Warning – I wrote this in 2010 and thought it had great relevance today as I work with leaders who may not always stand in their power or go after what they want…read on and enjoy!
“Do one thing every day that scares you” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you decided to take a step into thin air? Does the idea scare you? Do you believe a stepping stone will appear?
Courage to go after what you want frequently requires such action. Whether you decide to take a leap or a stride, the idea is to consider what might make you want to do anything. What burning desire within remains unfulfilled? Ready to move on it?
You don’t have to do this journey alone. Join me!
I have set a few targets I want to reach that require I take leaps that raise my heart rate and make the hair on my arms stand on end. They are small steps that feel like a leap to me. I plan to do other things that don’t increase adrenaline – they are the things that will open my mind to think in a new way, to look at things from a different perspective. By doing both the hair raising things and the low adrenaline items I expect to expand my brain and alter some of my neural pathways. I intend to experience unexpected delights, personal and professional growth!
For example, today when I did my morning walk I reversed my route. I was surprised at what I saw. I even walked on the other side of the street and encountered different people engaging in their morning routines. I noticed how the quality and direction of the sunlight changed the landscape. I thought less and observed more. And it was fun!
“Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions” Oliver Wendell Holmes
I took a leap last week and walked into a place I hadn’t been before and made a declaration about myself and my business that surprised me, yet it was true. What followed was a series of steps to get me in front of a “decision maker” and all the way to their office without an appointment. I did get to put my head in the door and smile. It was a good beginning. I later learned that the first gate keeper usually barricades all entry and I made it through three. Something changed when I made my additional declaration. I empowered myself.
What’s a leap for you?
Whether you want a new position in your organization, have a new product idea or a way to increase ROI, need to hire your dream team, have an innovative idea to change things in your organization, or want to start all over again doing something that fuels your passions; it all begins with one step. Think about one action you can take now and go for it.
A not so hair raising thing to try –
A fun exercise is to pretend you are an alien on this planet and walk through the world you inhabit, the things you habitually do and challenge yourself to think about them differently. Ask yourself why do this? Why do I do it this way? Do I like this? How does it make me feel? Move your furniture around; change the orientation of your desk (if you can), dress differently. Park in a new spot; talk to someone new; ask a different morning question; give a new greeting. Smile a lot!
March is the beginning of the end of the first quarter and this message is about how to keep the flow in your intentions. It’s an idea that can deliver extraordinary results if you are willing to risk shaking up your world a bit to get what you want. Step out into the air and watch the earth beneath you carry you on your way.
…”Strong convictions precede great actions.” J. F. Clarke
Happy March 2021!!
Kathy Holdaway
“maximizing sales leader impact”