Takes Courage to Step Out
[JUST.a.SHOT] A very close friend is going through something of a struggle: to stay with a company they've been with for over 20years, or answer the call to move to a new station. It's an easy decision if you're either a 100% play-it-safe kind of person, or a 100% jump-before-you-look kind of person. For most of us, though, we will be somewhere in between, and depending on the situation at hand and our history, we may lean toward one way or the other. Long story short, this is a tough choice... for them... at this point in time.
We all have and need our comfort zones, but the question is: how big of a comfort zone are we in?
"The only time you are actually growing is when you are uncomfortable”; a quote by T. Harv Eker, who is, among other things, an author, businessman and motivational speaker known for his theories on wealth and motivation.
The point I'm making? Progress is only made by those who are willing to try new things... to "Step Out". On a global scale, not everyone needs to be in this camp, we do need people to remind us of danger now and then. But for those who are facing decisions as my friend is, it takes time to develop a mentality to do just that, and a whole lot of courage and perseverance to continue. It is a long road, and support from people around them is paramount.
I don't think people who are very pro-active or innovative or have entrepreneurial spirit need much encouragement. I mean they do, they do, but less so than those who are "safety-minded". So when you see a person struggling because they are uncomfortable with a possible change, encourage them, support them, make them know you're in their corner, so the monumental transition / change (when and if that happens) will be easier for them. And the most important thing, let them know they'll be okay even if they decide not to step out, because it really is okay.
I hope the two photos I've posted here help illustrate the point, especially the second one. Because chances are, when you step out, when you take courage in trying something new, ready to broaden your horizon, the scenery could be breathtaking.
To conclude, I'll continue to support my friend as they navigate through the decision process, and I hope they'll grow, just a little bit, whatever that decision might be.
In the meantime, remember... aspire to inspire.
Sincerely, Cedric Cheung.
6.5M+ Followers | Founder, Leadership First
4 年Great article, Cedric C., and I understand what your friend is going through. I left my full-time job in March of this year to focus on my work at Leadership First full time. It took me two years to finally make that jump because I was so afraid of taking that risk. The emotions I felt every time I decided to leave pull me back into that comfort zone of believing that no one leaves a job that pays well to go into a business that may not work out. I had all these thoughts in my mind, and the fear paralyzes me to even tried. What change. My sister died unexpectedly, and couple months after my cousin died, and I said to myself, will I died never going after my dream, or am I willing to stay at a job I hate just to feel secure to get a salary. After those two dramatic and emotional situations in my life, I left the known and jump right into the unknown. I can tell you it's the best feeling in the world, knowing that every day to have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people and feeling inspired to live in your business. The financial reward is significantly more than what I was making in my full-time job. When you find something you love to do, go after it, it will be the best feeling in the world.