Often the most difficult stage of transition is “limbo” – the past is still somewhat active and we are not yet fully anchored in the present or even future plans.  I hate limbo. I’ve always struggled with limbo in my life and find it challenging to remain positive when all I want to do is move ahead…but the timing isn’t right.

Personally, I’ve been struggling with a professional decision for several years now. There is a goal, plans even, and yet the timing has not been right.  Now, I find myself so used to treading water in the land of limbo that it’s difficult to get excited about finally moving ahead.  Isn’t that often the case?  We are excited initially but after the first adrenaline rush, reality sinks in and is not nearly as much fun.

 So that’s the topic of discussion: how do you launch from limbo?  That question came up today at lunch with a very sharp colleague.  While we are on different professional paths, we both agree that launching successfully requires clear vision and strategy.  While neither of us don’t mind working and working hard, neither is willing to risk our personal lives to get there.

And that’s when it hit me – we can’t live our lives based on the “what ifs” that involve other people. We can only assess, redirect and make plans based on “what is.”  Read that again, because it’s deeper than it seems. 

My hesitation is based on a family decision that has not come to fruition in almost 3 years.  The time is finally here – when I see the situation as it really is and not how I want it to be, the path, the plan and the strategy become crystal clear.

 “What ifs” are not knowns and refuse to be rushed – they evolve in their own time. What are the “what ifs” in your life?  What hesitations are standing in the way of you launching your new life direction from limbo? It may be time to take a good long look at the “what is” to find your motivation to move forward.