LEAP AND THE NET WILL APPEAR

I spent almost 25 years running psychiatric and general hospitals.  While the work is not always fun, it is always exciting and I enjoyed the daily challenge of trying to improve hospital operations.  More importantly, I enjoyed leading a team and I valued the friendships that developed at each hospital over the years.
                                                                                                                         
So, it was with great difficulty that I considered leaving the relative stability of hospital administration for the challenge of consulting.  I had worked with David Cawley and Jim Johnson earlier in my career, so that was not an issue, but I was anxious about the unknown, my future, and whether I’d like the life of a consultant.  I thought deeply about my decision for weeks. 
                     

                                                                                                                                                                          
In the end, a simple card from my wife made my decision for me.  Alina had watched me struggle with my decision.  One day, returning from a trip to the mall, she handed me an envelope.  Inside was a card that said simply:  “Leap and the net will appear.”  I decided to take the leap...the support and encouragement I needed to succeed did indeed appear...and I have never regretted the decision. 
                                                                                                          

And it’s like that in healthcare.  We struggle with rapid and significant change...the fear of the unknown....uncertainty about the future.  But a bright future awaits each one of us who is willing to embrace change and not falter.  Here’s the best advice I can give you:  “leap and the net will appear.”