“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anaïs Nin
One of the most enjoyable moments for any manager comes when one of those for whom he is responsible takes the leap from bud to blossom. I’ve had a lot of that happening around me lately; such is the natural course when significant personal investments are made in learning and crucial decisions are taken to step out of one’s comfort zone.
It has been my experience that people generally fret more about the risk it takes to blossom than they do concern themselves with the risk of remaining tight in a bud. Moreover, I’ve come to recognize that in all of life you are either growing or decreasing. Those who content themselves with being a bud in any phase of living eventually wither in that area, while those who open themselves to new experiences and further challenges ultimately thrive.
Gregory Hake 
At this stage of my life what you are talking about is one of my major “why’s” Gregg. I have found that when we can let go of our fear of outcome and instead can focus on simply jumping in and starting to do something that stretches us, than we are more likely to make the smooth steps from fear and resistance to simply doing it. And once we start discovering what we (and most significantly others) are capable of, oh my gosh, barriers become removed rapidly. And yes, it is perhaps one of the finest examples of making a difference in the lives of others – encouragement and guidance from where one is at to a place where one they can look back on with pride and joy.
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As a manager, I would have to agree and hope that I will be remembered as one who continually offers that opportunity to others. We can never underestimate the power of encouragement and trust in those around us. I love to see people step out of that comfort zone and am continually amazed at how amazing people are!
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Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to start that transition but that is where belief in yourself and self confidence are nurtured, and will eventually become habit. I’ve appreciated in my experience those that have nudged me along the way and often in the beginning saw more possibility in me than I was able to see in myself. This changes with success and you begin to blossom automatically and you find others are influenced by your experience to let it happen in their lives. It is another way of making a difference. Each persons positive journey, blossoming, creates…well…a beautiful garden to live and work in.
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