Just Jump

It's been a really interesting seven months for me both personally and professionally. In September I was struck with the sudden reality that my parents will not always be in my life. Of course, I knew this already, but when you learn your Mom is being tested for lung cancer, it puts that reality right in front of you. And it sparks a whole current of change.

Then learning she's terminal, and that Dad's dementia is worse than we knew? Devastating. Of course, the weeks and months that followed have been really, really hard, with a ton of change for everyone in the family. A tremendous amount of loss.

Concurrently, my business has been doing really well. For more than 2.5 years I’ve had a marketing consulting business -- a sole proprietorship that’s been steady. I've had a couple of peaks, but it's mostly been consistent. Then suddenly in the span of four weeks this spring I had four separate inquiries and referrals for new business. Now, there are only so many hours in a day, so this pushed me to decide whether to take on new business and hire (previous contractors) to work for me on a regular basis.

Next level. I didn’t intend on having a corporation, but helping new businesses tackle their marketing and communication challenges, and growing my company, became a really interesting concept! I love a challenge, and new clients bring with them new opportunities to grow both mentally and financially.

43 Meter Jump... 141+ Feet!

So I jumped. There's irony in the timing, too, because I just realized today is the one year anniversary of my first bungy jump off the Kawarau Bridge in New Zealand -- the birthplace of the bungy. A metaphor for how I've chosen to approach life in general, and now also in business. With the bungy decision I didn't think about "what if something goes wrong?" I just knew it would be exhilarating, and that would be the payoff.

I've filed incorporation papers! I've hired a graphic designer to create a real logo and assets for me! I'm putting all the pieces in place that will support a successful business, including hiring staff, and shopping for admin tools we should be using. This. Is. Real.

Exciting times! And terrifying. And exhilarating! And uncertain. But that's all part of the adventure--if I don't jump, I'll never know. I've written before about being a "doer"... Which is a touch different than jumping into the unknown. The only way to stretch ourselves, and see where it will take us is to jump.

It's not about having no fear, but considering "what's the worst thing that could happen?" It might not work out the way I'm envisioning, but if I don't try I'll never know. It's important to own the fear, but to do it anyway. Because it might just be the best choice I've ever made.

I’ve para-glided in Switzerland. I’ve skydived in San Diego. I’ve bungy-jumped in New Zealand. And now I’ve incorporated. Mom would be really proud. Let's do this!!!

In case you'd like to see the jump video (complete w/gleeful scream)... CLICK HERE!