Image courtesy of alpaugre
I was supposed to finish up this series by talking about ‘staying one step ahead of the competition’, but this particular subject revealed itself as an important issue to add to the ‘package’.
When I began this journey of blogging it was with the full intention of changing ‘careers’. I’d been running my computer consulting business for almost 5 years and was ready to move on. Four months had gone by and I had found myself coming up to a kind of crossroads that I’d never seen up to this point. Unfamiliar, though it was, I knew that my focus needed to be on a direction and not on its distinctive features. So I thought long and hard about which way to veer and finally came up with a choice that has been executed as of last week.
First, let’s look at the ‘Catch-22′…
What made this directional dilemma so unique was its inability to give a clear right or wrong answer. It seemed as though no matter where I leaned, I was given both positive and negative play.
The road forked because my time was becoming ever so limited with the pending launch of some near sighted ventures. My current business was paying the bills, but my future goals were paying the price of its hunger for time. The sign between the splitting trails said something like this:
“TURN LEFT: Here you will regain the valuable time needed to properly produce the ‘product’ of your future. Be careful, though, as your finances will be uncertain and the ground less solid for the first few miles.
TURN RIGHT: Here you will continue down the road you remember as you reap the rewards of certain solid ground. Be careful, though, as you will continue to neglect your dreams and most certainly restrict your future possibilities.”
So you see my dilemma? I think this is something we all face at one time or another as we make our way down this road of life. But it isn’t until you’re faced with this fork that you feel its heavy hand fondling your fate. You mistake the feeling of uncertainty as a sign that there’s only one correct coordinate. But if you happen to be the author of a blog that’s titled with verbiage of forward progress, you may find that certainty is not always a requirement for right direction.
So which way did I ‘turn the wheel’?
If the above directions were to be taken literally, than I would answer this question by stating that my heading went from North, to North-West. I decided on the potentially shaky ground, for the ability to fully follow my future endeavors. So last week I said goodbye to my computer consulting business and hello to my online opportunities. I’d spent 5 years building certainty, but it had become boxed in by boredom and other captivities that I’ll purposefully fail to explain. I don’t have regrets for this recent past, but I knew as I stared at this fork, that regret would make itself known if my dreams weren’t properly tended to. Sink or swim, as Sean and I like to say, but treading water is just not in the playbook anymore.
As stated in the previous post of this series…“Please don’t miss next week as we go into the final leg of our race to success and talk about innovation and our constant need to stay one step ahead of the competition.“
Eric – Go for it! You are practising what you preach which is inspiring.
These decision aren’t easy for a reason – if it was easy everyone would do it. I’m sure your hard work will pay off.
Chris´s last blog post..Q&A with Leo from Zen Habits
The sad truth of treading water is that it keeps you from drowning, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. Sometimes there is a need take the path of certainty, but that doesn’t mean that we have to stay there or that the decision is always either/or.
You’ve taken a bold action toward your dreams and you will do well. I am taking baby steps toward mine. The question I ask myself everyday is, “Am I moving forward toward my dream?” It keeps me inspired to keep getting up early and making progress.
Thanks to you, I’m one small step closer as I moved my blog over to my own domain this weekend. I can’t thank you enough for the encouragement.
kathy´s last blog post..Why I Work Standing Up
Swim my man. Nothing’s worse than bobbing in the middle of the ocean. Bravo.
Writer Dad´s last blog post..Writer Dad in Rough Draft
Wow, such a great way of saying that, and I love the image you used at the start here…
Stumbled!
Cheers,
Glen
Glen Allsopp´s last blog post..4,439 Words on Driving Traffic to Your Blog
Hey Eric,
Congratulations on your decision! Always keep in mind that you have tons of friends around to help you promote your new endeavor!
Steve C | MyWifeQuitHerJob´s last blog post..The Hidden Benefits Of Owning Your Own Business
Hi
I’ve always been “pushed” into new ventures by the sheer boredom of my current circumstances. On each occasion it has seemed like less of a choice and more of a need. I feel I have always left it just a bit too long before moving on. Next time I would like to purposefully step in the new direction.
Which I think is what you are doing – Congrats!
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..Are You Seeing Your Opportunity In The Economic Downturn?
Hi Eric,
I don’t think there are many succesful entrepreneurs who would say that they achieved success by taking the safe and familiar route
Best of luck to you!
Eric;
Congratulations on making the decision to start your online business. So many of us face decisions like this and opt for the safer route, but when you are true to yourself, the decision is easy.
@Chris: Thanks my friend. Definitely not an easy decision, but one I’m excited about!
@Katht: “The sad truth of treading water is that it keeps you from drowning, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
BTW, thanks for sharing your move to your own domain. I’m very excited for you!
@Sean: My little legs are swishing back and forth and motion is turning into momentum. We’ll see where it takes me.
@Glen: Thanks! Both for the compliment and the ‘PUSH’. And as far as the image, it was love at first sight when I laid eyes on that thing! What an awesome feast for the eyes. Another great offering from Flickr.
@Steve: “Always keep in mind that you have tons of friends around to help you promote your new endeavor!”
Thanks! Knowing that makes it that much more rewarding and enjoyable.
@Juliet: Thanks! That’s a great way of putting it. Most of the time we wait until we are forced into the new direction. When we do this we often miss the opportunity to come at the new endeavor with a plan of action. It’s the difference between being proactive and reactive. Now let’s see how my mortgage feels about this in a few months. Hopefully it won’t even notice what I’m doing.
@Bonnie at free biorythm: “I don’t think there are many succesful entrepreneurs who would say that they achieved success by taking the safe and familiar route
”
I must conquer. Well said!
@Bonnie: Thanks! You’re right in that the decision became clear the second my heart and mind nodded in that direction. Eric.
Eric, congrats on takin gthe jump! You’ve been EXTREMELY successful with blogging so far, having risen to such success in a short time, from relative obscurity, all while balancing your consulting commitments. Now that you are going to be jumping into it full-time, there’s nothing stopping you from being one of the best bloggers out there, I have no doubts.
I’m kind of in the opposite position you are…deciding when I want to pull the trigger and do computer coonsulting full time. Like you, I’m gonna do it part time for a while, and hopefully I’ll see a fraction the success you have!
Here’s to an exciting new year of new possibilities!
!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy´s last blog post..PC Repair: On-Site Vs. In-Shop
Wow! I salute (and maybe, envy) your decision. You are following your heart – your journey can only end well!
Congratulations Eric. I will be pulling for you.
Alex
@Matt: Thanks SO MUCH Matt for your vote of confidence. It really means a lot. I hope the best for your continued success and soon transition to a full time consultant!
@Alex: Thanks! I’m excited and looking forward to the road ahead. Maybe I’ll see you around the next bend?
Eric.
Congratulations, Eric! How does it feel?
And, thanks for those encouraging words.
I’m at those cross-roads myself; my contract is up in 9 days and it’s a question of whether to move abroad where there is still a chance to pursue my dream career, or stay with my safety net. I’ve lived abroad before, so the waters are tested, but that was in a time before husband, dog, house, car and amassed possessions.
Emma´s last blog post..Et tu, Brute: a portrait of Marcus Junius Brutus
Hi Eric,
It takes courage to make this type of decision and Eric, you really got this type of courage. Wish you luck in your future endeavors.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
Vincent´s last blog post..Learn How To Get The Most Sincere Smile In 16 Minutes and 23 Seconds
@Emma: Thanks and it feels great!
I hope the best for your decision. I know it’s not an easy one to make and there is no real ‘right’ answer (at least not one this is totally obvious), but I know that you’ve make the most of whatever you decide.
I ALSO had things coming to a head. My advertising was coming up for renewal (or in my case, cancellation) and things were just ready to be transitioned away from if need be. So that’s what I did. You might need to do the same or maybe it’s not time. But whatever you decide, keep us informed of the future that your life holds and we’ll be cheering the whole way!
@Vincent: Thanks! I appreciate the compliment and encouragement. Eric.
Eric, best of luck as you venture further into the unknown. It takes a lot of guts, determination, and vision to make the decision that you’ve made. I look forward to seeing the results!
Neil´s last blog post..Listen To Maintainers, Not To Losers: 5 Secrets To Keeping The Weight Off For Good
@Neil: Thanks a lot, Neil! Maybe in a few months we’ll mention this post and talk about all the positive changes that have occurred since. This is what I’m hoping, at least.
Eric.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I……”
You know, I really agree with everyone, especially Glen and Steve…
Certainty is not a requirement…and…you have supportive friends and family…
As much as we preach that life is “not about security, its about living,” we sometimes have trouble pulling the trigger that will usher us in to that new life!
You know Eric, the best leaders lead by example. Go for the gold my friend!
Cheers,
Jeremy
Jeremy Day´s last blog post..10 Easy Steps to Create a Budget
Congratulations Eric! Spread your wings and fly. LIke Dr. Suess say, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!”
Good for you! Now the fun really begins. I’ve been walking an uncertain path for years and though it’s not always comfortable, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It gets easier as you go on and the fulfillment factor is huge. It takes courage and be sure to seek support, it really helps.
I’ve been pondering on the subject of uncertainty lately and I’ve come to accept that it is within uncertainty that the magic happens.
Good luck and I am happy to support you. Woooohooooo!
To your success x x x
Lola
Lola Fayemi / Nourishment for your spiritual awakening´s last blog post..Lessons from X Factor: Chase your dreams
@Jeremy: Thanks, Jeremy! Great thoughts.
@Tess: Will do!
@Lola: Thanks so much! You’re getting me all excited! It truly is a little scary at times, but as you’ve pointed out so accurately, it’s worth it. TO OUR SUCCESS!!!
Eric.