What to expect before you leap

We’re just a few days away from introducing the big project I’ve been working on for months now. Everything is nearly ready and we’re carefully dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s. We’re closing out an incredibly productive and creative chapter as a team, and I’m so proud of what we’ve built. I literally cannot wait to open the doors and share this with you.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd……..this, too.

We’re just a few days away from introducing the big project I’ve been working on for months now. I’m basically terrified. My mind is racing with last minute details and more woulda-coulda-shoulda talk than I can handle. I’m worrying about stupid stuff and making up stories about the critical things people could say about this project….or worse, about ME. I’d be hiding in my office with a pint of Graeter’s Chocolate Chip and a spoon except that I’ve learned something important in the last several years.

That battle being waged in my mind? It’s completely normal before a leap.

When we’re on the threshold of a big step forward, a round of mental tug-of-war is inevitable. 

And I’m telling you, it always shows up at the worst time. It’s strongest JUST BEFORE we:

• Submit the application
• Hand in the resignation
• Ask for the order
• Publish the writing
• Enter the contest
• Launch the business
• Send the manuscript
• Upload the photo
• Speak the truth
• Step on stage

The warm glow of optimism is there for us if we can muscle our way past the barrage of self-doubt.

But that strong surge of negativity just before we leap can be enough to throw us entirely off balance. At its worst, it can cause us to turn back from the edge. To give up when we’re oh-so-close. To retreat before we’ve even tried.

So listen.

If we want to do anything worthwhile, we need to learn to withstand the dueling forces at play and leap anyway. 

We need to expect self doubt and fear (“Why, hello self doubt and fear. There you are. I’ve been expecting you.”) but not give in to them.

I’m wrestling with these forces today. Maybe you are, too. Let’s hold hands and promise not to give in this time. Big things are waiting on the other side of this fear.

Ready….set….leap.