For some people, getting into the swimming pool is a dramatic, drawn out affair. They dip their toe in, and then back up. Then they splash a little water on their legs, and towel off. Then they “boldly” put their whole foot underwater. Then the other one. Then they crisscross their arms, throw some more water on their back and start to slowly wade in. An eternity later, they finally dunk their head underwater and complete the ritual. This may be a good strategy for easing into the cold water. But when it comes to pursuing our dreams and exploring our passion, we need to jump right in! In business, we may create an innovative sales strategy or uncover a new target market. The idea appears great on paper and we talk about it in team meetings and discuss it in focus groups. But if we never put this idea or strategy into action, we are just splashing about in the water. We may dream even bigger and consider starting our own company to execute on our brilliant ideas. We do our research and monitor the business landscape to understand the potential market. This is prudent. But eventually, we have to throw all caution to the wind and dive right in! If we are too measured and careful, the opportunity could vanish as we slowly wade in. How will you ever realize your potential if you spend your day dipping your toe in the water? If we are going to be successful, we must quickly move from theory to action. You only have a finite window of time to make an impact in this world. Jump on in and make it happen!
The same can be true in our personal lives. It is important to plan and think and dream. This is a cathartic exercise and (as a bonus) it separates us from the apes. But eventually, we have to take action! Dreaming about playing the guitar? Stop “jamming out” on your tennis racket and go take a lesson. Considering asking someone out on a date? If you wait for just the right moment, someone else will beat you to it. Thinking about telling someone you love them? If you don’t say it, they will never know. Been meaning to run a marathon? Listening to the theme song from “Rocky” isn’t going to carry you across that finish line. You need to hit the pavement! If we want to achieve our goals and lead a fulfilling life, we must act on our thoughts, plans and dreams! The temperature of the water is never going to be ideal. The timing is never going to be perfect. You have a window of opportunity for every goal in your life. If you don’t jump right in, you might miss your chance. You control your own actions. Jump off the ledge and build your own legacy.
But what happens if we jump in and the water is freezing! We will look foolish shivering in the deep end and frantically running back out for our warm towel. This is a legitimate risk and an uncomfortable outcome. But this is where your resiliency kicks in! You may start a business that ultimately fails. But there is a saying in the start-up world that if you are going to fail, fail fast! That will allow you to learn from the experience and quickly move on to your next successful venture. You could try a musical instrument and discover you have no talent. At least you had the experience and can move on to another instrument or try your hand at another art form. You could ask someone out and get rejected. Now you know that person wasn’t right for you. By moving on you are one step closer to finding your soul mate. But if you never explore your passion or act on your dreams (no matter how big or small), you can never experience the sheer adrenaline of putting yourself out there. You can never know the thrill of achieving your goals and reaching your potential. Even if the water is too uncomfortable for you to bear, there is still a certain satisfaction from the experience. Our setbacks and failures will not keep us down forever. Our confidence builds because at least we have given everything we had in our quest for greatness. And, win or lose, that is what it is like to truly LIVE!
Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action. –Benjamin Disraeli
Don’t wait for the ideal moment to explore your dreams and passion. You will be dipping your toe in the water forever. Take action! Stay positive! Stay resilient! Jump on in with both feet and make it happen. Don’t worry, the water is perfect!
Until next week, keep smiling.