Stuck on the Zip Line: A Lesson in Momentum

Ever felt like you were dangling in mid-air? Like you were stuck on a zip line?

A friend of mine had that experience a few weeks ago. Determined to start the New Year with strength, she signed up for a zip line experience (something she had always wanted to do).

She grabbed a brave friend. Climbed up the platform. Got all tightened up in her harness and looked at the course ahead of her.

She assessed the thin zip line, the open air and the deep drop below.

Then came another piece of information that required the ultimate trust on her part.

Apparently, to successfully get to the other side of a zip line experience, you have to take a running leap off of the platform. You can’t just step off and glide to the other side. You have to commit with determination. Gain some momentum and leap! Otherwise, you are likely to get stuck in the middle of your journey to the other side.

She laughed and told me that she didn’t quite have enough momentum to get to the other side. Her momentum stopped just short of the other platform and she was left dangling – almost having reached her goal.

Have no fear, my friend received some help – the experts threw her a rope and she pulled herself to the other side. She reached her goal with a little help from the team! And, she says she is determined to take a running leap the next time.

As I listened to her story, I thought about all of my dreams for the year. I thought about the momentum that it will take to get from here to there.

It's never too late in the year to reflect, dream and plan.

Where do you need to take a running leap this year? What do you hope to learn and/or do?

Recommit now. Take the leap and jump with gusto.

© Kathy Sturgis, Ph.D. Kathy is founder of Refreshment Zone and is an organizational and personal development specialist with a doctorate in communication. Contact kathy@refreshmentzone.com for more information on motivational programs.​