This summer our family went to Callaway Gardens where the kids rode zip-lines. They were a little afraid at first. But after securing safety belts, helmets, hooks and ropes, they got the hang of it.
On the first couple of runs, my son had trouble making his way down the line. He kept tightening his grip on the line. Didn’t’ want to let go. So he just lingered up in the air – stuck.
People on the ground instructed him, “Let go of the line! You’ll be okay!” But it still took some time for him to release his grip.
It’s instinctive to want to hold on tight when you’re not sure exactly what will happen next.
To move forward faster, he had to learn to let go of the line so he could travel to the next destination more quickly. (And it’s just more fun.)
After learning to let go, he moved so quickly on some runs that he smashed into the tree at the end of the line covered with padding for out-of-control zip-liners like him.
In the same way, you may be embarking on a different kind of path that is new to you. A new career path. A new leadership role. A new direction in your life.
You want to move smoothly to your next destination – whatever that might be – but you have difficulty letting go.
Keep these thoughts in mind as you prepare for your transition or next venture:
- You’re more ready than you think you are. You can never be fully prepared for whatever the next steps may be. But you’re ready enough to start the process.
- Trust the process. Have faith that you will move in the direction you need to go.
- Keep your goal visible. If you’ve identified where you think your next landing will be, keep it in view.
- Brace yourself. Obstacles, bumps and bruises are part of the process. Don’t let them derail you or your mission.
What do you need to let go of to move forward?
I’d love to know. Feel free to post a response.