One attribute that seems to be common within members of the AC community is that we are starters. We love to make new things, and we embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and exploration. This means that a frequent topic of e-mails we receive is – in some form – a question about how and when to break out from the traditional 9-to-5 and start a business. Making intuitive and courageous leaps is core to the ethic of being prolific, brilliant and healthy.

But how do you know when it’s time to start something new? That was the topic of conversation when I recently caught up with Bryn Mooth, freelance writer and founder of Writes4Food. For those who don’t know her, Bryn is the former Editor of HOW magazine, and recently reached a crossroads in life and career that suggested that it was time to make a break from her well-established, 20 year career path and begin life anew as a freelance writer. (Bryn also shared some of her thoughts about this a few months ago in a guest article.)

A few highlights/learnings I took away from the interview:

1.  It’s rare that there is a “beacon of clarity” around when to make a move. It’s more like a series of subtle prompts that are easily overlooked if you’re not paying attention.
2. Courage is always necessary. If you wait until things are perfectly safe, you may miss your opportunity. But…
3. There’s a difference between a risk and a gamble. There needs to be a clear path forward before proceeding with your plan to launch something new. And…
4. It’s always important to make sure you’re running toward something, not running away from something. Otherwise you’re likely to find yourself in a desert space between desire and ability.

I’m thankful to Bryn for taking the time to share her insights about starting something new. Enjoy!