I’m about to hire my first full-time employee. In total, he/she will “cost” me about $80,000 per year.
That’s not $80,000 that miraculously appears out of thin air when upper management gives me the headcount.
As the business owner, it’s $80,000 that I – Rick Valenzi – will not put in my bank account this year or any year after that.
Rationally, I know that hiring our new Service Associate will give me a return of MORE than $80,000.
But emotionally, I’m like “Wait. What am I thinking?! I could definitely use an extra $80,000 right now!”
It’s very scary not having your logic and emotions line up, but I think that happens anytime you’re stepping over a gap.
There’s a gap between where I am – Point A – and where I want to be – Point B.
The way I picture it is I need to grow big enough while at Point A, so I can step over the gap to Point B.
I’m now big enough to step over that gap. In fact, I’ve grown enough that I don’t have a choice. Point A can’t support my weight anymore.
So here I go!…
…except in this moment, I’m mid-stride. I have one foot on either side.
And it feels very scary and extremely vulnerable.
My old identity is kicking and screaming yelling, “It’s cool back here! You know what you’re doing! It’s warm and comfortable and easy. Why would you ever leave?!”
While my new identity is quietly and calmly encouraging me to the other side reminding me that the next phase is my destiny.
But man, I just can’t help thinking about someone coming along and kicking me in the groin while I straddling the gap.