Taking the Leap!

As we ease into the rhythm of a new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and the lessons we’ve learned. Whether you’re starting something new for the first time or simply starting fresh, take the leap! It doesn’t have to be the first of the year, the month, or even a Monday. As Zig Ziglar wisely said, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” It’s a truth worth repeating.

As I reflect on how easily these words are said and repeated, I’m reminded of a time not too long ago when I took a leap that deeply resonated with me. It was the spring of 2022 when I decided to cross an item off my proverbial bucket list. I went skydiving! The experience was exhilarating, an unforgettable adrenaline rush. Yes, I would absolutely do it again!

But the exhilaration isn’t the part that stayed with me. Something deeper struck a chord, leaving me searching for the right way to express it creatively and meaningfully. While I’ve shared this story many times before, I now feel a strong urge to share it with this community.

The aircraft was a small Cessna, retrofitted to remove all but two seats, leaving the rest of us cramped on the floor. Another passenger sat closer to the front; they were the first to go. One second, they were there, and the next, they were gone. Then it was my turn. I maneuvered to the door, and being my first jump, it was tandem – meaning I was strapped to the front of my jumpmaster, securely connected behind me.

What truly resonated with me happened in this moment right before the leap, somewhere between the anticipation, the fear, and the overwhelming sense of surrender. To jump, I had to step out first onto a narrow ledge above the wheelbase. My jumpmaster held my head back as we prepared to fall forward together.

I still think about that first step. It wasn’t about skydiving; it was a leap of courage, vulnerability, and trust. That moment taught me how stepping into the unknown can lead to growth in ways I never imagined.

And as I reflect on the courage, vulnerability, and trust required in that moment, I’m reminded of the role my jumpmaster played in guiding me through it. They didn’t just ensure my safety; they inspired confidence and created the conditions for me to take that leap. Isn’t that what all great leaders do? In many ways, good leaders are like jumpmasters for people in their charge. They help others step onto the ledge of uncertainty, offer support, and empower them to take their leaps and grow.

What’s even more profound is that the leap was mine to take. I was the one stepping out first, not my jumpmaster. They couldn’t jump for me; the decision and action were solely mine. My jumpmaster inspired, prepared, and supported me, but ultimately, I had to take that first step. In doing so, I gained something far more valuable – an unshakeable confidence that nothing can take away.

And that’s what I hope for anyone ready to take their own leap this year. So, what leap have you been waiting to take? Whether it’s pursuing a dream, starting a new project, overcoming a fear, or embracing a challenge, let this be your sign. Remember, every great accomplishment starts with a single step.?

What leap will you take this year? Because in the end, it’s the courage to take the first step that changes everything.