Taking the Leap: Your Guide to Success in Life and Career

I shared a quote in my IG stories the other day, and I have NEVER gotten so many responses so quickly. Here’s what it said (from @lawofambition)

“Your success in life is directly proportional to the number of times you say: ‘Fuck it, I’ll figure it out.” 

Suddenly my inbox was filled with hearts and comments like “Oh man, I needed that!” or “Whew! Just in time, Kate!” and my favorite: “Um, are you IN MY BRAIN?”

The quote, while not mine, does pretty much sum up my career and mindset coaching work. You see, while we can plan and strategize and build and implement runways all day long, at some point, you need to take a leap of faith and jump into a new pool. 

That Leap of Faith could be sending out an email that your professional colleagues might see that announces a project you’ve always dreamt of doing. (What will they THINK??) Or it could be giving notice at a job, and embarking on a whole new endeavor. Either way, Leaps of Faith are always necessary. You can’t get very far in life without them. 

Even if you’ve done all of the responsible foundational work like making a plan, strategizing your steps and sequences, and building yourself a bit of a runway, at some point you’ll find yourself at a precipice that lies between old life and new, and you probably won’t be thrilled about having to jump across it. 

Understanding the Fear Behind It

Now, let’s dive (pun intended) a bit deeper into that moment of taking a Leap of Faith. The truth is, it’s often accompanied by fear, doubt, and uncertainty. That’s completely normal. It’s like standing at the edge of a diving board, looking down at the deep water below, and wondering if you’ll make it. The key to overcoming this fear is understanding where it comes from.

Fear can be driven by various factors – the fear of failure, the fear of judgment from others, or even the fear of leaving your comfort zone. Recognizing these fears and acknowledging them is the first step in conquering them. Remember that fear is a natural response to change and the unknown, but it doesn’t have to paralyze you.

Worst Case Scenario

One powerful technique to address your fears is to imagine the worst-case scenario. What’s the absolute worst that could happen if you take that Leap of Faith? While this may sound counterintuitive, it can actually be quite liberating. By identifying the worst-case outcome, you’ll often realize that it’s not as catastrophic as your imagination might have painted it.

Triage Plan

Now that you’ve considered the worst-case scenario and found it manageable, it’s time to create a triage plan. Think about what steps you can take to mitigate those worst-case outcomes. By having a plan in place, you’ll feel more in control and less fearful. This plan can include contingencies and backup options, so you’re prepared for any unexpected challenges that might arise.

Support Network

No one takes a Leap of Faith alone. Your support network plays a crucial role in providing the encouragement and strength you need during your journey. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and don’t hesitate to lean on them when doubt creeps in. Sometimes, a simple pep talk from a friend or a mentor can make all the difference.

As the quote suggests, your success in life is directly proportional to the number of times you say, “F-it, I’ll figure it out.” But don’t forget the steps that lead to that moment. Planning, strategizing, and building a runway are essential, but it’s the Leap of Faith that truly propels you forward. Understand your fears, prepare for the worst, and rely on your support network, and you’ll find that the journey becomes an exhilarating adventure rather than a daunting task.

So, when the opportunity presents itself, take that Leap of Faith. Trust in yourself and your abilities, and remember that the unknown is where growth and success often reside. The future is yours to shape, and the only way to do that is by boldly stepping into the unknown and saying, “I’ll figure it out.” Your journey is waiting, and it’s time to make it extraordinary.

Cheers, 

Kate

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