When to lean into your irresponsible self

It might just be the best decision you ever make

Iused to work in the corporate world. And now that I don’t anymore, I see certain aspects of corporate life very differently.

In particular, I see the ways people in companies make decisions differently.

I saw people being rewarded for making prudent decisions which looked like taking small steps and calculated risks. It was responsible to test before launching and it was responsible to negotiate a trial before committing to a long contract. There was a lot of “let’s see how it goes” and “let’s try before we buy” in the corporate cultures I experienced.

But when it comes to a commitment you are making yourself, this methodical and responsible way of making decisions can fail you.

“Trying before you buy” on commitments to yourself is really a strategy fueled by doubt.

Because if you were certain your plan would work, you would not hesitate to commit. And certainty is just a mindset, a thought, or a belief.

A doubtful step towards quitting smoking, or towards developing a healthier lifestyle, or towards a new career will never get you there.

Why is this?

Because when in you are in doubt, your mind will look for evidence that your choice is not working. When you are committed and believe that change is inevitable, you will look for evidence that your choice is working. And this continues your commitment. You then make it happen for yourself. Because you never doubted.

When you “see how it goes” in becoming different in a relationship in your life, you are not leaping into the transformation. You are waiting. You haven’t decided.

When you “see how it goes” on your way to developing healthier habits, you don’t develop the habits.

So what some of us have always known to be prudent in our decision-making might be a disservice in our own lives.

Sometimes it sounds in your head like you are being reasonable or cautious. It can sound like the doubt has a good point and it might be crazy to invest your time, money and energy into a shift in your life.

It sounds like “I’ll need to interview one more person before I decide if they are a fit” or “Committing to a long contract seems risky. Let’s negotiate a shorter contract.”

But if you want radical personal change, it should feel irresponsible to your responsible mind. Because it’s that responsible mind that got you into a life that you want to change.

So go ahead and decide that it’s time to change. It’s time to have a better marriage. It’s time to have a career you love. It’s time to stop the unwanted patterns.

And once you’ve decided ask yourself this: If you were certain you would achieve your goal no matter what, what would you do first?

Then go do it. Right now! Before that “responsible mind” of yours stops you.

Hello, I’m Serena. I am a life coach. I help high achievers pivot towards their life purpose. If you would like to receive thought-provoking content, join my email list. If you are interested in 1:1 coaching, get in touch with me here.