Taking the Jump

I’m speaking to a professional group of writers this Saturday about “jumping” out and pursuing their goals. All of my other speaking engagements have been with kids so this will be interesting. Kids tend to still believe they can become whatever is possible or impossible in life. But adults are a different breed; they have learned the rules of the “real world” which declare that pursuing dreams is a most hazardous occupation. Out of the group of writers, many write consistently, and a few are published, but most haven’t “put themselves out there”. I don’t know all that it takes to be considered a “talented professional” writer. However, in my experience, the most talented people are usually never discovered because they just sit and wait for something to happen to them.



And it’s understandable to take the “sit and wait” approach because it isn’t scary, it’s comfortable. Being a writer, unlike being a teacher, psychiatrist or doctor doesn’t have a prescribed path. Who wants to go from 0 to 1 and jump towards a goal whole-heartedly when there is no safety net? Personally, I know that one day I want to fully develop my own creative company, period. But like the writers, I’m preparing for the jump. For me, the contest was somewhat of a test run. Could I plunge towards a goal with no guarantee and put myself out there? But in order to become a “jumper”, I think it’s like anything else it takes practice. It’s like a dude who gets all the women; he’s had years of becoming immune to rejection by constantly putting himself on the line. And so, he’s able to navigate the most treacherous waters of women; and he ends up being with the woman he wants to be with not the woman who he can just “get”.


What’s even scarier about pursuing dreams is people start to hold you accountable for your actions right out the gate. Not to mention, when you fall short there are folks waiting to point out that you haven’t succeeded. And it isn’t no doubt that you’re going to fall it’s just how many times. Because while you’re still learning your bound to make mistakes on an unchartered path. It’s hilarious motivational gurus will say success is falling down 7 times and getting up 8. But who wants to fall in the first place? It HURTS when you fall down and every time is harder to get up. So why would anyone in their right mind want to jump out and pursue their goals? Furthermore why would anyone set a dream goal beyond their immediate reach?


To me it’s simple it’s called LIVING. Flowers bloom, birds jump the nest, trees bear fruit…it’s natural evolution to produce more and to want to grow. So even though folks who “jump” may suffer more initially; they have the satisfaction of truly living life. Besides, nothing to me is as painful as staying still, that’s a lose/lose, there’s no chance for success.

Shak
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