The scene: a quiet Midwestern town in early June, where mornings begin by the pool, setting the rhythm of the day. A group of young girls and I gather at the water’s edge, their chatter and laughter filling the cool morning air as they wait for practice to start.

I glance at my teammates—confident and familiar faces effortlessly diving in—and feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. I’ve spent weeks practicing alone, but today is my first time joining an organized swim team. My chest tightens, doubt creeping in like a shadow.

Then, I make a decision. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and leap.

The splash breaks the silence as I plunge beneath the surface. Emerging, gasping for air, the icy water jolts me into the moment.

Mornings like these became a ritual. Just after dawn, as the sky blushed with hues of red and pink, we’d meet at the City Park pool. Swim caps secured, goggles adjusted, toes curling over the wet concrete edge. The water lay still, a deceptively calm expanse hiding its frigid bite. Each day, we hesitated.

The breath-stealing cold awaited. Our small frames shivered, lips tinged faintly blue, and we silently wondered why we returned. Teeth chattered, goosebumps rose, and time seemed to stretch in those final moments of hesitation. But then, one of us would jump. The icy shock would give way to the warmth of movement. Stroke after stroke, lap after lap, we found our rhythm. The hardest part—beginning—always seemed so insignificant once it was behind us.

Life hasn’t changed much since those mornings. That first leap—the act of “jumping in”—is still the hardest part. But it’s also where the magic begins.

Why Is Starting Always the Toughest Part?

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The moments before stepping into something new feel overwhelming. Oftentimes, it comes with a list of “what-ifs.” What if I fail? What if I look foolish? What if I don’t belong? Yet, the beauty of life often lies just beyond that hesitation.

Think about it:

  • Standing nervously outside a networking event: Your palms are sweaty, and doubts swirl. Will anyone talk to me? Will I bring value to this room? But that first step inside is the moment that opens the door to new connections and opportunities.
  • Watching a meeting unfold from the sidelines: You want to contribute, you know you have ideas worth sharing, but you hold back. Taking the leap to raise your hand or share your perspective might be the spark that changes the course of a project.
  • Launching a passion project or side hustle: It’s been sitting in the back of your mind, patiently waiting while you overthink every detail. The moment you start—even with messy first steps—is the moment you turn a dream into action.

The hardest part is always that leap into the unknown. Without it, so much remains undone.

The Power of Just Jumping In

There’s a certain magic in committing to that first step, whether it’s a tiny toe-dip or a full-fledged cannonball. It’s often less about skill and more about showing up. You don’t always have to be the best at something to begin it; you just have to be willing to try.

Here’s what jumping in can teach you:

  • Resilience: That initial discomfort is temporary. Once you’re immersed, you adapt, you grow, and you find yourself stronger on the other side.
  • Clarity: It’s impossible to know what lies ahead when you’re standing at the edge. Taking the leap opens up a world of experiences and clarity you couldn’t have gained otherwise.
  • Momentum: Starting builds momentum. One step leads to another, and before you know it, you’re further along than you thought possible.

How to Take the Leap

For those standing on the edge of something new, here are a few reminders to make that jump a little less daunting:

  • Start Small: You don’t have to cannonball your way into the deep end. Maybe it’s sending one email, signing up for an intro class, or attending your very first meetup. Small steps make big leaps possible.
  • Focus on Action, Not Perfection: Too often, we hold back because we fear failing. Accept right now that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Forward is the goal.
  • Feel the Fear… and Move Anyway: Acknowledge your nervousness, but don’t sit in it. Fear is just your body’s way of preparing you for something big. Use it to fuel your courage.
  • Find Community: Whether it’s peers navigating similar waters or mentors who’ve been where you are, surround yourself with people who encourage you to keep going.

The Ripple Effect

Taking that first leap can create a ripple effect you never saw coming. A casual chat at a networking event could lead to a future business partner. A single comment in a meeting might ignite a groundbreaking project. And that passion project you’ve been nurturing? It could grow into something far beyond your wildest expectations.

Think back to those summer mornings by the pool. The hardest part was always the jump. But the thrill of gliding through the water, the rhythm of each lap, and the pride of overcoming the hesitation? That made the leap more than worth it.

What Will You Jump Into Today?

Is there something you’ve been thinking about trying? A business idea you’ve been mulling over or a skill you’ve been curious about? Instead of shelving it for “someday,” why not make today the day you jump in?

That first step might just be exactly what you need to discover what you’re capable. Life’s too short to watch from the sidelines. Take a deep breath, and make that leap.

Your next adventure is waiting. Will you jump?