If an Opportunity is Both Amazing and Terrifying, Take the Leap

Fear can paralyze you or it can propel you. Choosing not to act out of a place of fear is a decision unto itself. I have consistently found that the opportunities which scared me the most, but which I embraced and pushed through, were the ones where my biggest personal and professional growth came. I often tell young professionals that if something is both terrifying and amazing, then they should pursue it. I believe nothing but growth and development is on the other side of that. When you take a leap, you build your wings on the way down. Anything worth your time should scare the heck out of you. We are here to be awesome.

When fear arises, it is invaluable to be able to turn to trusted resources and confidants. Every woman should build her very own personal Board of Advisors; individuals who have your best interests—personal and professional—at heart, and bring different perspectives and experiences than your own. These individuals will be honest and forthright with you, and provide a guiding light at the many crossroads of your career journey.

Carla Harris, author of Expect to Win: 10 Proven Strategies for Thriving in the Workplace, does a beautiful job outlining the distinct difference between a mentor, a sponsor, and an adviser, along with the value of having them all on your team. I have been truly blessed to benefit from all three of these types of individuals on my personal Board of Advisors. They have guided me, and continue to guide me, through decisions big and seemingly small, but ones that I know can change the trajectory of my career and my life.

And, once you’ve assembled your Board of Advisors, please don’t forget to pay it forward by helping raise up other women and girls in business and in life. There is absolutely room for more than one woman at the top.