Take a leap of faith when times are good.
Ever notice how hard it is to take a leap of faith when times are good or you’re moving along comfortably in your career? As opportunities present themselves, now never seems to be the “right” time to make a change. This is in stark contrast to when your back is up against a wall, and you are forced to make a change. Why is this?
Often, we think we have more to lose than to gain when in fact that couldn’t be farther from the truth. When we are in positive cycles in our lives, positivity fuels opportunity. Taking action builds self-confidence, and self-confidence encourages more action. Success boosts feelings of achievement, and those feelings drive you to work hard to achieve more success. So, it actually makes more sense to strike while the iron is hot than when it’s cold.
Here are some important lessons I have learned about taking leaps of faith:
Have faith in yourself- don’t pin your faith on the opinions of other people.
Follow your intuition- especially when it keeps nagging you or beckoning you in a certain direction. As you pay more attention to your intuition, it will transform from a subtle whisper to a loud shout.
Let your inner voice prevail- if you’re having an internal battle between your fear and your inner voice, always choose your inner voice. Over time you will develop the mental fortitude necessary to overcome fear because you are used to shutting it down.
Manage your negative thoughts- acknowledge thoughts of lack of control, failing, losing something or what other people will think of you, thank them for their concern and then let them pass through your consciousness like leaves flowing down a river. This will eliminate the tendency to try to fight them or fixate on them.
Give it a chance- if you don’t try, you’ll never know what could become of something, and you’re more likely to live with regrets.
Lean toward action vs. inaction- if you continue to wait for the “right” opportunity or turn down those in front of you, fewer and fewer doors will open for you.
The discomfort is only temporary- with growth comes discomfort, but it subsides as you become more and more confident in your ability to handle learning and change.
Trust that things will work out for the best- if you believe that success is not only possible but highly probable, you will make the most of the opportunity and will be successful.
The stars will never fully align before you are called to make an important decision or take an important action. You must learn to discern for yourself what makes the most sense for you in the present moment. Friends and family can give you advice, but only you know what will keep you on the path of becoming the best version of yourself and using your gifts to positively impact the world.