I’m not one of those coaches that will tell you that all you have to do is smile and think positively every time something feels difficult. I appreciate the unlimited optimism those voices provide. AND I KNOW, from my own experiences that sometimes . . . things actually are difficult.
When I was a Senior Vice President in Corporate America, I found myself in situations where the course ahead was uncharted, especially as a woman of color. I tried, at first, to choose nothing because the fear of making the wrong choice was just too great. What if my choice proved to be incorrect and my actions the wrong ones in retrospect?
I quickly learned that this rarely helped and often exasperated what may have been a manageable situation. Choosing not to act at all is not a coping mechanism, it’s a cop-out. It’s taking yourself out of the game.
When it was time for me to decide whether or not to step away from corporate and shift toward leading my own consultancy, that same type of fear presented itself. How would I move forward toward success in this way that was completely new to me? Which way is the right way if no way is guaranteed?
HERE IS THE KEY CONCEPT I LEARNED
🔑 You may not know exactly which path will lead to success, BUT you know for sure that you won’t get there by standing still.
Move. Take some action. Action creates clarity.
Even if you fall on your face, at least you’ll have learned which way doesn’t work. Use that information to inform your next path and approach.
Innovation and leading often mean going where few have before. So get used to carving your own path and be confident that you’ll find the right way for you . . . as long as you get started and keep moving.
What’s one action step you can take towards your goals this week? Comment down below and let me know.