
Through coaching, you have the opportunity to
Get Clear
Reconnect to your purpose
Take action to face your fear and create a difference in your life
No need to think of this change as a general overhaul … rather creating a new direction.
Take the leap, describe what a better version of your life looks like.
So, here is your homework assignment for today:
Ask yourself:
How do I want to feel each day when I get out of bed?
What does a good day look like to me?
What is one single small change I can make today that will help me feel better?
Clarity needs direction, so write it down. Be honest and write as if you have already achieved your goal. “I wake up with purpose. I feel lighter and more in control.”
Writing it down as if you have achieved your goal will help your brain shift from wishing to believing in your resilience to make whatever is possible, possible.
Please share your clarity statement in the comments (only if you wish) and let me know how you are doing.
Until next time, I want you to find peace and self fulfilment. With love - Paddy!
A truly clarifying statement for me came from Jon Acuff's book "START". This is not a direct quote but the gist is "stop searching for your purpose, and live ON PURPOSE, and your purpose will find you"