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Do you see people around you moving up the ladder while you stand still? Are you wondering what they have that you don’t?
Could it be that they take chances? Step outside of their comfort zone to pursue their dreams or goals?
Throughout our career paths, there are those few moments in which you must decide to take a risk or not. When considering that risk, many of us experience fear.
Sometimes it is a fear to start or a fear of failure or fear of ramifications. And other times it is just the fear within us that has a profound impact on our decisions.
“Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it.” – Oprah Winfrey
When confronted with a risk and trying to determine your next steps, consider the following five key activities to move through the risk to success:
- Take a chance on yourself
- Be willing to try something you’ve never done before
- Find people who will support you
- Learn from every experience good or bad
- Lastly, pay it forward by helping others
Take a chance on me
You know the next line in the ABBA song, “…If you need me let me know and I’ll be around.” Is that what you are doing? Waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder to see if you are available?
You may be thinking, “If I work really hard, they will notice and give me the promotion or project.”
Unfortunately, this is a common thought process for many women…work hard and be recognized. It doesn’t always work that way.
It’s time to put yourself out there. When did we lose our confidence in our ability to ask for what we deserve? Overcome that fear that is holding you back from asking or pursuing that promotion or project. Take a chance on yourself.
Get uncomfortable
We have all heard the expression, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” What does that really mean? No one really likes discomfort. The challenge here is to identify it, address it and move forward. It means you need to get in the game and resist your natural reaction to retreat or attack.
The next time you are in a meeting and feeling uncomfortable, before you instantly react, take a moment, reflect upon what is making you feel uncomfortable. Once the trigger is identified, create your path to move through it. Each time you experience the uncomfortable situation, you will learn and grow from it. Don’t let the fear of being uncomfortable deter you from your goals.
Someone to believe in you
You may find that informal mentors can be just as effective as formal mentors. If you know someone you would like to learn from, ask them to mentor you.
We often forget that most people will be honored that you asked them to be your mentor. Allow others to take the chance on you.
It’s OK to try and fail
You will never regret trying something new because you will always learn something from the experience regardless of the outcome.
Each time there is a failure, there is a learning opportunity. Therefore, you are actually setting yourself up for success in the future. Learning what went wrong can help us adjust to make better decisions going forward.
In today’s fast-paced world, recovering quickly from a failure will be just as critical. By adapting and adjusting, you will be building your resilience and ability to try again. Take the chance.
Make an impact
Who will you believe in today? Did you know you could literally change someone’s life just by giving them a vote of confidence? Many women are more likely to take on new challenges when they have someone who believes in their abilities.
Reach back and lift up someone else. Take a chance on others.
“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Best-selling author Nora Roberts.
Figure out what is holding you back and strive to overcome those fears. Chances are they are not the gigantic roadblocks you envision. Step outside your comfort zone, try something new and surround yourself with good people.
This article by the Oswald Women’s Leadership Council originally posted in 2017 and has been updated.
