Jump into Your Professional and Personal Success

Let’s start with a startling question, what is really stopping you from living the live you envision? Having the career of your dream or the quality relationship you deem great for you or the business rewards that reflect your potential.

Simply said, over 80% of adults don’t live up to their greatness because they suffer from what I call “African Impala Syndrome.”

Jumping high and forward is an inborn talent for survival of the African impala. The impala is known to jump about ten feet high. This high jump propels the impala to land about thirty feet from the spot where it starts. With this ability of vertical and horizontal jumping, the impala survives and thrives in the carnivore-infested savannas of Africa.

However, the impala has a unique limitation. It jumps only when it can see where it will land. I once read from an issue of “Bits and Pieces” that when the African impala is confined in a three-foot high fence, it won’t jump.

As I think of the African impala, I often wonder how we fail to live up to our potential because we suffer from “African impala Syndrome.” We don’t “jump” unless we can see “where we will land.” When we suffer from this syndrome, we choose to tough it out in careers or work environments that may be stressful. We don’t let go of habits that may be detrimental to our spiritual growth, bodies, profession or families. We don’t try new projects because we may not see what the results may be. We lack the faith needed to move forward.

Here are key points about jumping into your professional and personal success

1. To jump forward, one has to use the word BUT cautiously. “But” is a “wall” that nips talents before they can blossom. When one’s life is governed by “buts,” chances are that his or her talents, gifts and experiences are underutilized. Someone would say, “I would like to write a book, but who would publish it or who will read it?” Or “I would go back to school, but I am old.” However, unless we let go of this attitude, we will leave this world with unused skills, probably stressed and disappointed.

2. Understand that your not “jumping” is not only hurts, but all those who could benefit from your jumping. If you, as a parent or boss go back to school, chances are that your children or employees will emulate your example.

3. To “jump” from your current state that you don’t like or wouldn’t like to be in five years from now, you only need permission from one person, YOU. Take inventory of what resources (people and material goods) to help you launch your “Jump.”

4. Think of Noah, the one who built the ark in a desert without clouds in the sky. Faith is a dynamic condition of mind through which desires, plans or goals are translated into tangible results. The first step of putting your faith in action is to determine your desire and purpose and pursue it no matter what obstacles you facen
5. Once you have developed a goal, keep negative thoughts like failure, fear, anger and envy from your mind. Associate with people who will encourage you. Acknowledge that for every step backward, there is one or more forward steps that bring you closer to your goals. Pray and work like you have never done before. Accept the fact that you are only using a portion of your potential at any time, and you could always do better.

6. As you jump by faith toward your determined goal, never let a day pass without doing something related to your goal. Surround yourself with materials that are in tune with the goal you want to achieve, and always remember, the power of belief makes the difference.

7. Remember, when we “jump”, we may suffer pain or failure. However, it is a tragedy for one to never live up to his potential because he didn’t jump. By not jumping, you may avoid pain or the experience of failure. But you won’t learn, change, or experience self-love and growth. And the pain that you are stuck in your situation and the regret that you did nothing about it when you could is more scathing. It is only by jumping, that we liberate ourselves and others to jump higher and further.

8. If you are waiting for inspiration in order jump, you are a waiter.

9. St. Augustine said, “God has promised forgiveness for your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow for your procrastination.”