I was watching an episode from Monk last night (I know, it’s a geeky series) and there was something that really made me think … a new motto: “Leap and a net will appear“.

It does sound like those “self help books” that most of the time don’t say anything, just mix some ideas all over again in the hope someone will take them seriously. The change is in us all and most do have some reasons for being as they are. It’s a good idea to try and inspire people to have faith in their own strength and this is one of the merits of such books.

Let’s get back to the “leap and a net will appear” idea. It’s so nicely said and so difficult to make happen. What are we supposed to do? Just leave everything behind? Try something totally new no matter the costs? Do and then think? ‘Come what may’?

I was never this type of a person, even if I did have my share of “leaps”. Right now I am working in 2 areas I never dreamt I’d get, ignoring all the schooling and even my previous dreams, because, once you find a way, it’s a pity to not take it just because it’s something different from what you’ve prepared for.

Three of the most important “leaps” I made are related to current jobs and .. a car.

10 years ago I was a high-school graduate. Have been studying a lot to be a kindergarten teacher, had tens of practice hours and was gifted. Still, after finishing and preparing for college, I almost gave my folks a heart attack. I wanted to work in the media, have been dreaming about this for 4 years already.

We had to take an exam to be able to get hired in the kindergarten or primary school. I never went to get tested, since I knew I’d get a good result and I’d have to consider this career too. Imagine my family’s happiness. I wanted to ‘leap’ into the radio business, but I was unsure. Then, one day, I heard a new radio was going to open in town. I was 20 at that time and this was the lower limit for them (age wise). I just went to hear the requirements and the interview and voice tests date.

It was a huge step. Didn’t want to expect anything, just went there, got all the info, got back for the interview, the test and then .. I got the job. It’s been almost 10 years and my first huge leap was a success.

The second big move in my life was getting my small web design firm. It’s a HUGE step, especially when you’re not rich and there are lots of “ifs” and “buts” along the way. My first site was made in 2002 (march) and after some weeks I got hooked. It’s an addiction if you want to call it like this. Each moment I am awake I have ideas, strategies, feelings related to the Internet and my creations.

For some years I just kept it to a “hobby” level, even if it was clear to me this is again something I’d do for the rest of my life. But getting to the business stage is risky, there’s money to spend and problems to expect. I WAS SCARED.

Just toyed with the dream for years. Saying  “I am thinking about getting my own firm this year”. Yes, I have been saying this for at least 4 years. And then it hit me. “If I don’t do ANYTHING, I’ll just have this as a new year’s resolution each year and get to be 80 and still not the owner of my small web design firm.

The big move came pretty fast after I started WORKING on this idea. First I started asking people around: I have coleagues at the radio station who also own small companies and drove them insane with all the questioning. In some weeks I knew ALL I need: how much money, what kind of accountant services, any hidden fees, legal issues, EVERYTHING.

Since I was still short of some money, I saved for 2-3 months and then contacted an accountant, paid, signed, went to the bank for the firm account, did some more signing and then .. I had my firm. It wasn’t hard and I could have done it 4 years ago.

We now get on an even more personal level, as I’ll tell you about the latest big leap: my car. I had a thing for the new Opel Corsa (a good car for me as a woman, it’s fast, looks amazing .. doh, I am a designer in the end, I care about this .. doesn’t cost THAT much as compared to other bigger brands and in the end it’s my dream car). I know people go crazy over Mercedes or Ferrari, but I know my limits and dream to something I could afford. So this was the car I was dreaming of day and night. I was short of money (again) so the only way to have it as fast as possible was to pay for a part of the price and then on monthly rates.

Sure, lots of contradictory information and stories. Half an year passed and I was still thinking about it. One day I just had enough with all the “fairy-tales”. I just went to the company selling them in my city and got all the info: pricing, optionals and their price, rates and all the information.

Got back to the dealer in few days with all the paperwork done, the funds were transferred from my account to theirs, I signed 10000 times for all kinds of things and in few days I was driving my dream car.

As I said: I don’t leap too often and I understand why some people won’t make the next step. It’s risky, it’s changing our lives, it’s something that scares us. I was able to still “leap” after having my small set of “rules” and maybe they’ll help you too:

• you’ll never leap unless you know all you need. Instead of just day-dreaming get all the details. Once you know what it takes, the leap is easier
• after knowing everything prepare all the things you need. You have already planned (step 1) andknow can focus on each of your steps
• think well, but don’t overthink. I won’t be able to understand people who think about something for months/years. Life is too short. You need minutes (or seconds in some cases). Just get the info and make a pro/con list. THEN decide and forget about any coming back.
• once you decided to “leap” DO ALL YOU CAN do succeed. And never ever look back. Even if it’s hard, don’t despair and don’t regret. You thought about it. You made a decision, don’t regret it. Again, life’s too short to fill it with regrets.

This leap can mean a change in your career (a new workplace or maybe your own firm), a new area you might develop your skills in .. everything. As long as you are not reckless, there is no reason to not try it. Even if you fail, you have lept. And this means experience and a dream you tried to achieve.

How many times did you “leap”?

Filed under: Life as it is by ramona