Leaps of Faith Not Required
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At least three times last week, I heard the following:
"I guess I just have to take a leap of faith in my business."
It sounded right, but felt off --- for them and for me listening.
Underneath this sentence lies an idea that betting on yourself requires leaping and the net will find you type of actions, because isn't that what entrepreneurs do?
Let me ask you:
Do you enjoy taking leaps of faith?
What does it conjure up in your imagination?
Seriously, take a moment to think about it.
I imagine a social media meme of a corporate woman, in a navy suit, leaping into the air, a big smile on her face as she leaps into some unknown landing spot.
And I'm very worried for her.
I don't know about you, but if you're over 40, have a mortgage and responsibilities, leaps of faith probably feel scary.
Case in point: Have you ever seen me get into a body of water? I'm glad you haven't. It takes me like, 20 minutes.
First, I have to be sure there are no sharks or piranhas (obviously!), and then I have to get used to the temperature by splashing water on my arms and saying things like "ooooh!" and "yikes!"
Before you consider uninviting me to your next seaside gathering, hear me out.
I AM, for sure, getting in the water. I am NOT undecided about getting in the water. Once I'm in the water I'm all in and have a blast. But I am not leaping in!
In all seriousness, I think this "leap of faith" idea is at best an outdated notion passed down to us from well-intended gurus.
Things like motivational speakers, religious revivals, Tony Robbins walking on coals events, and perhaps most relevant to you and I, the coaching field's illusion that you must be really inspired, crystal clear and super confident before you take action.
How about we keep the faith part and ditch the leap?
Yes, faith really helps.
But in terms of entrepreneurship, building faith in yourself is a learnable skill that's developed by simply "taking the next right step."
And by that I do not mean creating a fancy business plan, but simply getting into action and stockpiling experiences of "well, I didn't die after I sent that email, gave that talk, or dared to personally invite that client to work with me".
It. Is. Learnable. And. It. Comes. From. Taking. Action.
Of course, a spiritual/religious practice (practice NOT blind faith) will help a lot too, so feel free to add that to your repertoire.
Faith aside, let's now deal with the leap part.
Think steps, not leaps.
We've all heard the stories in the media and perhaps read those magazine profiles of the business owner who bet it all, nearly crushed their family on their way to the top and won untold riches.
Honestly, it's why I stopped subscribing to those publications.
After years of subscriptions, I noticed it was the same story of extreme success from extreme actions by people who have a wife and a team managing their entire life outside of work.
Is it no wonder that most people think of entrepreneurs and business owners as dare devils?
Proof this is not true: re-read the section of how I get into a body of water.
That's pretty much how I do most anything in my business and life. Nice and easy, and relatively cautious-like.
That's my version of bold. I know, it's impressive, right? Ha!
That said, my version of cautious is someone else's terrifying adventure. Usually those who thrive in institutional work places and reports and research are their super power.
Instead of thinking you need to take a leap of faith in your business or private practice, consider asking yourself different questions.
How can I bet on myself and my work?
What options do I have?
Which ones fit me and my life/stage of business right now?
How can I test drive this option?
What is missing and needed to help me meet my goal?
Or my personal favorite -- > What's the next right action?
If you don't watch out for the leap of faith thoughts, you might find yourself in one of these mental loops, going round and round in your head..
I need a bulletproof business plan and then I'll make the leap...
I need to be absolutely certain it will work out and then I'll...
That's just your stinkin' thinkin' trying to keep you from changing, growing and evolving (which to your brain, seems dangerous because you have to expend new energy, face some discomfort and learn new things).
I've been there too!
Leaps of faith are not required.
One step at a time is what works, see that step through, and then repeat with the next step.
Yes, for us professional coaches, consultants, advisors and practitioners, even the next right step can bring up some big feelings. That's normal!
Sometimes we even think we have to crush our fear to get to our goal, but in reality, it's all about feeling our feelings AND taking steady actions.
It's both. Not one or the other.
And yes, that does take courage and a steady countenance, but leaps of faith are not required.
That's what works.
And it works for us "get in the water slowly" types too.
Here's to getting into the pool!
Karin
P.S. - Interested in hiring a quietly bold business coach with a one step at a time method?
This is for you if you're already in the proverbial pool and need and want a swimming coach and mentor, like all professional swimmers have.
If you're undecided about starting or growing your business, aka getting in the pool, I'm not your gal.
And that's it for my nautical references to business coaching for companies of one.
Thanks for reading!