The Decision That Changed Everything

I hung two swings in the front yard and it changed my life!

Here’s what happened: We love our neighbourhood, but since it’s not unusual for things to get stolen from the front yard, I’ve been keeping bikes, toys, and swings in the back. But they weren’t getting used, so I decided to take a risk and moved them to the front. 

Here’s what I thought would happen: My son and his friend would use them a bit more often.

Here’s what actually happened: Every single child that walked past our house, wanted to play on those swings.

This gang of neighbourhood kids started gathering in front of my house every evening. With their parents. 

The kids would take turns swinging. Usually somebody had bikes to ride. Sometimes there was sidewalk chalk.

The parents stood around and chatted. Some drank coffee. Occasionally, someone would bring a box of freezies.

We learned each other’s names, our kids’ ages, where they went to school. 

We started a WhatsApp group so we could stay in touch. 

We made friends. 

The thing is, I moved into this house two years ago. I’ve met neighbours. I’ve joined organizations. I’ve initiated tons of playdates with tons of kids from school, skating, swimming. 

But hanging the swings in the front yard gave me a community.

That one, seemingly insignificant decision changed everything.

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There are lots of moments like that in life. 

These moments when we say yes to something, put ourselves out there. 

And, even though it’s risky, somehow we just KNOW it’s the right thing to do.

That’s how I felt at 15 when I registered for a leadership development camp that changed how I thought about myself and what I was capable of. 

Or when I decided against grad school, in favour of a front line role with a non-profit that would lay the foundation for my philosophy of leadership.

Or when I texted my social worker, in the early days of Covid, “I’m home because of the lockdown…I could take a baby right now,” having no idea that was the conversation that would make me a mom.

What decision changed your life?

Whether they’re big or small, most decisions that change our lives have some things in common. I’m willing to bet yours…

• Took initiative: The best things in life don’t just happen. You have to start - raise your hand, sign up, say yes. That’s hard sometimes. But it’s also empowering: You can bring change into your life! Listen, I would never have welcomed my son if I hadn’t sent that text. If you’re wishing something would change, take initiative. You never know what can happen!

• Felt risky: This is literally the standard. A new job. A new relationship. Even moving my swings - such a silly example - felt risky because I knew they might get stolen. Listen, you have to jump out of the nest if you want to fly! Don’t be afraid of vulnerability. That usually means it’s worthwhile.

• Required investment: Sometimes it’s time, sometimes money, but it always costs something. That’s okay! Don’t feel bad about that. Women, especially, tend to feel guilty about investing in ourselves. But remember, this is about change. It’s about the future. You have to invest in order to see a return. Just last week, I bought a third swing - now even more kids can play!

• Opened the door for new relationships: This one is so funny, because it’s unexpected. But major change is often about relationships. New networks, friends, partners, colleagues - who stretch our perspective, and open new possibilities. Don’t ignore the new people who come into your life through change. They might become major players in your future.

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Now, here’s the shameless promotion for The Leaders Circle:

If you’re new here, The Leaders Circle is a course I created to make the foundations of leadership accessible to everyone. I love helping people develop as leaders, and this is one of the best ways I do it.

For some of you, this course could be the decision that changes everything. 

It will equip you to take your leadership to the next level and learn how to help your team succeed. Learning to lead from purpose, from strategy, from values and intention…that can change everything.

I just got off a call with someone who registered for the October cohort. They’ve followed me for awhile, but they shared, “I opened that email and I just knew this was the right moment! This is what I need right now.”

It’s risky. It requires investment and initiative. It opens you up to a whole new set of relationships. 

And it might be exactly what you need.

Register right HERE.

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What decision changed your life? 

What change are you hoping for next?

Let’s talk about how to get started.