BLOG: Leading Myself to the Edge

Leading Myself to the Edge

 

The “edge” can take many forms. It can be mental, physical, spiritual and/or financial. You can reach an edge in leading yourself and leading others.

Physically, for me, the edge was a New York City outdoor sky deck called THE EDGE. It is described as a 7500-foot platform jutting out 89 feet from a building to float above the city. The platform is 1131 feet above the ground, which is equivalent to 101 stories up. The sky deck weighs more than 60 elephants!!

I decided to visit this site and walk to the glass enclosure and have a picture taken. To say I was nervous stepping out of the elevator onto the platform is an understatement.

The edge was also a mental place for me. The isolation of the COVID pandemic contributed to my feeling fearful, concerned and stuck. I wanted to challenge myself to move beyond that state and encourage others to do the same.

Some key leadership takeaways from this experience:
* There will always be an edge
* Conquer the situations one at a time using memories from other triumphs to propel you forward
* Plan for success. Look for opportunities within that opportunity to further expand yourself.  See small gifts evident along the way. For example, the very idea to take this journey was an empowerment shift.
* Notice that fear and determination exist in the same moment. Make the choice.
* Acknowledge the fear. Let it walk with you to the edge so it can lose its influence.
* Share the experience and lessons learned to encourage others.

What has been your “edge” experience? How did you conquer the experience?     

It took some maneuvering to get myself close to the glass to look out and to look down. I began by inching in with my back to the glass and then moved sideways. All the time noticing others. Some people walked out of the elevator right over to the edge of the platform. I wondered if they had been there before.      

The closer I came to the edge of the platform the more fear and determination I felt. They seemed to co-exist. My faith in my abilities kicked in, along with the realization that I wanted this triumph. Inch by inch I was able to work my way to the edge and look out at the magnificent views above and below me.        

On this clear day, I could see 80 miles from THE EDGE platform to Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and beyond. What a reward, along with more clarity and power, for overcoming my fear as I led myself to the edge.

How will you conquer your edge? The effort is worth the reward.