Today I need to take a quick side trip from my series on healthy eating while traveling. Over the weekend I read a blog about taking risks and it dawned on me that three years ago this week, I left my medical practice of 14 years. I loved my patients but I had developed a passion for helping people break free from yoyo dieting. This anniversary inspired me to look back at something I wrote right after I made that risky decision. I hope it will inspire you today.

It was scary to contemplate leaving the security of a successful career as a family physician to pursue my dream of creating resources for people done with dieting. Once I made the decision to step off into the unknown, I was flying! Instead of regret or fear, I felt grateful for the people and experiences I had to leave behind. Ahead of me I saw (and still see) infinite possibilities and the freedom to choose among them. As I soar (and sometimes drift), I continue to sense purpose and growth.

What is the view like from where you are flying—or standing? Are you content or afraid? Are you inspired or tired? Are you planning or paralyzed? Are you making a difference or making excuses?

These choices are yours to make. Whether it’s your health, your career, your environment, or your relationships, you cannot control everything that happens to you. But you can choose how you will respond. Fortunately most of your decisions won’t require you to leap from the security of your job or family. But they will require you to either change your attitude or take purposeful action to change your altitude.

Enough of the bird’s eye view. What will it take for you to make a change?

• First, take a look around. Perhaps your situation is good—but your attitude isn’t. It may be hard to tell the difference because what you expect is usually what you get. If you leave the circumstances but take your negative attitude with you, you won’t move forward. As trite as it may sound, when you look for the best in each person and each situation, you will usually find it. Perhaps you need to try that before you jump up and down in the same spot.
• Once you’re aware that you need to make a change, accept the path that brought you here. Getting lost in regret or stuck in the past will keep you from moving forward. Good or bad, every step along the way has meaning and significance.
• First consider your options. This is no time for “yeah buts.” Let your imagination explore the infinite possibilities, even those you wouldn’t ordinarily consider. As you look at each opportunity, what is the worst thing that could happen? What is the best thing that could happen? How do these outcomes line up with your values, your passions, and your purpose?
• Even when it’s necessary, change is difficult because there’s comfort and security in staying where you are. Beware of your internal resistance that will look for all of the reasons you should stay put. Remember the power of inertia. A body at rest stays at rest.
• If you choose change, empower yourself to take small meaningful steps. Do you want to rid yourself of a limiting habit or develop a new skill? Do you need to do some research or talk to an advisor?  Is it time to test the waters or chart your course? Any action, no matter how small, will energize more action. A body in motion stays in motion.
• Change won’t always come easily so be gentle with yourself. You are bound to have false starts and make many mistakes along the way. I do. Just remember that there are no failures, only lessons.

The hardest part for me was walking to the edge and looking out. After that, a little nudge was all it took. The risky leap has paid off in personal happiness and the ability to control my own destiny. Now I’m able to serve many others in a way that wasn’t possible while I stayed on deck. Risky - but well worth it!

When was the last time you looked beyond your comfort zone to see the possibilities? What are you waiting for?

Michelle
http://www.michellemaymd.com/

Posted in: Healthy Attitudes • Uncategorized • Changing careers • Positive attitude • power of thought • risk taking |

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