Starting this blog was a leap outside my comfort zone. A scary, uneasy, exhilarating, fulfilling leap that I want everyone to experience in 2018. As I finish the last few posts, I honestly can’t describe this feeling. So, instead of trying to describe it, I want everyone else to feel this way- to feel what it is like on the other side of taking the leap.
This blog was something I didn’t think I could do. I thought it was something that some people could do, but not me. Yet, it was around this time last year that I decided I would dedicate 2017 to writing and posting weekly. I decided (hesitantly and with help) I would take a leap outside my comfort zone. And, as I write this rather comfortably on a Saturday morning, I think back to the first few weeks.
The first few weeks of posting looked like- write something, delete it. Write something else, delete it. Finally, write something I’m comfortable sending to others. Wait for their feedback. Change things. Change more things. Second guess myself. Wonder if I should change more things. Stay up late Monday night, wake up early Tuesday morning. And, after all that, publish the post only to feel uneasy for most of the day.
But, here I am twelve months later and those feelings of insecurity, fear, and overwhelm pale in comparison to those first few weeks and months. I don’t think those feelings will ever disappear completely, but they’ve been replaced with this feeling.
I haven’t figured out what my leap will be in 2018, but I’m using these questions to help me:
- What areas have you wanted to improve?
- What would you be proud to look back on at the end of 2018?
- Is there anything you’ve wanted to do, but for some reason haven’t?
- What both scares you and excites you?
- What would you consider a “big win” in 2018?
- What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Taking the leap is not supposed to feel good initially. It is supposed to make you feel nervous and uneasy. I think that is the sign of a good leap. Eventually, you get to experience pride, relief, comfort, and excitement where discomfort once was.
What will your leap be?