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When we set out to do something how much we think is at stake determines how carefree or fearful we approach the task.
Growing up, well, getting out of East Germany before the wall came down changed my perspective on what really is at stake when it comes to moving countries or starting a business, and I'm inviting you to check yours too.
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Growing up in East Germany helped.
Perhaps not so much living behind the wall but getting out of East Germany before it was officially knocked over.
When people hear that I quit my job and moved to Spain to start a sewing business I knew nothing about the most common reaction is along the lines of, “Oh, that's so courageous! Weren't you scared?”
I'd never thought of it like that. It just felt like something I didn't want to later regret not having done, in a “let's see what happens” kind of way, and there seemed to be nothing at stake.
Things are scary when there is a lot at stake.
Just think of walking along a white line on the ground. Easy.
Now imagine being a gymnast and doing the same on a high beam. Not quite as easy?
Now imagine yourself on a high rope .. you see where I'm going with this.
Getting out of East Germany before 1989 involved “burning your bridges” – giving up on any future there, without knowing if and when you'd ever be allowed out + knowing that when you do get out you'll never be able to come back, not even for a visit. True 1-way ticket.
Compared to that, things like moving to Australia or starting a business in Spain are no big deal.
So what's at stake? Where in your life do you feel like you're on a high rope when it's really just a line on the ground?
