Growing up I often heard the cautionary phrase, “young lady, don't you cross that line!" It was a warning not to push boundaries, to stay within the established limits. Back then, I heeded this advice, fearing the consequences of stepping out of line. But life had other plans for me.
I've had the privilege of meeting remarkable leaders, individuals who dared to cross boundaries, defy norms, and venture into the unknown. Among them, a 93-year-old Human Rights activist, a controversial film producer, a provocative polar explorer, a conversationalist and writer, a dedicated chief executive, a pioneering neuroscientist, a resourceful grandfather.
What I admire about each of them is their willingness to cross lines, challenge the status quo, take leaps of faith, and venture into uncharted territory. They've shown me that determination, like my grandparents had during the war, is in my DNA.
As I crossed lines, life unfolded in unexpected ways – from living and working upon the high seas to securing jobs in Maryland, Costa Rica, and London, from obtaining dual passports to exploring 63 countries, from launching my own business to writing my first book. It's been a continual design your own adventure accompanied by highs, lows, and surprises.
These ten insights stem from the wisdom gained through my encounters with leaders and my diverse life experiences as a student, teacher, leader, mentor, facilitator, and traveler.
- Allow Yourself to Stop: Amidst life's busyness, embrace the beauty of doing nothing, and take time to recharge, recalibrate and prioritize self-care.
- Be Curious Like a Child: Approach each day with wide-eyed wonder and genuine curiosity. Ask questions, explore, seek to understand the "why" and "how" of things, and remain open to learning.
- Question Your Beliefs: Be open to evolving your beliefs as you gain new experiences and perspectives.
- Develop Your Character: Recognize that your patterns and the combination of your skills, abilities, and mindset are part of what shows up to others.
- Embrace an Eclectic Network: Diversify your connections with people who challenge, inspire, and support you, and who share different viewpoints and experiences.
- Locate Your Inner Superhero: Summon your heroic traits when faced with challenges. Be brave, stand up to adversity, and approach life with confidence.
- Put It on Paper: Capture your thoughts, ideas, doodles, and inspirations on paper. Don't judge them in the moment. Instead, review and refine them later to see what valuable insights emerge.
- Lead and Lift: Use your leadership to empower those around you and make a positive impact.
- Improve by 1%: Strive to enhance three areas of your life or work by just 1% each year. This incremental progress can result in notable positive transformations. To put it in perspective, 1% of 24 hours equals roughly 14.4 minutes.
- Start the Dialogue: Engage in conversations with strangers and embrace the power of connection. Remove assumptions, ask questions, and initiate meaningful conversations.
There are lines that await your crossing be they dotted, squiggly, solid, or ever moving. How you cross them is up to you. Whether gently or boldly, they may lead you to unimaginable experiences and opportunities.
Judy Goldberg is the author of the book, Wake Up and Wondershift, and founder of Wondershift LLC, a firm focused on results-driven transformation, partnering with leaders to shift their businesses and employees to be more successful, productive, strategic, and engaged. She can be reached at judy@wondershift.biz.
