This week we continue with my sixth installment in our list of suggestions for how we could live and operate our businesses from a place of greater happiness…
Suggestion #1: Assume the best.
Suggestion #2: Roll with it.
Suggestion #3: Visualize responsibly.
Suggestion #4: Say what you want and expect.
Suggestion #5: Stop comparing.
Suggestion #6: Take the leap.
We know what we like. We know what piques our interest. We know what we dream about and long for. We also know what we don’t like and what we wish were different. But, fear often stops us from exploring, experimenting, or just plain risking and stepping into something new and better. Whether it’s a new relationship, a new job, a new home, or a different point of view, change involves risk and human beings naturally tend to avoid the discomfort and stay put.
Sometimes staying put and avoiding risk adds to our happiness. But many times, fear anchors us in a place that’s less than what we could be and limits our ability to experience something far better. When I talk with the happiest people I know, they all tell me that at some point they decided that the risk of staying where they were was greater than the risk of making a change in terms of their happiness… and they took a big leap or at least … just started walking.
I’ve certainly not indulged in every whim that presents itself. And when I do consider a change, I do my homework, am thoughtful about the pros and cons, and seek good counsel before making a big change in my work or life. But, I’ve also determined that I don’t have to have it all figured out to start down a different path because even if I think I do have all the steps lined out … it never seems to go that way anyway. I’ve found a lot of courage in reminding myself that most of the time, “I can always go back to the way I’ve been doing it, if this doesn’t prove to be a great choice.” And, I rarely ever go back.
A full, abundant life and deeply satisfying work almost always involves taking some risks. Notice what you like and want more or less of and be brave. Live boldly. Take some risks. Take a step. It’s the only way to move away from what you don’t want and toward more of what you do. Don’t wait and be paralyzed by not having it all figured out. Sometimes to get to a place of greater happiness, you just have to believe in yourself, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and jump!
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
~Walt Disney
