The right time never just comes and taps us on the shoulder. You have to create it.
Exactly two years ago I bid “farewell” to my corporate job and life. It wasn’t a move I had necessarily planned on, but it was my reality. In fact, it was the kick in the pants I never would have given myself.
Left to my own devices, and grand “Master Plan,” I would probably still be in that corporate job – or some form of it – completely unhappy, unhealthy, and unfulfilled. Why? Because it was safe, and easy. Every time I thought I was fed up and ready to move on to other pastures, a voice in my head would whisper, “Are you sure you’re ready? What if…?” The “what ifs” had the potential to scare the living daylights out of me until I had futurecasted my way into homelessness for not only me but my entire family.
Between the proverbial golden handcuffs and that sneaky gremlin voice, I was stuck. However, I didn’t feel stuck since on paper it looked like I was right on track to achieve my lifelong plan. What’s interesting, upon two years of reflection, is how rarely I questioned the health and validity of that plan.
Originally, that plan served me, and the organizations I worked for, incredibly well. I was lucky enough to capture several “lightning in a bottle” moments where I was surrounded by amazing talent and leadership, working strategically towards innovative goals. Work was exciting and fun.
Unfortunately, I didn’t trust my gut when it dawned on me, back in 2019, that I dreaded every single day except weekends. And even then, Sunday nights were downright miserable as I anticipated the week ahead.
So, two years ago I found myself veering away from the plan and immediately felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. Wait. What? Yes, that’s right. The gremlin had lost its power once the decision was made, and my quieted brain finally had the opportunity to ask, “What’s your dream? What’s stopping you?”
Let me be clear. It’s been hard. And terrifying at times. And that is exhilarating because it means I care and am 100% invested. I can honestly say I learn something new every day, and have rediscovered passions, like writing, that had been cast aside over the years.
My point of sharing this today is this: If you wait until you think you’ve answered and solved all the “what ifs” before you chase that dream, you will never do it. And what a waste of your potential and talent. My message today is to take a deep breath…and just do it.
