Taking a Personal and Professional Leap of Faith

The 'new' home office!

Risks mean different things to different people. An investor likely equates risk in terms of opportunity; a parent perhaps with danger.  As an entrepreneur, I consider risk compatible with the level of potential reward.

As I said in a recent post, risks are tough because the outcome is uncertain.   But I believe risks are necessary for growth. I also believe that nothing good comes easy.

I’ve been reminding myself of these things as I embark on a personal and professional journey, which reached its peak this weekend.  I made the decision to move two hours away from my home in Harrisburg – and do this by myself; to be on my own for the first time in my life.

Indeed, it’s been challenging, but I remain firm in my belief that it was necessary – and that it will ultimately be for the best.  I’ve made the commitment to stop making decisions based on fear or guilt. I had to stop making excuses and put on my ‘big girl pants.’

I’ve had some interesting reactions to this change, some of which I’ve also shared in a recent post. And the more I open up about my experience, the more I find people who can identify with my strife.

I’ve been humbled and surprised by friends and colleagues who have confided in me that they are not only unhappy, but they are also stuck. They are stuck living a life that’s not in alignment with what they truly want.  But whether it's fear or guilt, they remain paralyzed and do nothing.  If there’s one piece of advice I can offer it’s that inaction is action. Keep doing what you always do and you’ll get more of what you’ve always had.   For those who are desperate for a change in their life, this reality comes with a huge price tag. Of course it does – it’s a risk.

Regardless of how some feel about their own circumstances, I can say that those who really know me and love me understand my decision. In fact, a few folks found it inspiring that I'm working through the current disarray in search of happiness rather than just doing what's comfortable and safe.

I would have never taken this journey if I did not already take the entrepreneurial leap four years ago. That experience taught me that you have to take risks to get what you want in life.  This particular risk has high stakes, so ultimately I’m hoping for the greater reward.  But, of course, there’s no guarantee. Ah, risks!  All we can do is embrace them and make the best decision based on experience, guidance and faith – and hope for the best.

Have you ever taken a big risk? Put on your ‘big girl pants’ and went with it? How did it turn out for you?