Jump in the deep end, or climb down the ladder?

Jump in the deep end, or climb down the ladder? Moving out of your comfort zone.

Do you have a preferred approach to moving out of your comfort zone? We’re often told to ‘just jump’, but we’re not all ‘jumpers’. Some of us prefer to test the waters first.

To use a swimming pool metaphor, I find some people like to jump directly into the deep end, whilst others prefer to climb down the ladder one rung at a time. Both approaches are valid and both approaches work if they are the right one for you. When we sometimes run into trouble is when we’re encouraged to jump, but our preference is actually to climb down the ladder.

To put this into context, jumping could look like quitting your job and moving into a new area of study or a new industry. Climbing down the ladder could look like continuing in your current role while completing new studies, or volunteering in another industry to see if you like it before resigning from your current role.

There are also options in between. For instance, you may choose not to step on every rung of the ladder, but if you aren’t comfortable with jumping, then don’t. Rather, consider whether you need to step on all the rungs, or if you could perhaps miss a couple. This might look like cutting back to part time work while you study, or it could mean you make a decision with a little less information than you usually would, or it could be that you look for a similar role, but in an industry you would like to move into, rather than looking for a new role in a new industry.

The key is to understand how you like to make change. This includes knowing what level risk you are comfortable with, what level of risk your current life circumstances suggest is realistic for you, what quantity of information and research you need to make decisions and what support network you have around you. Sometimes jumping in the deep end is absolutely appropriate and sometimes it’s not. If it’s not, take the time and space to explore information, ideas and options until you are ready to push away from the ladder, and if it takes a little longer than it would for a ‘jumper’, that’s ok.  Likewise, if for you it’s time to jump, enjoy the leap. Most importantly, honour your preferences and what’s important to you.

If you would like a sounding board and some support to determine which option could work best for you, give me a call on 0413 776 564.

​Warmest wishes,

Laurenne Di Salvo

Leadership & Professional Development Coach | Corporate Trainer | Learning & Development Consultant
0413 776 564
www.harvestcoaching.com.au
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​Laurenne Di Salvo is a Development Coach, Corporate Trainer and Learning & Development Professional. She enables individuals and groups to take the next step in their personal or professional development through evidenced based coaching practices and learning programs.