Risk-taking - Get Your Feet Wet!

We often use the phrase, "Get Your Feet Wet" when we are just beginning to learn how to do something or are about to pioneer a new initiative. When we participate in a project for the first time, there is usually a hesitancy to step out into the unknown.

There's no better way to learn than by doing. This requires that we move away from our comfort zones and step out into the unknown, which usually exceeds our reach and makes us stretch to get it.

Stepping Out Into the Unknown

The unknown elicits strong emotional responses, the chief of which is fear. We're afraid to take chances or that we will make mistakes. While mistakes are embarrassing, they can be used to jumpstart and enhance our learning. Other reactions to the unknown include:

  • Hesitancy. Being cautious and tentative; playing it safe.

  • Discouragement. Disappointment and worry; backing up and settling for less than our best.

  • Pessimism. Focusing on the problems and challenges instead of the solutions and opportunities.

While the above list is not all inclusive, it is helpful in understanding our emotional response to the unfamiliar?strange?mysterious?uncharted territory. To step out into the unknown requires courage, commitment and conviction.

How to Get Your Feet Wet at Work

  • Courage. Prepare for your next challenge or opportunity by doing your homework. Learn as much as you can and apply that learning when working in indeterminate assignments or dealing with vague requests. Take a leap of faith into the unknown and just do it. Don't wait until everything is perfect and you are entirely ready-physically, emotionally, and financially. You'll never be absolutely and totally ready or ultimately prepared. Most times, you just have to begin, so build up your courage and take the plunge!

  • Commitment. Once you've decided to do it, dedicate yourself to accomplishing the task. It's a good idea to get your feet wet by completing smaller action steps related to the task in order to "test the waters" without expending all your effort and energy at once. In any event, start small and see what works. Make course corrections as necessary, and remain focused and committed to completing the task, overcoming the main challenge, or taking full advantage of the opportunity.

  • Conviction. Cultivate a passion and fervor for the task. Don't doubt or waver in your belief and confidence that you can succeed. Sure, you will make mistakes and encounter problems along the way, but you must be persuaded and have complete assurance that you can jump over these hurdles to achieve the goal.

    • Every day, you embark on a journey into the unknown and experience what seems like a lifetime lived in 24 hours. Don't be afraid to get your feet wet. Your first efforts may not be perfect, but you've got to start somewhere. Use the wisdom you gain from your experiences to strengthen your character and competence, and to prepare for future journeys.

    Althea DeBrule, entrepreneur and seasoned human resources executive, has focused for more than 30 years on helping people achieve their career goals. Creator of The Extreme-Career-Makeover? and a founding partner of RADSGroup Organizational Consultants, she is recognized for her bottom line and practical application of career development and management strategies in a way that penetrates hearts and compels action. She speaks and teaches with inspired talent, humor and contagious zeal at management conferences and leadership retreats nationwide, and has been featured in CFO Magazine, Strategy@Work, Human Resource Executive Magazine. Althea is the author of Bosses & Orchards, a compelling and candid book about how to make your work relationship with your boss succeed. To discover how you can take your career to a new level, visit http://www.extreme-career-makeover.com/

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Using Keywords to Find Legitimate Telecommuting Job Leads

    Many people are choosing telecommuting as an option to bring... Read More

    Dissatisfied With Your Job? Stop Believing The Myths!

    If you are dissatisfied with your job, you are in... Read More

    Staying In The Game

    The message came from Human Resources. There's nothing to worry... Read More

    Love What You Do!

    "To love what you do and feel that it matters,... Read More

    Three Ways to Transition to a New Career

    As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People... Read More

    Inside Sales Jobs: A Job Worth Seeking?

    Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside... Read More

    Working From Home - Could You Cope?

    It is a well-known fact that more and more people... Read More

    Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up Appearances

    Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or... Read More

    Franchising Offers NO Guarantees --

    You have to ask --- IS a FRANCHISE FOR YOU?There... Read More

    Conflicts With Your Boss Are Inevitable, But Can Be Healthy

    If you are a pro-active, get-things-done type, sooner or later... Read More

    Age Discrimination is Alive and Unwelcome Here!

    Common sense appears to be a rare commodity these days.... Read More

    Prepare for Your Performance Review Before You Start the Job

    When you start a new job, you probably realize the... Read More

    One Step at a Time in the Job Search

    What is the first step to take in a job... Read More

    Nine Ways to Tell Youre Ready for a Promotion

    So you noticed the new job board posting on your... Read More

    The 10 Second Window of Opportunity, Resume Hour Glass

    Do you know that a hiring manager just spends 10... Read More

    How To Win the Job-Hunting Game

    When I got over the initial shock of being urged... Read More

    Are Your Intentions Clear in Your Job Search?

    1. Do you REALLY know what you want?2. Do you... Read More

    Just a Series of Choices

    Steve's a pretty regular guy ? wife, 4 kids in... Read More

    In Control - Inside Tips on Interview Success

    No, you can't control how the interview will be conducted,... Read More

    Should You Telework/Telecommute

    "WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More

    Driver Team Solo Positions: The Nitty Gritty On Truck Driving Jobs

    Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More

    The 6 Stages of Modern Career Development

    Career experts say that people will change careers (not jobs)... Read More

    Medical Billing Businesses Are Growing Fast And Providing A Needed Service For Doctors

    You've seen the commercials and web sites about starting medical... Read More

    Strange Jobs Still Pay The Bills

    Strange jobs? How do we define that? Years ago I... Read More

    The 10-Step Resume Critique

    Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More

    Who Do I Have To Kill To Get A Job?

    I have had more than my amount of trouble in... Read More

    Surviving Unemployment Through Emotional Damage Control

    Looking for work is a roller-coaster ride: high with elation... Read More

    The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter

    Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This... Read More

    Occupational Health and Safety - Stress and Workaholism at Work

    There has been a lot of hullabaloo recently about the... Read More

    Little Mistakes That Keep You Unemployed

    If your job search is dragging on and on, you... Read More

    Self-Preservation Techniques For The Unemployed

    Looking for work can be difficult, frustrating, anxiety-provoking, and demeaning.There... Read More

    Finally Revealed: The Top 7 Resume Killers?

    During my job search I read dozens of books and... Read More

    Interpersonal Skill Building -- Yank The Suckers & Weeds

    According to the National Gardening Association, suckers are rapidly growing... Read More