Leaving my comfortable corporate job 2 years ago in order to start Let it Flow was, by far, the biggest risk I’d ever taken. I told myself a lot of stories about why I shouldn’t make the move. Good thing I didn’t listen! Below are a few of the “excuses” I would trick myself into thinking followed by more empowering notions that helped me to be bold. If any of these sound familiar, you are not alone in your thinking.
What if I fail? – But what if I don’t? I’ll never know unless I try. If it doesn’t work out, what lessons can be learned to help me grow for the next endeavor?
How will I survive financially? – How will I emotionally survive if I don’t make the change? I realized my need for an annual 2 week vacation was a result of wanting to escape my reality. My state of mind became more important than a grand vacation.
“I can’t” – Why not? I couldn’t come up with a good reason. So I chose to make a change to “I can”. Simple in grammar, it takes patience and consistency to achieve.
I don’t have experience – Oh yes I did. When I re-assessed, I realized 10 years as a part-time fitness instructor, 9 years as a market research manager and 2 years in Toastmasters provided me with more than enough knowledge and experience to get started.
What will other people think? – Who cares? I stopped sharing success and excitement with anyone who didn’t understand my decision. Instead, I surrounded myself with individuals who could share and understand my joys and frustrations. The best part is that I also get to do the same for them. In the end, it only matters what I think.
Over time, I realized these fears and stories were made up, and only existed in my mind. These excuses are typical, yet my original answers or road blocks were unwarranted because I hadn’t even tried!
There is a dream waiting to come alive in all of us. What are you waiting for? The only thing truly stopping you is YOU.
Visit Stacey’s blog, Back to Your Senses, for tips, techniques, and personal stories to help you think with a fresh perspective, live well and manage stress.
Congrats on taking the risk! I left a corporate job (working as a personal injury attorney) to become a hypnotherapist. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done in my life. But, I have never regretted my choice. My life is so much more meaningful now that I look forward to going to work in the morning!
For anyone who is unsatisfied with their current job and wondering whether to ‘make the switch,’ I recommend reading, “Follow Your True Colors To The Work You Love,” By Kalil. After reading the book, I was inspired to pursue my true life’s calling. I hope others will be too.