Taking Chances
"Life is too short not to take chances on yourself." — Lindsey Vonn
"Life is too short not to take chances on yourself." — Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn didn't just mean athletic risk. She meant the deeper kind of risk taking— the decision to bet on your own potential and capacity even when the path forward is uncertain and the outcome isn't guaranteed.
I’ve been pondering this lately in my own journey. Taking a risk – stepping onto the edge – is essential for growth. I’ve also noticed that the educators, administrators, and leaders I coach aren't looking for someone to tell them what to do next. They are seeking advice and guidance, of course. And they want strategies and tools designed to help them thrive, both personally and professionally.
But they are also looking for someone to help them find the courage to trust themselves and take a risk. Often, our deepest desires and dreams are already within us. So, what holds us back? Fear. Fear is what gets in the way. Fear of the unknown. Fear of change. Fear of failure. Fear of judgement. And, I believe, fear of success. After all, what if we take a leap and we are successful beyond our wildest dreams?
When you have goal or a dream, or are just ready to take a chance on yourself, here is my advice:
1) Get clear on what you want. So often, we have a general vision of what we want, but when we truly put pen to paper, we realize that we lack clarity. So, write it down, draw a picture – whatever it takes. And keep digging and writing and drawing until you have a clear picture of what you want.
2) Attach an emotion. Once you have a clear vision or goal, I want you to imagine that happening in real time. Want to swim your first open water swim, like I did a few months ago? Imagine yourself doing it AND how it feels. Attaching an emotion is critical.
3) Articulate your values. Sometimes, our path forward or the decision is unclear. Perhaps you aren’t sure what your next career path should be. Or whether you should move or try something new. In these moments, focus on your values. “I will work for an organization whose mission is clear and aligns with mine.” “I will work close to home so I can spend time with my children.” Whatever you hold most deeply, let that be your guiding star. This will open you to new opportunities and directions that may not be apparent and help you evaluate whether that pathway or decision is right for you.
4) Let the universe co-create the “how” with you. This sounds a bit woo-woo, but stick with me here. Too often, we try to manage and control all the steps. Rather than falsely believing you can foresee all the ways your vision or goal comes into being, trust the process. Trust that you will find the steps forward. You don’t have to have all the answers or know how this is all going to play out. Let life co-create with you.
5) Get going. Having woo-woo’d you with co-creation, it also essential that you get going. We learn so much more when we take a step forward – if even it’s a small step or a few backward steps. Momentum is the key to success.
“Life is too short not to take chances on yourself.”
Indeed
If you're at a crossroads — a role transition, an institutional change, a personal reinvention — and you're ready to take that chance on yourself, I'd love to hear your story.
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