Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.
Wayne Gretzky
I have danced with the devil at the crossroads in my life on many occasions. It’s a real sticky place to be and normally indicates a turning point. What we once had no longer rocks our boat and no longer works for us, yet the devil is the unknown, of stepping onto another path outside our comfort zone, and into uncharted lands.
In a nutshell, the devil is uncertainty.
From relationships to a change of career, where we live to those in our circle, when we arrive at a crossroads in life, we are normally ready to make a change, big or small.
The biggest crossroad for me, and one I danced with the devil at for a very long time, was the decision to leave my legal career behind. I knew it had to happen if I was going to live a happier life, yet the devil was in the unknown.
The fear of what would happen and how I would survive without my big paycheck in the bank once a month for which I was quite literally selling my soul to the devil.
The fear of what people would think if I took such major action. How would I feel not being a lawyer? Round and round with no clear answer as I really wouldn’t know unless I took the leap of faith and tried.
I did what most people do. I procrastinated over the whats, ifs, and maybes. When I couldn’t find the courage to take the leap, I stuck my head in the sand and tried to pretend it was okay. I told myself I should be grateful for what life was offering. I would carry on for another year, just one more, yet year after year passed with the same fears, the same excuses, and the same feelings of unhappiness.
My time to stop dancing with the devil at the crossroads and take the leap followed another period of burying my head in the sand. Life and its wrecking ball stepped in and, over a short period of time as external forces collided, I had my eureka moment and let go. I did what I needed to do, stepped onto a new path and started walking.
I left the devil at the crossroads; my fears, uncertainty and the massive weight I was carrying. I’ve never looked back since.
By taking the leap, possibilities in my life suddenly opened up. I could do anything I wanted, if I really set my heart to it, and was willing to put in the hard work. I felt as if I had been let off a tight leash, one I had put on myself, but suffocating nonetheless.
For the first time in a very long time, I felt excited. I had energy and I felt alive. By being brave and letting go of having certainty in my life, I took control of my destiny, put myself instead of my fears in the driving seat and away I went. It was the best decision I ever made. Period.
I apply this lesson to my life now. There is a fine line between weighing up our options and reaching a state of stagnation whilst we procrastinate. Once that line is crossed, the toll on success and happiness is heavy and opportunities are missed. Better to take an informed leap of faith than to live a life of regret.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2019. All Rights Reserved.
