Whether delivering a keynote address, facilitating a workshop, or coaching a leader, people often talk about what they have to lose if they pursue certain courses of action. What if I pursue a career move that comes my way? Should I go back to school, or turn down a new opportunity that has been presented to me?  Or should I speak up about ideas I have or other ways I believe I can contribute to my organization?

When we look beneath the surface, most often, the worries expressed are about the loss of a job, income, their sense of security or status.  In such instances, I like to issue a gentle reminder that self-respect, confidence, courage, personal power and happiness can also be lost when one makes choices that deny deeper needs.  Material survival is not the only important dimension of life.  The effect that always taking the perceived safe route can have on our emotional health and resilience of spirit can be as damaging, if not more, than losing income or status.

When you’re at a crossroads, weighing options and making tough decisions, think deeply and broadly about your options and what is truly most important to you.  Understand the whole picture rather than just the factors that threaten your financial security or your ego.  Develop a complete accounting of both sides of your ledger – what you’re likely to gain based on certain choices and what the gains cost you.  In other words, what you’re likely to lose.

Sometimes the paralysis around making a decision about a major life change is based in fear of the unknown.  But, with a better understanding of the ways this change will push you out of your comfort zone, bolstered by evidence in your past that proves you can survive change, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the fear standing between you and a potentially great opportunity.

Conscious choices made with awareness and consideration of consequences, losses and gains, tend to be more satisfying long-term.

Learn more about the importance of making conscious choices and how to practice it consistently in your life.  My book, LIES That Limit: Uncover the Truth Of Who You Really Are holds the key to genuine, authentic living.  Order it now on Amazon for e-readers for just $5.99 or in paper back for under $12.