Out on the Ledge

Today, most of my classmates are spending a lot of time thinking about recruiting. What industry they want to work in. What roles they want to have. And how much money they need to make after graduation. So they pursue roles at consulting firms, banks and companies who market products well.  And I get why they do it. These jobs not only pay well, but they also set you up to have a pretty great career afterward. But in today’s age I don’t think that’s the right mindset for everyone. Instead, I propose the idea that in 2012, for some it’s time to go out on the ledge.

Today more than ever before, it’s the time to walk out on the ledge.  No, not there. Go further. Take one more step.

It’s time to go where it’s risky and where the big falls are. Because where there’s more risk, there’s more reward. That’s why the entrepreneurs go there. They go as far out as possible, even when there’s limited space. And they suppress their fear falling.

I propose that 2012 is the year of the ledge, not just for entrepreneurs but for more of us.  You could see it shaping for the past year. The Occupy Movements. Viral Internet campaigns like It Gets Better Project. And now policy movements like SOPA. You can see people taking a stand about what’s important and going to the edge to make something happen.

Today, more than ever before, the world needs you to go further out. To take a stand. And to risk falling to do something great.

Today, very few people do it, but tomorrow I guarantee you it will catch on. And soon the edge will no longer be the edge because a lot of us will be out there. So it will be common ground again.  When that happens, we’ll all have to go out further to the new edge.  And soon, we’ll all pause and glance back together, and we’ll see how far we’ve come.

So what are you waiting for? Go.

Thursday, January 19th, 2012 Business School, Careers

6 Comments to Out on the Ledge

[…] came here to teach people about entrepreneurial leadership.  And help emerging entrepreneurs to go out on the ledge.  In fact, the best advice he said, was “Who  cares if people don’t believe in your […]

[…] came here to teach people about entrepreneurial leadership. And help emerging entrepreneurs to go out on the ledge. In fact, the best advice he said, was “Who cares if people don’t believe in your idea? Do it […]

[…] crucial moment when you are contemplating something new and daring.  You’re out on the ledge and one part of you is ready to jump in and go for it. But another part of you isn’t sure.  […]

That Moment of Truth
October 9, 2012

[…] crucial moment when you are contemplating something new and daring.  You’re out on the ledge and one part of you is ready to jump in and go for it. But another part of you isn’t sure.  But […]

[…] deciding to take a stand on an issue that is controversial.  Going out on a limb to take on a risky project.  Or deciding to risk everything and tell someone exactly how you […]

[…] started the class by mentioning the importance of finding your edge. It reminded me of one of my old posts as well as got me thinking about the importance of […]

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Jeremy C Wilson is a JD-MBA alumni using his site to share information on education, the social enterprise revolution, entrepreneurship, and doing things differently. Feel free to send along questions or comments as you read.

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The contents of this blog are mine personally and do not reflect the views or position of Kellogg, Northwestern Law, the JD-MBA program, or any firm that I work for. I only offer my own perspective on all issues.
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