Jump: to take eagerly; to enter into something with vigor
My little girl Shannon is two-and-a-half years old and I just started teaching her how to swim. This basically means me getting into a pool with her while she floats around with a swim bubble strapped to her back. Recently, she has discovered the game of going to the side of the pool and then jumping into my arms. The first time that she did it I could see the fear in her whole body. She was scared, nervous, wondering how I would ever catch her. When she finally did jump and landed into my arms her whole face turned to shear joy and triumph. This game repeated itself for the next twenty minutes. Each time she would get a little less scared and a little more confident. The jumps became bigger and the joy even greater.
(See Video Below)
I can’t help but think how this parallels our own lives. When we are confronted with new things or change is upon us. It can feel scary to step out of our comfort zone and try something new. To put ourselves out there not knowing what will happen or what the result will be. I think that those that don’t jump in life-or in other words take positive risks-are missing out on living an extraordinary life. This blog is a jump for me. I’m not sure who will read it or how will people will respond. But without me sharing it I would never know. Without taking the jumps in life the world doesn’t get to see who you are and you don’t get to see the world.
Where in your life are you holding back? Where are you afraid to make that jump?
Here are three questions to help you make that jump?
- One week from now, one month from now, and one year from now how will you feel if you didn’t take that positive risk?
- Who are the people in your life that can support you in taking that risk?
- What’s the worst possible thing that can happen if you take that risk?
on Jun 19th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Ed,
I loved the video. I think you should have more videos our there, especially ones where you are talking. Get the video camera on yourself and put that passion that you have out there for everyone to see. Take a look at Gary Vaynerchuck, he just goes for it every day. I think that your message is something that people would tune in for. If that is something you are looking to do I’d say go for it.
I loved today’s post and wish they were more frequent, you really do make me think and motivate me.
I’ve been risking it and putting things out there for a huge contest I am doing on my blog. I’m taking the approach that the worst thing that someone can say to me is, “No” so why not go ahead and ask. So many great things have happened to me just by making a simple request. Thanks Ed.
on Jun 19th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
You know, now that I see from a distance that the “jump” doesn’t seem so big, I have everything to gain! The photo workshop that I will attend next week includes many seasoned photographers and I am not one of them. However, one day I will be one of them. I plan to observe and listen and try new techniques. I have 5 days to learn from the best in the business. The only thing to be afraid of is that the time is short! I’ll let you know how my “Jump” turns out.