Fear? YES!

Fear? Yes!

I decided to take “the leap of faith” as a small business owner in August of 2006. I did this for two reasons. 1) I felt that I was not doing what I really enjoyed doing, and 2) I wanted to help people work together better through individual commitment.

Leadership and being positive have come natural to me during my adult life, and like many people, I learned from past experiences. I realized that I had more to offer my family, society, and moreover…MYSELF!

Stepping out and taking risk is not a natural thing for humans to do. We as a human race have grown to be bigger risk takers over the last 20 years. Remember when Evil Knievel was the only “crazy” person jumping motorcycles over buses and crevasses? Now “crazy” people have competitions to see who can do the craziest trick without dying.
The same thing holds true for life in general. It is so easy to rest on our laurels and take the easy way out. I mean, we get up, go to work, come home, go to bed, and repeat. Albeit, the job may be satisfying and well paying, but many of us feel locked-in because of a false sense of security.

My experiences have led me from private industry, to the military, and the federal government. I have seen the people who go by, day-after-day, week-after-week, waiting until the day they can apply for retirement. No risk, no energy, no mission, no goals. I decided that I did not want to be one of those people. After all, if I am not happy, how can I project a positive outlook and motivate others to be happy?

General Douglas MacArthur made this point, “You win or lose, live or die – and the difference is just an eyelash.”

I agree with MacArthur, but I profess to be an advocate of thought evolution, better known as personal growth. At first there is usually a fear of risk; as we age we begin to fear regret. I was always afraid to venture out and take that “leap of faith.” Now, I don’t want to be the one that says, “I wish I would have done that.”

My challenge to you is to set safe, personal goals and go for them. Make sure they are attainable and quantifiable. Make a plan and keep track of your progress so you always know where you stand. Also, don’t tell anyone at first. Make a positive personal commitment to work toward goal attainment and GO FOR IT! Personal satisfaction, regardless of what you’ve been told is the greatest motivator.

Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.

**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.