The Time is Now

What do you think of when you read The Time is Now?

My first thought is the iconic song by Moloko, however this article is not about electronic dance music of the naughties, sorry!

Are you waiting for "the right time" to do something? Is there something you have always wanted to do but when you get to the edge and are about to take the step into commitment you turn away. It's not quite the right time, something else has cropped up and draws your attention away.

I think when we are apprehensive about making a commitment we can not only hope for a distraction but deliberately look for it! Especially if the distraction is something we are good at or enjoy and know that the chance of failure is extremely low if not impossible, I cannot fail when I scroll through my phone or watch repeats of QI!

For example you see a new job opportunity and it is "The Role" you have been thinking about and wanting for a long time. You have researched the job and company, you have spoken to hiring manager, you have discussed the job with you partner, you have updated your CV and filled in the application but for some reason you won't click the submit button.

That submit button is the commitment! The chances of failure increase dramatically once you click that button!

What if they don't contact you, what if they don't offer you an interview, what if they offer you an interview and you can't answer the questions and don't get offered "The Job" you really really want?

All these potential failure points light up like beacons warning you of the impending danger. The easiest thing to do now is become counsel for the defence and list all the reasons why you should not click the submit button.

I am doing well in my current job, I know all my colleagues and customers, I would be starting from the bottom and be the new guy if I move. I will have 6 months probation and what if I don't pass, the office is slightly further away?!?!?!?!?

By staying where you are the chances of failure are lower as you are already doing the job but nothing is guaranteed. As Jim Carrey once said:

You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.

Where are you struggling to commit?

What are you holding back on?

What is your submit button?

And what can you do that will enable you to click the button?

It is not a bad thing to question your choices and play devils advocate when making a decision as this can provide you with more information. However I think it becomes a problem when we just make shit up! The endless "What If' questions you ask yourself create an Epic film in your minds eye that could compete with Lord of The Rings! Danger, tragedy and heartbreak on the most ludicrous scale are conjured up.

What I have found that works in these situations it to listen to my whole body, head, heart and gut. Let's continue with the example of applying for "The Job".

Head

This is about the facts. Do your research and gather data. The more information you have the more you can consider the factors that could impact you and your family. Remember, you can only control the controllable. If there is something you cannot change, can you compromise?

Heart

This is about how you feel. What are the emotions you experience when you think about the new job? What would this role give you regarding your emotions? How would you feel working for this company?

Gut

This is about your instincts. What are your immediate reactions? Where do you feel it in your body? Do you experience tightness in your stomach or a relaxation in your shoulders? Does it feel "to good to be true" or "just feels right"?

We are often drawn to one of these ways of thinking when making a decision and either choose to ignore the others or we are not in tune with them. However I believe they all have a role to play.

Are you stuck in your head?

Constantly running through all the information like an accountants balance sheet. Just the cold hard numbers with no place for the emotions you are experiencing or how you feel intuitively.

Are you led by heart?

Does it feel like you are on an emotional roller coster, one minute the new job will make you the happiest you have ever been and the next you can only see worry and sadness. The emotions are so strong your head is melted and your intuition is confused.

Are you pulled by your Gut?

Are you flip flopping quicker than a three year old child in a toy shop. Is your intuition making every decision without any consideration of the consequences how this makes you feel or think?

You can see if you only consider one way of being when making a decision you can become confused. When you bring your whole body into the process things make more sense and you can workout what is making you hesitate when you need to click the submit button.

My ask for you is the next time you are unsure about making a commitment to a goal is to work through your Head, Heart and Gut. Consider all the information, consider the emotions you are experiencing and want to experience and consider your intuition.

If you go through this process of considering your head, heart and gut and decide not to go ahead, you come to the conclusion this Job is not for you that is great! Remember you don't have to do everything and you can change your mind.

However if there is something you really want to do consider your head, hear and gut and remember The Time Is Now.