Taking The Leap Of Faith

The camp I went to when I was eight years old transformed my life, so much so that I am still talking about it to this day. It was a week-long camp during winter break. That was the first time I was spending more than 24 hours away from home, without my family. Surprisingly, I did not think much of it at that time.

The camp, organized by the Outward Bound School in Hong Kong, really opened my eyes. Growing up in the concrete jungle, I was not exposed much to green lawns or wildlife. Okay, the wildlife was confined to sparrows, cockroaches and other insects. Maybe occasionally rats. This camp, on the other hand, was situated in the country, where there was more grass, more fresh air, and simply more nature.

One of the challenges we got to do was on a tree. First, we had to climb up these make-shift manmade little steps to about 15 feet above ground. From there, we were instructed to jump and reach for a trapeze. That trapeze was positioned such that no one could reach it just by stretching out their hand. The only option was to jump off the platform on the tree to reach for the trapeze.

Several teammates went before me. Some succeeded, others missed the target.

I watched. I observed. I learned.

It was my turn. The decision was made before I climbed up the tree that I would grab on to the trapeze. This meant that I had to jump without 100% certainty. I took that leap. I was focused. I was determined. And I grabbed on to the trapeze. Success!

There are so many opportunities in life we get to take a leap of faith. We get to do things without 100% certainty. We get to decide to do it scared or to walk away.

It is important to remember the why. Why do you want to take the leap? How is it helping you with your goals?

Next, believe you can to it. Just as the 8-year-old me believed in myself that I could reach the trapeze, you too, practice trusting yourself. Have your own back. It may be something new and you are not used to. It may be that you are starting to have doubts. It is out of your comfort zone. It is scary. Resist the temptation of wanting to go back to where you started.

Once you have the belief, then commit to doing that thing. Take that leap of faith. Be curious and look for answers. Answers about how to do it.

When you have doubt, identify the sentence in your head that is causing you to feel this way. Let your doubt sit at a corner. Acknowledge its existence and do not try to avoid it or resist it. Always be open to possibilities. Be curious when you are looking for a solution.

How does it feel when you have achieved your goal?

When you do not get to a set goal, remember to appreciate you. Look at how far you have come instead of how far off you are from your goal. Practice gratitude. Be thankful every day. You are where you are supposed to be. There is always learning and growing.

Taking the leap of faith requires you to trust that you can do it. You may end up somewhere unexpected.  Remember the why. Commit to taking action toward your why. No matter what it is, taking the leap of faith makes you vulnerable. You have moved out of the comfort zone. And you will go to places you have not imagined that it is possible.

It is always working.