What if we asked, what could go right?

With everyone in Wisconsin talking about how hot it's been lately, I found myself thinking back to February when things were cooler I had the opportunity to try something completely different a Learn to Curl event.

I had never curled before.

It would've been easy to come up with reasons not to go. I’d never wanted to learn to curl or thought about trying. It had been a busy week and I was tired but I went anyway. I ended up loving it and I can't wait to go again.

As simple as that experience was, it reminded me of something I've been thinking about a lot lately: hesitation.

Not the kind where emotions are high and taking a pause is the right thing to do. I'm talking about the hesitation that shows up when we're faced with an opportunity that pushes us outside our comfort zone.

It's the voice that starts listing everything that could go wrong.

What if I fail?

What if it isn't the right decision?

What if I'm not ready?

But what if we asked ourselves a different question?

What could go right?

That same question came to mind when I was deciding whether to apply for my current role as Director of Compliance. The position hadn't been open in 18 years.

I wasn't even sure it was the right move for me, but I realized something that shifted my perspective. If I applied and was offered the position, I could always decide later whether it was the right fit.

What I couldn't do was go back in time and apply once the opportunity had passed.

That realization made the decision much simpler.

The opportunities that shape us aren't always career moves.

Sometimes they're much smaller.

Sometimes it's introducing yourself to someone new.

Sometimes it's recognizing a coworker for a job well done. You never know if your encouragement is exactly what they needed to believe they're ready for their next opportunity.

Sometimes it's saying yes to trying something you've never done before...like curling.

From the outside, it can seem like some people are constantly finding opportunities or experiencing success. I don't think they necessarily have more opportunities.

I think they're more willing to take action when those opportunities appear.

When I find myself hesitating, I come back to three reminders:

• Surround yourself with people who will give honest advice.

• Remember that growth usually feels uncomfortable.

• Sometimes the reward only comes after you're willing to take the risk.

• 
  

You won't say yes to every opportunity and you shouldn't.

But don't let hesitation make the decision for you.

You never know what you'll discover, who you'll encourage, or where one simple "yes" might lead.

So I'll leave you with the question I've been asking myself lately: What could go right?