Leap, and the net will appear. – John Burroughs
So, how’s 2013 going for you so far?
Are you stepping or jumping into this new year?
Are you zigging and zagging into it?
Or perhaps looking backwards, wishing for a re-do of 2012?
For me, I've claimed 2013 as my year of authority, clarity and creation: to be a powerful force for good, by doing what I am uniquely able and called to do.
And then (gulp), I can find myself thinking, Really? Am I just kidding myself?
For most of us, the biggest barrier to our growth and opportunity is ourselves.
We can cut ourselves off at the knees via doubt, worry and comparison to others.
We can keep our visions small and only aim for what is just slightly out of our grasp.
But that doesn't really serve the larger purpose that we are each up to as change makers.
The work of leaders is to constantly go into the unknown. Planning is great and there is a time to let go of our plans and leap. A time to edge out farther on the limb and just jump into the unknown.
If you find yourself longing for a bigger leap this year too, try asking yourself these questions:
1) What would you do this year if you knew you could not fail?
2) What is the really significant meaning you are attaching to failure?
And in the Comments section below, let me know where you're longing to leap in 2013!
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Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
My jump is from the University into the world of environmental technology – and making this business succeed. I’m not going to leave my job – but I will take on more responsibilities for developing new markets at the company. I must admit the amount of interest in our invention – and the diversity of the applications – has spooked me. How do we manage this rapid development phase effectively – and without setbacks?
Matt, thanks for commenting! Congratulations on your successes – you ARE leaping indeed! The key to your question I think is in the “and” in your last sentence. How to have growth AND success? Or success AND stability? See what you can find those two poles of this polarity you are in – what shifts if this is a polarity to manage, rather than a problem to solve?
I’m with you, this is the year of boldness and conviction in who I was designed to be. It’s so easy to second guess ourselves when we set goals and imagine what we’d like our futures to look like, if we’re not careful we can talk ourselves right out of ever getting started.
So true, Natasha! Thanks for commenting, and I can’t wait to see where your intentions for this year take you! : )
Great post, Hanna! I’m longing to leap over the ocean…to expand my speaking to an international audience. And the opportunities are beginning to surface now that I’ve recognized what I really want…a great testament to your point that we are the ones who stand in our own way.
Great timing and inspiration! I find that you’re spot on. Planning is important, but be sure to know where to draw the line between planning and getting started! This year for me is one of adventure! Fundraising adventures, that is! I can’t wait to see what happens! <3
Ooh, Deirdre – I love that! Can’t wait to hear what happens next! Keep me up to date!
Heidi – awesome! I can’t wait to hear more about what adventures you create this year! Thanks for commenting!
Great way to look at coming into the New Year. Advice that is always relevant and important!