Take a Leap of Faith in 2008

Anyone will tell you that it’s easy to mouth the words, “Trust God, find your life purpose, identify your dream and muster the courage to work at it until it comes true.” But we know, only too well, that in most cases it takes a major leap of faith to do these and even simpler things. So, let’s talk about what’s involved in taking a leap of faith and more importantly, how to take it this year.

We have dreams. And every now and then, we conjure up visions of those dreams coming true and how our lives will play out once those dreams become reality. Yet, as passionate as we feel when in the throes of those visualizations, when the time comes to actually start putting plans into action, we hesitate. We approach the door with apprehension and as our fingers close on the doorknob fear envelopes our hearts and we freeze. Suddenly taking that step seems foolish. Our enthusiasm is replaced by doubts and questions that call for a negative and discouraging response. What if I fail? I could become a laughingstock. What if I end up in financial ruin? These are all very real fears, and deserve to be recognized and dealt with.

Here is how to avoid buckling under the weight of all of this negativity, and prime yourself to take a leap of faith this year.

Take Stock

Taking stock of our lives should be a regular exercise. No matter how we hate to admit it, a new year calls for us to think of and try new things. Naturally, you will assess and strengthen an old foundation or set a new one for a new structure. In the same way you will want to ensure that your lifestyle can bear the weight of a new adventure and its accompanying challenges.

Take stock of your life, as it is now, today. Don’t begin with a plan to change everything. Note your personal characteristics, skills and habits that can be drafted into active duty.

Make a Decision

Based on the pros and cons of pursuing the path you are considering, you may decide not to take the risk at this time. And there is nothing wrong with that. You have every right to stay where you are, if you have valid reasons, whatever they may be, that support our decision. You are not a coward. You are making a rational decision based on what you need at this point in your life. But if after a careful analysis your fears seem groundless or the alternative present circumstances seem too unpleasant, you should turn that knob and open the door.