So the fiscal cliff has been averted. The sky has not fallen. The news channels will now look for the next breaking news to cover.
For everything that it is not, the fiscal cliff actually did cause Congress to act. It actually did trigger a deal to get done. It actually was able to (ultimately) force aside the politicians’ bluster. It actually set a direction. It actually compelled the politicians to collaborate and problem-solve and think (somewhat) creatively.
But this deal has come at a fairly steep price. We Americans have feared falling back into a recession. Confidence in our politicians and our systems is low. And one would hope that it would not take being backed into a corner for our politicians to act decisively.
But the same can often be said about ourselves. For many of us considering leaving the law, we really may not be doing much about it right now. We like the idea, of course, of a different job and being happy with our day-to-day and really doing something that is in alignment with what we like and enjoy. We like the idea of doing something different than what we are doing now. But we also make it a priority to avoid risk and fear any sort of failure.
So it usually takes the promise or the occurrence of something bad, let’s call it a personal cliff of sorts, for us to actually motivate and take action to leave the law or make a change. It takes an argument with a co-worker or boss, it takes being laid off, it takes a seething dislike for our firm, it takes a disparaging comment from a friend or family member, it takes a near-death experience, it takes a dire money situation, it takes an epiphany, it takes a national tragedy, it takes a heart-to-heart talk. It often takes a very drastic measure or some “aha” moment for us to motivate to really leave the law. And while at that time it may not be too late to do so, it often can be at a steep personal price.
If we’re serious about leaving the law, fearing and trying to avoid failure alone is not a solution. The secret to making a successful life change is to incrementally and courageously work to create a positive and fulfilling alternative to our current situation that honestly speaks to what we want and desire and enjoy.
In other words, don’t just keep the status quo to avoid your fears. Take easy, small actions now to one day grasp your dreams.
In other, other words, as you think about the new year ahead, don’t wait for things to get bad before you really act to make things good.