Today’s question comes from Seattle, Washington and is answered by Cassi Christiansen, Now What?® A-Team Leader.

Question:

I wonder about folks who have transitioned and followed their passion out of a ‘safe’ position into something others may deem risky.  How did they go about this?  How much preparation can one do?  How do they manage doubts?  How do they know they will succeed?

Answer:

 Thanks so much for your question and it’s one that every person I have ever worked with around igniting their purpose and following their dream has asked.  How do you take the leap from the safety of the known to the risky edges of the unknown?  I wish I could tell you it was easy peasy and no fear involved, but I would be lying.  It is scary.  And it is not easy.  Since you are asking the question, my guess is you’ve got at least one foot in the known and at least a few toes in the unknown and you are wondering how to make the leap, right? 

Leaping is really quite simple – notice I didn’t say easy…. 

Let Go:  Now What has an entire chapter on letting go because it’s such a huge part of the journey.  Think how much harder the leap will be if you are hanging onto things that no longer serve or fit you.  Things to think about letting go of:  Old identities, other people’s ideas of what you should do/be, your own limiting beliefs, etc.  If you’re going to leap, remember the lighter you are, the easier it will be, so start letting go now. 

Evaluate:  This is the practical side of leaping.  What do you need to be successful in your new venture?  Do you have the training, the information, the support, the financial reserves you need?  If not, make a plan to get it and don’t leap before you do.  Think of this as your safety net and who would want to leap without one? 

Acknowledge:  Acknowledge your fears, your limiting beliefs, all of the things that are currently getting in your way.  And then begin to work on them.  No one says you have to leap tomorrow.  Some leaps will take time.  I knew for 2 years I wanted to leave my old corporate life, but it took me 2 years to work through my “stuff” and gain the courage to do so.  Acknowledge where you are now and work towards where you want to be.  It’s a journey. 

Pray:  The logical side of me wants to use Plan as my p-word here, because who leaps without a plan.  But what I know to be true is that this journey is a spiritual journey.  A journey to where your heart wants to take you and a journey to why you have been placed on this earth, so prayer feels as important as a plan!  Pray for guidance.  Pray for knowing the right time to leap.  Pray for attracting what you need.  Pray for others on the journey.  Pray for acceptance to know that you are exactly where you need to be and pray for signs to know when you are ready to take the next steps.  Pray that if you stumble (and you will) that you have the courage to get back up.  Pray to enjoy the journey.  And lastly, say a prayer of gratitude for who you are and the gifts you are meant to share.  What would our world be missing out on if you chose not to leap? 

And my prayer for you is that you see that success is in the leaping, even if you have no idea where/how you may land.  Happy Leaping!