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


    Job Trap; Relationships with Co-workers

    Most of us interact with our co-workers on a daily... Read More

    What Exactly Online Recruitment Agencies Do?

    Any online recruitment agency can help you to submit for... Read More

    Job Interview Preparation - What Employers Are Looking For

    When an employer decides to conduct an interview with you,... Read More

    Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

    You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

    What To Do When Your Boss Is a Butthead

    I've never worked for a boss I didn't like or... Read More

    How To Get a Job Offer From Every Interview

    About four years ago a friend told me one night... Read More

    7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job

    These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The... Read More

    Settling Successfully Into Your New Job

    The euphoria of getting a new job can sometimes be... Read More

    How ToTalk Your Boss Into Giving You A Salary Increase

    * If you believe you deserve a salary increase, ask... Read More

    Ode to a Spoon

    "Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what... Read More

    Managing Change -- Endings Are Just Doorways to New Beginnings

    Every May we celebrate Mother's Day-a time to tell mothers... Read More

    Ten Things About Your Career Development

    There are some tactics you can action whatever you wish... Read More

    Networking Masterclass - Part 1 - Practicing Empathy

    Practicing Empathy A vital part of your networking skills is... Read More

    It is Still Possible to be Upwardly Mobile in America!

    Yes, it's still possible to be upwardly mobile in America:... Read More

    Is Your Career Your Calling or Just a 9 to 5?

    Do you remember your parents asking you what you want... Read More

    Stepping Stone Jobs

    What we name something matters.It sets a tone that alters... Read More

    Global Economy Creates Need For International Business Pros

    The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for... Read More

    Job Interviews and The Secret of Selling Yourself

    A very effective and persuasive tactic when selling something is... Read More

    Dont Forget to Say, Thank You

    One of the biggest mistake for job seeks is to... Read More

    Career Planning for Gifted Adults

    "James is so restless and energetic. I wonder if he's... Read More

    Big Job Sites Vs The Small Ones

    There is much to say about posting resumes on the... Read More

    We Rejected Your Résumé Today

    Hi, I am Mr. Employer.Even though you think I can... Read More

    Telecommuting Resumes

    Your resume needs to outline your skills and experience, as... Read More

    Tackling Your Unemployment Creatively

    Are you unemployed or been laid off? You are not... Read More

    What You Cant Ask a Job Candidate is as Important as What You Can Ask

    As a human resources professional or business owner, you face... Read More

    Need a Job? Put a Gun to Your Head

    A legendary marketing genius once said that, if he had... Read More

    What Me? Lie On My Resume? Who Will Know?

    The temptation to lie on a resume is great! How... Read More

    Top Ten Reasons to Start A Catering Business

    There is little doubt that Americans still have a deep... Read More

    Success at Work: Techniques: Computer Literacy

    It's hard to believe that there are people in today's... Read More

    Preparing For Your Job Interview: What You Need To Know To Be Successful

    In the limited time an interviewer has with you, their... Read More

    Should You Make A Career Decision Based Upon A Career Quiz?

    Q. I'm about to graduate High School and I don't... Read More

    When All Is Not Well With Work

    When all is not well with work, what do you... Read More

    Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies

    I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing... Read More