With a new year just beginning, many people feel energized to start something different. A new exercise routine, new diet, new hobby, new class, new book — anything feels refreshing for the new year. For those of us who are not big into new year resolutions, you may tell yourself there’s nothing special about a flip of the calendar. True. Yet we still pay attention to any new products or programs that are introduced during the new year, especially related to health, productivity or overall well being. So why are we always on the lookout for new opportunities?

Well, nobody likes to miss out on anything that was highly anticipated — a flight, an interview, an appointment, a concert, an exam, or even just a movie at the theatre.  Likewise, nobody looks forward to increasing tension especially when a possible disappointment is moving close. We may shut down prematurely instead of pushing forward. Regardless of the situation, how we respond to the potential setbacks often makes a world of a difference.  I can say that with total conviction. During my early days there was one beautiful morning in Phoenix where one of those experiences took place.  

My week-long assignment had just finished and I was ready to take the flight back home. Instead of returning the rental car and wait at the airport, I decided to grab a quick bite somewhere close by. The food must have been good and the restaurant comfortable, because by the time my meal was over I was cutting it pretty close. There wasn’t much traffic and the return lane at the rental car wasn’t crowded. However, when everything was done there were only 20 minutes left before my flight would take off.  I was still at the rental car lot hoping to catch a shuttle quickly.  Typically I would have simply given up and started to make some phone calls. After all, who would be so naive about waiting to board a flight these days?

For some reason I had an urge to walk up to a staff member and show him my departure time. I asked if there was still a chance to make my flight. “Without a doubt,” he said. He could drive me to the terminal right away. Long story short, I made my flight. It was a miracle, all because of one generous manager who was willing to go the extra mile.

I wish most of my experiences were like this one… pressing on, not giving up until the last minute when things turn around to my favor. They were not. Often I closed my own door way too early.

There was a clear loss of opportunity years ago when I decided to take it easy on my first attempt for the CPA exam. It was all because of the increasing tension from running out of time to prepare. Who doesn’t like the feeling of a safety net? Instead of pushing forward I chose to pull back. I didn’t realize what a big mistake that was until the results came back. I did exceptionally well on 3 out of the 4 parts of the exam, with just a couple points shy of passing the last part. That means I could have gotten it all done the first time!  But it was too late; I had to retake the entire 4 sessions under the requirements at that time — close to 15 hours of exam time alone! This is not to point to my pursuit of personal accomplishments, but rather our natural tendencies to scale back when tensions arise.

Lesson learned, but talk about the thousands of dollars and months of time that could have been avoided had I not quickly relied on the next round — or the next opening, next meeting, next year, or whatever the next opportunity we often create in our mind.

So, why do we tend to stick around for the next round instead of moving forward with what we already have?

Recently I came across a great article by Keith Webb about why our ideas often get in the way of our success.  I believe they are the exact same reasons that cause us to keep sticking around:

• Waiting feels safe and cozy. I’ve seen many people (myself included) who have planned for something great. We form our ideas into plans, but then we never felt ready to move forward. Executing the plan was too risky. There were no risks involved as long as they stayed as plans and ideas.
• Good ideas are pretty. There is charm in good ideas or even good planning. They are delightful, something to be perfected until they meet the realities. Getting in action is always messy and unpredictable.

• Waiting for a good time feels noble and motivating. Possibilities are endless while we wait. When there are no constraints, plans and ideas look so appealing and exciting.

• Waiting gives us an illusion of achievement. When things get tough it’s easier to tell ourselves to pause and refine than to press forward. The idle period deceives us by presenting itself as something valuable to wait for. But what makes a good plan valuable is when it is successfully carried out.

Are you in a waiting mode, pondering whether to move forward with your dreams, your plans, your learning process?  Do you really need another new year to begin something great?

Chances are, now is the time. You’ll be so glad you made that first step, moving towards the very thing you’ve been hoping for. It’s worth it.

You are welcome to share your thoughts and experiences below. Click here to find out more about thriving on a new journey.  Until next time, enjoy your course and Thrive on the Learning Curve!