Jumping Out of a Plane

"So, when are you going skydiving, Sandy?"

I am asked this question in virtually every program in which I speak about taking risks. And why not? It's a great question! Skydiving has become the quintessential symbol of risk-taking, chosen by many as the method with which to end one phase of life and begin another.

Some people go skydiving when they turn 18, to signify their entry into the "adult" world; others I know have done it after a marriage (to celebrate their entry into a new partnership) or upon their divorce becoming final (to signify freedom!). Whatever the reason, skydiving can be an inspiring symbol of a new phase of risk-taking in your life.

But please don't let it begin and end there... after all, risk is not about jumping out of a plane...

it's about jumping out of your SELF...

It's about letting go of whatever fears have held you back. It's about allowing a whole new energy to come forth in place of fear... in other words, jumping out of your old (fearful) self and jumping into a whole new self who is not afraid to do what you've been promising to do - a self who is now willing to take continuous action to accomplish it.

While jumping out of a plane (or whatever other action you choose) is a great starting point, it must not - and CANNOT - be the one and only time you take a new risk, or it will have been done for nothing. A one-time risk doesn't cause lasting change in your life. It will always be a great memory - but what will it have done to bring you even one step closer to your dreams if you don't build upon the momentum begun by that action?

If you've ever taken a one-time risk, such as jumping out of a plane, I'd love to hear whether or not you've done anything else to build on that momentum. If so, what have you done? And if not, why not?