For a period of time in my life I worked as an assistant for a popular childrens’ entertainer at appearances in parades, malls and sponsoring stores.  As a former pre-school and kindergarten teacher, it was pure fun to see a constant flow of smiling- laughing -giggling –wiggling- excited- happy- little people who couldn’t wait to greet this beloved character.  It wasn’t long before I noticed that I could divide these miniature fans into categories based on their approach.    

There were “Hystericals” – those children (and sometimes adults) who are terrified of characters and clown faces for unexplainable reasons.  They would take one look from 20 feet away, start screaming and bury their eyes anywhere they could. If possible they would turn and run as fast as their little legs could take them.  I always felt badly when we inadvertently surprised one of these at close proximity.  I saw sheer terror in those eyes. 

Next were the “Princesses” – little girls who are more flirty and coy at 5 years old than their 16 year old babysitters.  They would edge up closely, lower their eyes and wait to be spoken to with sweet smiles on their faces.  Once questioned, they would answer in tiny, shy little voices and gently touch his hand or face.   

In contrast there were the “Hellions” – little boys who would come out of the crowd ready to spar, kick, hit or punch – probably out of fright or embarrassment.  For some reason, stomping on the character’s feet was the method of choice.  

And lastly were “The Flying Leapers” – who came out of nowhere and actually left the ground to leap into (hopefully) waiting arms.  It was my job to keep an eye out for these creatures and assure that my partner was prepared to catch them. Their faith in being caught and loved was unshakable. 

As grownups we still approach new challenges differently and pretty much according to some innate personality traits.  Some are terrorized, some are shy.  Some folks kick and fight every inch of the way, and then there are those who just take a leap off the cliff into a new world, somehow feeling sure that they will land on their feet.    

Before you attempt to change too many parts of your life and work, you need to consider what your instinctive reaction to new experiences is, and think about how that might affect your progress. 

How do you approach new challenges in your life?  For varying reasons of personality, fear, embarrassment, or faith, we each react differently.  In order to understand how you can go about starting to make design changes to your life and work, you need to recognize what your innate reaction to change is, and then decide if you will have to adjust your response under new circumstances. 

The shy person will have to summon new levels of courage, the instinctive fighters may have to learn to accept some circumstances, and the “leapers” need to be sure they at least look over the edge first. 

One important exercise for anyone seeking to be self-employed is to understand their strengths and weaknesses and use them both to the best advantage in their pursuit of their dream.