Seatbelt Not Required

The other day, I was thinking about a Jodi Foster film called Contact.  In that 1997 film, Jodi's character builds a machine to go on a trip in space.  In a particular scene, she is strapped into a seat to 'keep her safe from harm' but as she sees her necklace floating around her, she decides to unstrap herself. Lo and behold, she also floats freely and magically, in total safety.

(the scene I am describing is at about 3 minutes)

 

I thought about this as an analogy to all the times I have made decisions to buckle myself in tight because I was afraid to just float and be in a situation. How many times have you done the same thing? How many conversations have you had wanting to say exactly the proper thing in order avoid a misstep? How many opportunities have to passed on due to uncertainty of outcome? Personally, my own answers to those questions reveal a rather high number.

At this point in my career and my life, I am rethinking how I approach projects, partnerships and new opportunities. Granted, risk can be calculated to a certain extent and should be in some situations. However, I wonder how it will all play out if I take some chances without my own set of safety belts locked firmly in place?

Here's a challenge for all of us:  let's take a risk this week, shall we?  Let's take a chance at doing something that is unfamiliar and see where it takes us. It could be launching that business that has been #37 on your 'to do list' for the past decade.  It could be exploring an entirely new career as a museologist. It could be eating guacamole for the first time in your life.

You never know until you know you know, you know?  Then again, maybe you won't and that is okay, too.