"Look before you jump."

Last week I connected with someone who is becoming a fast friend named Floyd Jones doing phenomenal things in the social impact space. After taking time to share our missions with each other, I offered to support on a specific project that aligns closely with what I do.

When I expressed my interest to get involved, Floyd responded without missing a beat and with a perfectly delivered line. He said “Look before you jump, Brian.”

It resonated on so many levels.

The immediate meaning I took from it is about being thoughtful with what you commit to. It’s a reminder to really know what you’re getting yourself into because getting yourself out of it is harder than getting yourself into it. When you jump, gravity pulls you down. That’s the easy part. But if you want to get back up, you need to climb up against gravity.

The second meaning I took from it after reflecting on the conversation was more insightful. It assumes that you’re jumping, no matter what you see. “Looking before you jump” is a way to prepare yourself for what’s to come. It helps you to orient yourself about where to get started and set yourself up to be as successful as possible with the endeavor.

And the last part that resonates with me is simply having the courage to jump. There’s risk involved. You can roll your ankle on the landing. But anyone who, as Teddy Roosevelt and Brene Brown put it, “Dares greatly” puts themselves in a compromising situation. But it’s the only place where truly innovative and magnificent contributions can come from. So even if you’re scared of heights, those who accomplish great things jump anyway.

It’s true for all of the leaders we admire and the everyday people who take a chance on themselves. And it’s the surest approach we have to minimizing the regret we have in our life. Doing things the same way is the status quo. Jumping in is not. 

If there’s something on your heart that you’ve wanted to focus on more, commit to, or try, and your own rationalizations are keeping you stuck where you are, be intentional and “look before you jump.”

And when you’re ready, make the leap.