Making Decisions: What To Do Before You Take The Leap

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

Diane Dennis, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Photo Credit: Drewski Mac via Compfight cc

Throughout our lives we are faced with such choices. To take a career leap, or stay the course with the boring but at- least- you- know- what- to- expect job?

Jump from a sturdy friendship into the unknown territory of lusty romance and possible bliss with a potential tragic end to both the friend and romance part of the relationship?

Status quo has its merits. But there is always that undeniable and unquenchable thirst for more, whether it is a better job, more thrilling relationship, or a chance for more money through a higher risk venture.

To do or not do, that is the question we face often, daily perhaps, for a multitude of circumstances. Should I or should I not do this or that? The check and balance of this thought process is prudent in nature. Running willy-nilly into a situation without question or rational thought has put many a fine man into harm’s way, not to mention an early grave.

So, how do we fetter out the real chance for, dare we say it, happiness and a better future, from the deceiving deceitful illusion of doom and failure?

The litmus test is both amazingly simple, and tricky to decipher.

First of all we must factor in the reality that we all carry with us the full and heavy historical freight. To protect ourselves from future failures, embarrassment, and shame, we vow never to do anything again that looks, feels or smells like ‘that other thing we did that bombed big time.'

So we avoid, often to the peril of missed golden opportunities. Here we have a chance to assess and compare where we are today as opposed to that ‘other terrible time’ we tried something. Perhaps more skills have been developed this time around for that thing that keeps coming up on your list of desires.

Next, remember that timing is everything. If you get a thrill in your gut thinking about wanting it, but immediately drop into the dark well of fear, it is probable that the timing is not right. Your rational side is weighing the options and the balance sheet doesn’t add up.

So, there is no harm in waiting. A good question to ask yourself is ‘Do I need it, and want it equally’? If the answer is yes, a green light will appear.

If you don’t need it but want it, use a critical eye to weigh the options.

These are the factors to consider:

Are you ready? Do you have resources and support to get you through a major change?
Have you looked for a second opinion? If not, check in with a mentor to brainstorm your idea.
Have you done your due diligence? Research, read up, talk to professionals in the area of the direction you are pondering.
Finally, do the gut check: Do you feel grounded and solid when thinking about your idea?

The hero’s journey is full of what-ifs. So when you find yourself at the corner of Why and Why Not, loosen up, get grounded, use your imagination, and when you are ready, make the choice to either soar or wait for the next opportunity to appear.

If you choose to wait, remember there will always be another ship to set your sail to.

Diane Dennis is a life transition coach, publicist, professional writer, author and media personality. She was recently featured in Marlo Thomas’s latest book It Ain’t Over…Til It’s Over, for her reinvention story. Diane is writing her book Driving Miss Crazy. Follow her progress, read her blogs, and sign up for personal coaching at http://www.Diane-Dennis.com