"Sometimes you have to jump over your own shadow". I heard this phrase said on a podcast recently, in reference to taking a risk. I love it. It stuck with me because a) it’s so visual, b) it’s so personal and c) it’s so true.

We all have different attitudes to risk. To some people, they avoid risk at all costs. It's seen as being dangerous, as being a threat to the status quo, and ultimately might get us in trouble (and to our prehistoric Lizard Brain, that means killed. Risk, for them, triggers an immediate aversion also, because it seems so big. It looms, and crowds out possibility.

Some people understand that not all risk is equal. Sure, jumping out of a plane is risky, but most of the time, it’s fine. We are all acquainted with the idea that driving to the airport is more dangerous than the plane flight itself. But thats harder to understand, especially if you fear flying.

Richard Branson is often seen as a risk taker, when really, he is very good at understanding and managing risk. When he launched Virgin Airways, he did so under a leasing arrangement with Boeing. If the venture wasn't a success, he could return the planes within a year. Downside capped.

The thought and the feeling that "this is too dangerous", be it jumping out of a plane, or pitching that new idea to your boss, can be overwhelming. Our Imposter Syndrome kicks in, and keeps us tight with our shadow, the part of us that will never go away, but often needs to be put in the passenger seat to allow us to drive.

What does it take for you to not be afraid of your shadow, and to jump? After all, thats where possibility is ready to greet you.