This last week, I’ve been out of town training and engaged in several interesting endeavors at home. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve met people who are excited and passionate about their life. I found myself thinking how wonderful it is to be on the leading edge of life, “pushing the edge of the envelope” and “being ahead of the curve”. What do these expressions mean?
I learned the term “pushing the edge of the envelope” was initiated in the aeronautical field in the 1950’s. It relates to testing and pushing a jet plane beyond the “specification envelope” to determine what it can do. This exercise helps establish the next level of design. Technological improvements are often graphed as curves, with rapid growth at the top and leveling off to show its limits. Hence the term, “being ahead of the curve”. All these expressions are relevant to the idea of moving yourself forward. *
I realized I’m surrounded by it. In fact, one of the people I met while traveling, develops new petroleum products to meet the specifications of huge jet engines that propel new technology. His excitement about his work and mentoring young people comes from the joy of being in a mode of constant discovery. I came home to see this same exhilaration as my musician friends explored new styles of music, my niece discussed her field of arts management, my artist friends launch new shows, and my colleague presented her fascinating holistic medicine services. I’m experiencing it too as I discover new ways to expand and present my work.
Yes, it’s this surge of excitement of being on the leading edge that I’d like to explore. How do we get there and how do we maintain it, no matter our age? Here are some thoughts:
ALLOW TIME FOR INSPIRATION
Being open to new ideas and innovation usually requires allowing your mind to be in a state of rest and ease so inspiration can float in. Being anxious, overworked, tired or worried doesn’t help you get ahead, in fact, it usually sets you back.
Inspiration needs a clear mind, an open, excited and receptive mind to come in. Carving out time to meditate, walk or be alone with your own drifting thoughts is a gift only you can give yourselves. It won’t happen unless you are interested and willing to give yourself the time for it to find you.
Give yourself permission to seek and explore ways you can push the envelope of your life.
BE OPEN TO NEW THINGS
It requires being open to discovery and new ideas. To take what you are doing to the next new level, learn new things, take some classes. Expand and grow your sense of self by doing your interior work – get over whatever hangs you up or blocks you from growing. All this will help move your life forward.
What better time than now to push yourself to learn and grow – there is so much joy to discover.
SAY YES TO OPPORTUNITY
Once you’re open to inspiration and new ideas, you then need to notice when new opportunities present themselves. It takes an open attitude to even notice when they arrive, because they will, often in surprising ways.
When you recognize them being presented, you say YES. Like for me, it was the invitation to speak on a webinar, make a presentation, and do a video. Whatever it is, realize it is your answer to your internal desire to move forward. Look for the opportunity, then notice and catch it when it comes.
Before you have time to talk yourself out of it – you say yes when opportunity knocks.
TAKE THE RISK
What actually puts you on the leading edge of your life? It’s taking risks – doing things that scare you a bit because you are stepping into uncharted waters. It’s those things you’ll be excited to experience, especially once you’ve started. It may make you nervous, you might have to talk yourself into it. But when you do it anyway, there are no regrets because you have expanded yourself.
Pushing yourself to the next level often means getting past the initial trepidation. Once you’re on the path, it will unfold in front of you as one new thing leads to the next in a natural progression. That’s when you know you are in the flow of the leading edge of your life, as you’re doing it.
Give yourself the chance to experience the exhilaration of finding your leading edge – just like the jets pushing the edge of the envelope.
How are you expanding your life? Are you looking for ways to learn and grow? Are you experiencing the excitement of discovery in your life? It’s all possible, no matter your age or circumstances. It all starts with the inspiration and the desire to grow, looking for the opportunity and taking the risk. You’ll be glad you did it.
If you’d like to explore ways your life can expand to the next level, I’d love to support you on the journey. My Transformation Life Coaching is designed to assist with unblocking and discovering the path that makes your heart sing. See my website www.spectrumtransformation.com for more information and use my Free Consultation button to reach me. I’d love to hear from you.
