Jumping in to your new life - lessons from my disastrous snowboarding holidays

Have you ever been snowboarding? About 15 years ago I went to Andorra and Austria in an attempt to fall in love with snowboarding. I bloody hated it. I loathe snow and I don't like feeling cold (facts I chose to ignore when I booked these holidays), plus the sad reality is I'm a very clumsy "accident magnet".

After two disastrous weeks away, I hung up my boarding boots, sold my board and vowed never to return to a ski resort again.

However, I did gain one important lesson from my experience...and it was the reason I got so badly bruised on the slopes. The key to snowboarding is to throw yourself in to it. As you head down the mountain at break-neck speed, your best option to slow down is to turn and change direction. In order to complete this manoeuvre successfully you need to lean your body in to the turn and fully commit to it. I learnt this lesson the hard way when I wavered at the last second, my board flipped out and the first thing to hit the icy ground was my head...ouch!

This golden rule can also be applied to business. A few years ago I was a business and marketing coach working with and array of small to medium enterprises. I noticed the difference between those that succeeded and those that went bust was their level of commitment and conviction plus their ability to face change head-on. Those that wavered, failed to make strong decisions and delayed action had a limited lifespan compared to those that were decisive, clear and proactive.

I've also noticed this in my private life. A few years ago I was struggling with my newly single status. I couldn't figure out why I was feeling so sad and confused about my situation, but I was constantly feeling crappy and tearful. I knew my decision to leave was for the best, but I couldn't get my arse in to gear and move on with positivity and happiness.

I got talking to a relationship expert and she pointed out my issue was I hadn't fully embraced my singledom - I couldn't relate to myself as a co-parent and I hadn't committed to flying solo. And without making that mental shift, I was living in purgatory between my old and new lives.

As soon as she said it I relived my experience of careering down a mountain in the Pyrenees, about to land head-first again, only this time it was going to feel even more painful. Her insight provided a real "a-ha" moment.

Over the following months I reflected on my new life, took a deep breath and embraced my new status. Once I finally acknowledged the changes I felt happy, strong and FREE. I felt like I owned my life again and was able to make decisions and plans as a fully-fledged single woman, knowing that's 100% what I am. As soon as I stopped wavering on the precipice I started living my exciting new life.

If you life has changed recently in terms of your relationship, work, friendships, living, parental or other status, it's really important to acknowledge the changes and own them so you can fully live your new existence, own your power and make the most of any opportunities that come your way. If you look backwards you'll miss out and rob yourself of the positives of your new situation.

So my advice, for what it's worth, is to jump in boots and all - go for it! Enjoy your new life. Jump off the precipice, look forward and keep on going. Enjoy!! 

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