Leap Further in Life!

John Clarke offered some good advice about how to take a quantum leap forward in life: “Go back a little to leap further.”

What might that mean?

One interpretation is to take a step back from the daily rush to analyze what is working and what isn’t working in your career, your relationship, your family, your finances, and the other important areas of your life. For example, CNBC airs a show called, “Til Debt Do Us Part,” where couples spend a month working with a financial advisor to strengthen their relationship as well as their financial position. One common reaction among the couples is their cold shock when they see in writing how much they are spending (e.g., in credit card interest payments) and how much debt they will be facing within five years. By stepping back and analyzing the situation, they are highly motivated to make positive changes that lead them to retirement savings instead of bankruptcy.

From a career perspective, it might mean taking a step back from the daily rush to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats surrounding your business, your team, or your particular role in an organization. It might mean making a lateral move or even taking a step down the career ladder, if that will ultimately give you the skills needed to propel your career forward. Even getting fired or laid off can ultimately help you leap further if you use your time away from work to learn a new skill, become certified in a new technology, take a class, or whatever helps you continue to move forward.

From a spiritual perspective, it might mean letting go a little bit instead of staying rigidly attached to whatever you think you “must” have or “should” have to be happy. Just as a Chinese finger trap tightens as you try to pull out your fingers, success is often less likely when you relentlessly try to force something to happen.

If you have been struggling to leap forward, consider taking a step back!

DrDeb posted at 2009-11-23 Category: Leadership | Tags: Strategy

15 Responses Leave a comment

#1Kristin Skreen @ 2010-7-11 06:10

Great stuff. thanks for this
#2DrDeb @ 2010-7-12 09:02

Thank you for your comment, Kristin!
#3Ericka Waring @ 2010-7-14 12:27

Great stuff. thanks for posting!
#4DrDeb @ 2010-7-14 21:22

Thanks Ericka!
#5John Jue @ 2010-9-10 15:17

Interesting post reminds me of another gem. – God makes stars. I just produce them. – Samuel Goldwyn 1882 – 1974
#6DrDeb @ 2010-9-10 19:22

Thanks for your comment and for the great quote, John!
#7Rosendo Heidel @ 2010-9-25 14:51

Good blog. I’ll be checking back soon to see what other articles you have.
#8DrDeb @ 2010-9-26 15:27

Thanks Rosendo!
#9Carroll Wadlinger @ 2010-9-29 22:25

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading.
#10DrDeb @ 2010-9-30 08:28

Thanks Carroll!
#11Aaron Lininger @ 2010-12-2 08:38

nice post , thank you for your efforts.
#12DrDeb @ 2010-12-3 09:30

Thanks Aaron!
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