Just Push The Button

by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee PhD

One of the greatest fears most people have is the fear of the unknown. People will stay stuck for years because they don't know what would happen if they did something differently. Sure, it may be uncomfortable, even painful, to stay stuck, but it is a known misery. It is frightening to think about change when you have no idea where that change will lead. It could be worse than what you already have. Then again, it could be a lot better.

My stepson has been contemplating leaving the company where he has worked for twenty years. His real dream is to be an airplane pilot. He has spent years of time and lots of money to get the training and certifications needed to fly. He now has professional pilot and trainer flight time and qualifications. The company he works for is laying people off and has offered a buy-out for those who agree. Although my stepson wants to leave the company, he is fearful of doing so. When he got the papers for the buy-out, he filled them out and then stood at the fax machine. He called his wife and asked, "Are you sure I should do this?" She asked him if he was at the fax machine. He replied that he was and that the papers were ready to go. "Just push the button," she said."

You have to let go to be able to grab your dream. Yes, this can be very scary. Yes, there is no guarantee it will work. Yes, you could fail. But, wouldn't it be much better to fail going after your dream, than to succeed at being miserable?

Coaching

I've been there. I know that leaving what you know to go after what you want is a scary and uncertain path. Don't let anyone tell you differently. It is, however, also an exciting, fun and rewarding path. There are times when you just have to take a deep breath and go for it.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to let go of what you have,  to grab what you want?

Daily Action

Today, take one step toward your dream. No, you don't have to quit your job. Not yet. Perhaps you just have to take a class, read a book or talk to someone who is doing what you dream of doing. Each small step will get you closer to grabbing hold of what you want most.

Quotes

"There's as much risk in doing nothing as in doing something." Trammell Crow

"The best way to predict the future is to create it." Peter Drucker

"If we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely everything, is ready, we shall never begin." Ivan Turgenev