Two months ago I made a major life change. I left a job and a work family that has meant so much to me over the last eight years. And, if we’re being honest with each other, I was terrified. But, oddly enough, it wasn’t the fear of failure that caused my apprehension; it was the fear of success.
We unknowingly limit ourselves to our current situation. We work so hard to build up our skill set, maintain the proper training, education or licenses. We gain experience in our field of choice, get a job that fits the bill and then we forget. We forget that we can grow. We forget how incredibly capable we are. We forget that while we can love where we are and be proud of our success, it’s OK to want to pursue something more.
When I made the decision to leave my last job and join the Chamber, I did it for a list of reasons. I wanted greater financial freedom to do the things I wished for my family. I wanted to show my daughter that Mommy can be scared to make a big change and that it’s OK. I wanted to help support the growth of Greater Owensboro in a way completely different than I had before — most importantly, I wanted to see just what I was made of.
Tell your boss the awesome idea that you have. Apply for that promotion. Go back to school. Entertain the thought of a career change. Expand your business. Take the risk you’ve been waiting so long to take. Or don’t. But, don’t ever let the reason you don’t try these things be that you’re afraid. Change can be terrifying, but trust me, it can also be the best move you’ll ever make. By Jaclyn Graves
Membership Development Manager, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
