Notice that I didn't ask if you were "ready" to take the leap? That was intentional because if you are like many people (myself included) the answer can always be no. Not yet. Not ready. I still have to... fill in the blank here.
I was recently asked if my blogs are about me. There are two answers or maybe more to that question. 100% there are some that I will come right out and say they are about me. The others? Well, I think I am writing them randomly however "I" am writing them so there's that.
This one was inspired when I was out for a walk this morning and saw something that made me smile and then it made me think and I like thinking.
There was a squirrel making its way down the slope of a very steep roof. It was impressive. But what impressed me even more was when it got to the edge of the roof and with zero hesitation, jumped towards a snow covered branch on a nearby evergreen tree. As it landed, the branch bounced up and down for a moment and then it steadied as did the squirrel.
Wow! Was it dumb luck or did the squirrel just trust that it had the skills to do what it needed to do? Maybe a bit of both?
I'm thinking there was a little bit of a message in it for me (thank you universe) and maybe you will find a message that you need as well.
Here's what I got from it:
timing is everything
there is definitely a requirement to have some sort of skill level
going with instincts IS sometimes the way to go
Lets look at the first one - "timing is everything" . I am going to counter that with the idea that there is probably never precisely a "right" time unless you are in the circus and someone is supposed to catch you when you fly on the trapeze or other situations like that! However, in many situations, there isn't a life or death component where the timing has to be bang on. For these situations, usually ones where it involves making a decision to take action, the timing isn't as critical and that in and of itself is what may make it so difficult. Not being time bound leaves lots of time for fear and self doubt to creep in.
Next, lets look at skill level: Think of the squirrel, I'm pretty sure it didn't know how to jump with such agility from day one. It probably took time, watching Mom and Dad perhaps and then modelling their behaviour to acquire the skill. One thing I'm guessing is certain is that when the squirrel decided to take the leap it wasn't doubting itself or its skills, it just did it. I witnessed a successful jump and most likely there was a time when the squirrel fanned on the jump and fell a few branches. That's how we learn. That's how we get the skills. Guess and test. Try and try again. If you're anything like me, you usually over estimate how much skill you need to get started. The fact of the matter is, starting is the key to gaining traction and experience.
And finally - going with your instincts. This is one that many of us have squashed over time. The voice in our heads or more likely in our hearts and guts, that gives us a nudge. I am a logical thinker who is becoming a "nudge seeker". I am paying more and more attention to the inner voice and taking action. It usually makes my heart race and my palms sweaty and I do it anyway. I have learned that the "repercussions" I make up in my head never really come to pass. I either land on the branch or tumble a few branches down. Either way. I did something. I took a leap and that is one thing that I NEVER regret.
So how about you?
Is there a leap that you have been waiting to take? Every leap starts with one small action and a willingness to fall.