We hear all the time the phrase of "big risk, big reward." It implies that we need to just jump and hope for the best. Terrible advice!

Of course any big step in our lives requires some faith and some bravery.....but that doesn't mean that we should blindly jump into new things without doing the proper preparation. The butterflies, the second (and third and fourth) thoughts, and the panic attacks are emotional responses, not intellectual ones. We can help control this with logical arguments.....but only if we prepare and know the answers ahead of time.

I am considering a very large change right now in my business. I'm not ready to announce anything yet. In fact, it might take awhile before I do. I am in the planning stage.

I hate this stage!!!

I'm not opposed to making plans, but I'm an instant gratification kind of person. As a life long commissioned salesperson, I'm also very comfortable taking risks. Diving into the deep end of a pool would be my preference. But I'm also not a fool.

I think there are two kinds of real entrepreneurs: those who blindly throw things at the wall to see what sticks, and those who plan carefully and research the pros and cons before moving. I'm that last kind. Understanding what "can" go wrong is the best way to prepare for, and hopefully avoid, the pitfalls. Boring? Yes! And quite frustrating for someone who likes to see immediate results. But every time I've made a big move, I find that this advance work moves me through the process until the "big" jump is reduced to the next logical step!

 

 

 

KAREN FIDDLER
Dre no. 01494165
Broker/Associate
HÔM SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
M 949.510.2395
Karen@SothebysRealtySoCal.com
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44 Comments on "Jumping" Is Not The Way To Make Big Changes

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

JUN
03
729,681 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Karen, doing your homework before taking that critical jump is sound advice. When the timing is right, you will do the right thing. Good wishes!
6:08am • #25
984,017 Points 106 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

I have no problems with the large, life-altering decisions. It's the little ones that I agonize over. Sometimes, an idea will hit me. I'll toss it around, ponder, think it through, but I don't dwell on it. If I want it, I do it. For example, I woke up one morning in Minnesota and just like THAT decided to move back to California. Life is short and then you die. But whether I should wear flats or heels . . .
6:18am • #26
105,804 Points Called Shot Master
It is a good idea to thoroughly research something before you dive in...but you really do not know the outcome before you do it though.
6:32am • #27
155,607 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

There's a big difference in a talking a risk via a leap of faith and a calculated risk. Sounds like your approach is the way to got about this - best of luck to you!
6:50am • #28
849,955 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Joy: I think that's how I'd prefer to do it, but I've learned that I need to have better preparation than that now.

Morgan: I think so...and you're right, often something feels huge until you do it and then we wonder what the big deal was?

Walter: I agree...and that's the point. We do need to take the final step, but I normally find that if I do it with some advance planning, it's not as big a jump as it once seemed

Pam: Yes, I'm well on my way...and have a deadline too. I hope it works out as well I hope

Joan: Unknown always feels risky, but probably not as much as we fear?

Kwee: I don't think jumping ship is quite the idea. :) Thank you for the encouragement, though.....and good for you! I'm so glad things are working out so well for you.

Jason: Thanks Jason....I hope so.

Donald: Right!! thanks

William: Thanks so much..I am being rather detailed, some needed and some just for peace of mind.

Laura: Thanks

Kristine: Well....bigger steps than that, but am making sure that I can walk before I run. :)

Nancy: I know...sorry, I wasn't trying to tease (but that can be fun too). I'm hoping by the end of the summer to be ready for announcements.

Ralph: I know...sorry....AR will be the first to know!!!

Gary: Thank you. The risk is really just the unknown, not the project itself.

Valerie: That's my feeling exactly. And I also get distracted during the day, so some days I accomplish nothing toward the new goal. At least if I just jump, I'd have to move quickly to make sure it was all successful, forced learning curve? But that makes me too crazy.

Jordon: That happens too...and that kind of trust is a great tool in those cases. :)

Debbie: That's right....in this case, I need more work. But the initial decision has been made.

Jared: Thanks for the confidence, and congrats on your new office!

Michael: Thank you...and I sleep better this way too.

Elizabeth: Flats or heels is a very big deal!!! There are hemlines to worry about and all that tripping? LOL. I know what you mean. I've made some cross country moves pretty easily too.....and this choice seems like a no-brainer, yet I have the time, so I'm planning.

Edward: It's not about the outcome, but more the pros and cons, the possible pitfalls and how to handle them. I'm not inventing the wheel, so there are case studies to work with also.

Susan: Exactly...and thank you.
7:05am • #29
175,628 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Well said.  And I think it is largely true that the risk takers among us find ourselves in positions to take those big leaps precisely because we have done a lot of planning and preparation in the first place.  I'm pretty sure most would agree that, in their own careers, they've witnessed that as the business expanded, so too did the opportunities.  This tends not to happen by accident.
7:06am • #30
110,282 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Karen, I think that what is important is that you know yourself and what will work for you.  I'm more inclined to follow my gut feeling than construct an elaborate plan....but that's just how I roll, and I've learned that after all of these years!  Good luck with your new venture!
7:36am • #31
837,277 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Ahhh...growth. It requires a risk and without risk, there is no gain. May the journey go as directed...Bon Chance
7:36am • #32
570,582 Points 25 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Karen - You are wise to do some planning, but you cannot think of every detail in advance.  Don't get stuck in analysis to paralysis!
8:07am • #33
625,576 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Karen, amen, I think you but it quite nicely, taking time and evaluating and laying out a strategic plan is smart and will take you higher. 
8:33am • #34
379,094 Points 84 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Good advice Karen - always do your research first before just jumping in. Best of luck with your new endeavor and we all look forward to hearing what it is!
8:38am • #35
849,955 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rob: I agree completely....plan and then move.

Marti: I'm the same way...and I'm not sure "elaborate" would ever describe my planning, :), but also I don't just hope for the best. I take the time to make sure I've done all I can to be successful

Richie: That's so true....but isn't the risk the fun of it all? Thanks

Susan: Paralysis has never been a problem for me...my parents say that I need wings on my feet instead of shoes. :)

Adrian: Thanks, I think so too

Kristine: Thanks...I hope to announce sooner rather than later
8:50am • #36
300,008 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Karen.... the cautionary entrepreneur... I like that. That would be me too! Good luck, can't wait to hear!    
9:12am • #37
301,791 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
I think knowing the survival rate of a jump before we make it is a great thing... Good luck with your jump!
11:37am • #38
979,987 Points 114 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Is there some kind of empircal study which shows the results of the "toss against the wall, see if it sticks" outcomes compared to the careful planning and thinking "look before you leap" ventures?  Doubt it, and my guess would be . . . the results in both cases would be similiar.  Stay focused Karen.  Don't think too hard, and don't jump in before you see if there's water in the pool.  Best of luck with your plans!!  My father would advise to take calculated risks.  I agree.
11:50am • #39
1,051,092 Points 285 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Karen, Our business requires finding that right balance to make the right decisions, and often somewhat on the fly.  We don't want to be rash, but we don't want analysis paralysis either.
5:01pm • #40
502,926 Points 25 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Karen, you're right. "Jumping" isn't the way to make big changes. But it is the way to take big CHANCES! You'll do the right thing. I just know it.
5:13pm • #41
1,351,312 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Karen - I think planning makes things easier and avoids many potential mistakes.  Good luck!
9:50pm • #42
JUN
04
849,955 Points 183 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sandy: It makes me much more comfortable knowing I've done my homework

Richard/Beth: I think that's true, but then just because others have failed doesn't mean I will. I want to know what they found to be the issues, so I can prepare for them in advance.

Carla: I wonder if it would be similar....fake it till you know it? I could probably pull it off, but it would certainly cost more in worry and money. Thanks for the support. :) I'm charging along

Bliz: That's exactly right...there comes a point when you know the facts and it's time to jump or not.

Eric: Chances....yes, but that implies alot of risk. I try not to take risks with my business. I like change, but chance is better suited for others, not me. :)

Christine: Thanks....me too.
6:56am • #43
759,086 Points 13 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Karen good luck. And the way you are doing it i belive is the right way. What makes it a failure is after all the analysis if you give in to fear you lose. I am waiting for your change. You have baited the hook
12:32pm • #44

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