We all agree that your theory is crazy — but is it crazy enough to be true? – Niels Bohr, to another scientist
When was the last time you took a “leap of faith”?
The list can grow long once you stop and think about the Story.
It begins with childhood. Remember when the training wheels came off your bike? Perhaps you remember your early launch off the diving board or those intimidating first days in a new school. Gentlemen, what about working up the courage to ask for that first date? Ladies, what about getting up the courage to accept?
As the years and experience increase so does the magnitude of the next plunge.
All those decisions, remember? “We made it, we’re High School Seniors … now what?” How about the uncharted waters of freshman life at the university? Think of those relationship-based dives into the unknown … moving away from home, marriage, children; career paths, buying that first home, selling that home; health issues, accepting the job that required relocation.
Splash!
You might expect, based on all our experience and documented “survival” we might find it easier to jump off the dock. But that’s not always the case.
Why don’t we take the leap?
You know the answer, it the first thing that comes to mind: fear, paralyzing anxiety. Standing on the diving board. Taking your orals for the Ph.D. Launching your own business. Accepting the promotion. What if? Am I ready? Is the product good enough? What if I do well?
So here we sit, just sittin’ on the dock of the bay.
Hear the song?
“The Dock of the Bay” was written by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper; Otis recorded the song December 7, 1967. Did you know he died in a plane crash just three days later?
The song was #1 for 4 weeks in 1968. If you want you can hear Otis sing it or here are the lyrics. What stands out to you?
Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch ’em roll away again, yeah
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time
I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the ‘Frisco bay
‘Cause I’ve had nothing to live for
And look like nothin’s gonna come my way
So I’m just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time
Look like nothing’s gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can’t do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I’ll remain the same, yes
Sittin’ here resting my bones
And this loneliness won’t leave me alone
It’s two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home
Now, I’m just gonna sit at the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Oooo-wee, sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time
It reminds me of times in my Story, we all do it at times … sittin’ and wastin’ time. Yes, there can be the loss of freedom brought on by negative thoughts … “I’ve had nothing to live for, and looks like nothin’s gonna come my way” …so I’ll “make this dock my home.”
No leap of faith happening here today.
What about this “leap of faith”?
Leaping can refer to an abrupt change or jumping over something, an obstacle. Bottom line, a leap of faith is determined action.
And faith? Faith speaks to your ability to trust. Faith is confidence supported by hope and love. It is a foundational conviction or belief that the determined action will achieve the desired outcome even if that outcome is just gettin’ off the dock!
In his book, The Horse and His Boy, C. S. Lewis wrote, “Do not dare not to dare.”
When you have the courage to do something you take a leap of faith … you accept the dare and the dream that calls you to take the plunge, to do something.
Whitney Johnson in her book Dare. Dream. Do. mentions Frederick Buechner, and his statement is a powerful call to take the leap of faith.
“God calls you to the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
This sounds an awful lot like the intersection called Purpose.
Where are you sensing a “dare” in your Story?
When will you stand up on the dock, walk to edge, and plunge into what is yet to be? It’s out there.
THE PEOPLE PROJECT:
Your Guide to Changing Behavior and Growing Your Influence as a Leader
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