Take a Flying Leap!
By Pamelagrace Beatty
What came to your mind when you read the title? It does not mean take a flying leap in the common use of the phrase. It refers more to taking a chance, stepping out in trust that all will be well, or being brave enough to walk through the open doors that life offers us.
Saying “Yes” then “No”
Often when life presents us with something new, and especially when we ask for it and then get it, we freak out and say “No.” No, it’s not the right time. No, I’m not ready for this. No, what was I thinking? And we run for the hills. [Here’s a personal example from some years ago:] I was coaching a young woman who was very unhappy with her job and wanted to find something else. It was clear that she had more to offer than the present job allowed. I asked her what did she truly want? She said, “…to be an airplane pilot.” That surprised me! She had no aeronautical background, no college degree, nothing that could help her get into that career. But she did have a passion for flying. We worked together to create a plan to help her. Taking flying lessons was the best approach, but they were incredibly expensive and way beyond her budget.
While researching more about flying and set up information interviews, she talked to the head of a flying school who told her since she had secretarial skills, he would be willing to hire her as a secretary and give her a discount on flying lessons! It was the perfect solution. I was so happy for her. But she turned and ran for the hills. She ended the career coaching. She didn’t explain why she chose not to take the job. I was very disappointed and sad for her.
Be Open and See
I understand sometimes we are just not ready. All those old beliefs, fears and insecurities may take us off the path to our desires. Some ways to overcome those issues is to face them directly. Delve into them. Ask “What am I thinking that is causing me to reject what I want?” Then write yourself a new script that includes telling yourself you can do this.
Another way of conquering these blocks is to take a step versus a leap. Just ease into what it is you want, or are being offered and try it on. It’s like stepping slowly into the edge of the pool versus plunging in from the diving board. If the water is too cold, you can always back out. This is true for life as well. If this new thing isn’t working for you, you can try something else.
The other day I was talking with a guy who had recently graduated from college and was working in a car rental agency. He said he had stressed over finding a job right out of school. It was really important to him to be employed after being in college for four years. He was quite afraid he wouldn’t find a job but then, he did! He is on the management track and feels working there, and getting the management training, will help build his resume and lead toward even better opportunities. I talked to him about the importance of being open to what life offers, about being willing to take a chance and try something out.
What he found most impactful about our talk was to remember that there are lots of opportunities available. I told him people get caught up in believing that the job they were in was the only job they would ever have, and they should stick with it no matter how much they disliked it. Some statistics say only about half of working Americans are extremely satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs. That means around half are not happy. Of course, all of the people I coached on their careers were unhappy with their jobs. And when we started the coaching, 90% felt like there was no way they could get the kind of job they would like. As a result, they hadn’t given much thought to what would be better. They didn’t believe they could get something better! Many changed their minds after a few sessions and began to believe there was hope.
Enter Imagination- What If?
What if you could have what you wanted? What would that look like? Answering that question can open up the mind to more possibilities. Asking ourselves this on anything we find ourselves doubting or backing away from can actually change everything!
Years ago, I worked with a person who enjoyed picking fights. She was my manager. Unfortunately, if she said or suggested something and I didn’t agree with her, it was on! After a while I found myself dreading every meeting with her. I reported to her. She wrote up my performance reviews and determined the amount of raises and promotions I would get. It was important that I find a way to get along with her.
I spent a lot of time sitting quietly and imagining the way I would like our interactions to go. I saw them going smoothly over and over again. Then, when I went to our meetings and she started down the road that had led to disagreements in the past, I didn’t go with her. The first time I didn’t rise to the bait she poked and prodded. Still, I didn’t react the way she thought I should. After several meetings with no fights, she got used to the new me and stopped trying to provoke fights. It was a major relief! I couldn’t change her, but I could change me.
Seeing the outcome you want in your mind can be applied to anything from buying a car to getting the kid to take out the garbage. As you may have guessed already, it’s all about us. If we change, the world around us changes.
Don’t Bite the Hand that Helps You
One last thing about taking a leap and being open to what life is bringing you: There is a country western song that says, “There are angels all around waiting to offer you a hand to pull you back on track.” I love that thought. These “angels” frequently show up as people, or even circumstances, that offer us help on our way. We, however, have to notice that they are there and be willing to accept their help. Since my dad has been in hospital lately, many folks have offered empathy and their help if I need it. In the past, I would have overlooked or not believed these people were sincere. Now, I am grateful and will take them up on their offers when possible. The fact that so many people care about my father and want to help him, brings tears to my eyes. Although I don’t know, at this writing, what they can do, the fact that they are willing is so comforting.
To summarize, be willing to dream, be willing to be open to what the Universe brings, and be willing to say “yes” to the opportunities that can make our lives more meaningful and enjoyable, and maybe even more productive.
Carpe Diem
