Jen Sincero: Upgrade

From Los Angeles Incubator Leader Jen Sincero who is also the author, sex expert and DJ.

I recently moved out of the smallest apartment I’ve ever lived in (and that includes the 7 years I spent in NYC).  It was a hard, uncomfy choice to move in the first place, but it was 4 blocks from the
beach in Venice, a place that, unlike the rest of Los Angeles, makes my little heart sing. 

Venice has always been the Holy Grail of neighborhoods for me, and I was ready to move there long before I actually did, but I put it off because I knew that the only places I’d be able to afford would be so sketchy I’d be scared to walk around in them barefoot.

When I found my beloved little veal pen, it was not only the cleanest place I’d seen, but it was cheap, sunny, on a perfect block and, most importantly, I could hear the waves crashing from my open bedroom
window.  Who cares that it was so small that I could get something out of the fridge and answer the front door without getting up from the toilet?  I was miserable living where I was living.  I was beyond ready to move.  So I took it.

As I write this from my new, spacious and sunny beach house, I’m struck by how important this lesson is to remember in all aspects of life. If there’s something you really want, the important thing is that you make a move towards it, regardless of how uncomfy your landing pad may be. The critical thing is that you take the leap, that you get moving instead of being paralyzed by how much you may end up “downsizing” or putting yourself at risk.  Because the beauty of sacrifice is that it means you’re ready to grow into something else, and if you never make that sacrifice, you’re just stagnant - an object in motion stays in motion, an object stuck at her soul-sucking day job because she’s too scared to lose her benefits and start her dream company dies with huge regrets. Once you take that first, invigorating leap, it inspires you  to keep moving and growing, so don’t be upset if you’ve landed somewhere “beneath” you at first, but rather be glad you’re not where you once stood anymore.

At the end of the day, nothing is as uncomfortable as settling for a life you’re not excited to live, not even an apartment that makes you feel like "Alice in Wonderland" every time you stand up. I was so much happier there than where I came from because I was on my way.  And as far as I’m concerned, there is no upgrade as fancy as going after your dreams.

Comments

[Robin]

Jen your sentiments ring true. I have left my full-time job to spend more time with my family and create a life and business that fits in with my lifestyle. But sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and say "did I quit my job?", "why did I do that?". Without a fancy title, or an office it's hard to find one's identity that was so intertwined with those things for so long. (9 years!)The first week, I wandered around my neighborhood, a little lost by being outside during the midday hours instead of being behind a desk. It didn't take long to start breathing in the fresh air, and get excited by the possible new experiences to have, new people to meet, new risks to take.

While things may be unstable for now and money a bit tight, I am confident that what lies ahead will only be positive. Many LWL'ers have taken the leap and others are still contemplating. You will know when the time is right, and have faith. It's all good!

[Burgy]

Just goes to show, sometimes ya' gotta do something even if it's wrong. Great post, keep 'em coming. You are inspiring.