The Indiana Jones Approach to Dreams: Taking the First Step
I am notoriously risk-averse when it comes to gambling. Back in high school, my little brother and I visited my uncle in Florida, and he treated us to a cruise. Each of us received $100 in cash to try our luck in the international waters’ casino. While the boat set sail, offering an array of gambling options, I clung tightly to my $100 bill. Instead of diving into the world of chance, I found myself on the deck, mesmerized by the rolling waves. It was a night well spent, but my uncle was far from pleased to discover I hadn’t risked a single penny. My reluctance to gamble money often brings to mind the Bible verse Matthew 25:18, evoking the image of burying one’s talents in the ground. When it comes to financial risks, I tend to hit the cash-out button swiftly, earning me the label of risk-averse.
Conversely, when it comes to life’s risks, my approach takes a 180-degree turn. One of my all-time favorite movie scenes depicts Indiana Jones’s leap of faith in The Last Crusade. Faced with an apparent abyss, he utters, “Impossible… no one can jump this.” The leap of faith seems insurmountable when viewed as an attempt to vault over the chasm. However, Indiana Jones consults his notebook, recalling that it’s a leap of faith. His dying father’s words echo, “You must believe.” Jones closes his eyes, places his hand on his heart, and takes a deep breath. This isn’t about physical prowess, a running start, or a grand leap. Instead, he lifts one foot and takes a single step, trusting that he’ll find support in that initial move.
This analogy resonates as I reflect on the concept of risk. How often have I encountered a challenge and immediately deemed it “impossible”? More times than I care to admit. The impossibility stems from my perspective—wanting to leap across the entire obstacle. What if, instead of fixating on a daunting leap, success hinges on that crucial first step? Without faith in something greater than myself, or in the possibility of a miraculous intervention, I exert every ounce of effort to surmount challenges independently. Yet, akin to Indiana Jones’s leap, I recognize that some leaps are beyond my capacity.
Applying this perspective to my dream of entering the publishing world, I find myself standing on one side, while the distant realm of publishing lies galaxies away. The gap appears insurmountable, encompassing tasks like writing, editing, and cultivating a social media following. I stand on the edge, yearning to leap yet gripped by fear. What’s lacking isn’t the physical strength to make the leap but faith—a realization that strikes me profoundly. I’ve been standing on the edge, believing I lack the necessary writing skills to succeed. Fear has confined me, as I mistakenly viewed the journey as a colossal leap rather than a sequence of manageable steps.
Adopting a different perspective, one centered on a leap of faith, illuminates the importance of believing in the resources within me. It involves trusting that the first step, when taken, will lead to subsequent opportunities. It requires acknowledging that I won’t plummet to my demise with that initial step; a foundation of support awaits me. Reflecting on where I’ve lacked trust and faith, I realize my reluctance to perceive this journey as a process rather than a fixed destination. I’ve been fixated on reaching the publishing realm, neglecting the transformative journey across the void. What changes within me during this traverse? While this revelation feels fresh, I recall the wisdom shared by numerous authors—they emphasize the significance of putting one’s butt in the chair, steering clear of discussions about raw talent, ability, or experience. It’s about the commitment to sit down and write, to take the first step without the burden of knowing how to traverse the entire distance.
This morning brings a sense of relief. It implies that I’m on the right path, dispelling the heaviness that clung to me in recent weeks. I completed my first draft during the summer, yet it sits on my computer as Christmas approaches. Why hasn’t it ventured beyond my computer’s confines? Why am I evading its release, reminiscent of my previous book? My focus on the destination has overshadowed the value of my writing practice. The truth unfolds—I’ve been consistently writing, inadvertently amassing enough content for a second book. I didn’t plan for this sequel, at least not now; yet, here I am, navigating the editing phase. Despite my initial concerns, I’m engaging in what I feel compelled to do: write.
As I reflect on the dreams nestled in your heart, I implore you to heed their call. Are you teetering on the edge of the gap, paralyzed by the vast expanse between your current state and the realization of your dreams? Perhaps, like me, you’ve perceived this traverse as an insurmountable leap. Are you waiting until every requisite resource lines up before venturing into the unknown? Attempting to jump it in a single leap is akin to an impossible feat. What if, instead, it’s more about a leap of faith—a belief that the essence lies in the first step? What would you need to believe to summon the courage for that inaugural move?
Staying within our comfort zones feels safe and predictable, a choice we make for years or even decades. The familiarity provides a sense of security—we know what to expect, and we’re aware of our capabilities. This represents a leap we’re confident we can conquer in a single bound. But what if we considered a single step outside the comfort zone? What if, rather than fixating on an ambitious leap, we committed to continuous steps forward? A coach once told me, “Take the first step, and then it’s easy—just stop stopping.” The simplicity of this advice struck a chord, and indeed, the key might be in the commitment to perpetual movement. So, as we embark on our respective journeys, let’s embrace the wisdom that it’s not solely about reaching the destination; the magic unfolds in every intentional step we take. Today, we celebrate the power of belief and the transformative nature of our journey—a journey that demands faith in the first step and the resilience to keep stepping forward.
In the dance between caution and courage, my gambling reluctance juxtaposed with Indiana Jones’s daring leap represents a profound realization. Life’s risks, especially in creative pursuits, are not colossal leaps but nuanced steps of faith. Focused on the destination of publishing, I overlooked the transformative journey—the intricate steps shaping me along the way. This morning’s revelation is a testament to the wisdom echoed by seasoned authors: it’s about putting words on paper, taking that first step without the burden of knowing the entire path. So, as I navigate the gap between where I am and the realization of my dreams, I’ve learned that the magic lies not just in reaching the other side but in every deliberate step taken along the way. It’s a reminder that the journey itself is the reward, and the first step, wrapped in faith, holds the power to transform the impossible into a tangible reality.
