Flights of Fancy in the Real World

The brook would lose its song if we removed the rocks. —Wallace Stegne

All month I have been meeting potential clients and groups of people considering charting a new course.  Some are facing layoffs, others are considering new jobs or starting their own business and even taking time off or starting a family.  Each person I spoke with had a different reason for wanting a change, most spurred on by the changing economy.

You might think it strange that someone would actually make a self-motivated change during a time of such economic flux, yet I am encouraged by what I am hearing.  Most of the people I encountered this past month have had a few things in common:

• Flights of Fancy – Each one had a vision of the future that was based in reality.  They were not expecting an overnight transition into a new life or career.

• A Dose of Fear – There wasn’t a single person who did not express some fear about the road they were about to embark upon.

• Power Planning – In most cases, the individual was seeking assistance in planning for the long term.  They were not looking to flee their circumstance, rather to build a life and career with conscious effort and forethought.

• Looking to Leap – Considering the possibilities, the fears, the obstacles and resources – these individuals all had a sense that moving forward would require a leap of faith – but not one was leaving their success to fate.  Not a one expected the road to be without twists and turns.

Very often, it takes a crisis to make us move in to action, creating the life we want – or even to realize something isn’t working.  It is infinitely more power to take control of a situation before a crisis arrives.  Building a vision over time removes the urgency and allows the benefit of a clean view rather than one obscured by fear, anger or resentment.  Even if circumstances make it difficult to make the move now your can clarify your vision, consider the options, understand your motivation, chart a course, and be ready for your opportunity to turn onto the new road.

This week, take a break from the economic news and take a flight of fancy – what new path would you like to start down?  And check back next week – I’ll be announcing Compass Point’s New Beginnings Program!