So, you may be wondering what it means to be sitting on the fence. It means you’re not 100% in on something or 100% out of it. Are you a “yes” or a “no”?
You might already be thinking of places in life where your leg or foot is on the fence; you’re not quite all in or all out.
My sitting-on-the-fence moments are more subtle. I’m quite an “all in” or “all out” kind of person. I like to try new things, put myself out there… but the other day I heard myself say, “unless no one signs up,” and I realised again… oh sh*t, I’m sitting on the fence again. I wasn’t 100% committed to the “it’s going to happen” mindset.
What decisions are you sitting on the fence about?
It sounds harmless enough. How much damage can it do to you or your business if you’re still deciding? But two years later… you’re still deciding.
There are some really subtle impacts that build up over time. Metaphorically and physically, it’s an uncomfortable place to be. It could be slowing your progress or weakening your business.
So, why does it happen? And how can we create more clarity in our business?
The Problem With Fence-Sitting
I realised recently that I had this idea for my business, I started taking action but I heard myself say, “oh but it might not happen.” I wasn’t going all in. Yep. Fence-sitting.
As soon as I recognised that, I got myself back in the game. I saw I wasn’t really taking consistent actions, other things were taking priority and I was missing opportunities. Not ideal in business.
I also notice that when I’m not fully committed, I stop trusting myself. Then things are less likely to happen, and I start questioning myself:
“What if it doesn’t work next time?”
“What will people think of me?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t do it.”
… and on and on.
The back-and-forth is emotionally draining.
Is there anywhere in your business right now where you’re doing this? Like with me, it can be really subtle.
Let’s look at a few common examples:
Pricing
“Should I raise my rates?”
“What will people think of me?”
“I could earn more money and do more with my family.”
“I don’t want all my clients to leave.”
“I could have more time to focus on the bits of business I love.”
“Maybe next week…”
Launching Something New
“Oh that’s a cool idea!”
“But what if no one turns up?”
“What if it’s stupid?”
“Do people even want this?”
“I’ll just soft launch it and see…”
Working With the Wrong Clients
“I should work with this person.”
“Hmm I feel guilty saying no.”
“I could just see how it goes…”
“I’ll say yes in case no one else comes along.”
We stay on the fence for so many reasons. Sometimes we think we’re fully committed but actually, we’re still playing it safe.
In the past, I’ve stayed on the fence because it was uncomfortably comfortable. I didn’t want to stay stuck… but I was scared to take the action I needed to move forward.
When I’d played full out, I didn’t want to get it wrong; what if I shared my ideas and nobody wanted to join. I wanted to guarantee it was the right decision. That I’d get a big “yes”, that people would jump on board, that it would work.
And I really really didn’t want to be responsible if it all went tits up.
But business doesn’t work like that. And thank goodness it doesn’t, because there’s real power in choosing.
When I’ve had those powerful “all in” moments, decisions happen in a snap. I don’t waste hours weighing the pros and cons.
Bam. I’ve decided. Next.
Taking action leads to actual feedback (not the made-up stuff swirling in your head). Even if it doesn’t work, you learn, you move forward, you choose a different path.
And remember: saying “no” or “not right now” is still a decision.
How to Practise Getting Off the Fence
Give Yourself Permission to Fail
If you run a business, some things won’t work.
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot — and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”
— Michael Jordan
You have to try new things to move forward. It will be uncomfortable. Things can go wrong. Some people won’t like it. That’s the game. Learn. Grow.
Give Yourself a Time Frame
Say: “I’m going to play full out for 30 days.”
“I’m going to run this programme for 12 weeks.”
“I’ll evaluate after 3 months.”
Commit fully during that time and then evaluate, don’t ruminate.
Shift Your Mindset
Being “all in” doesn’t mean being reckless. It means choosing a direction without needing guarantees.
It’s about trying things, learning from them, and moving forward, rather than standing still hoping for a perfect plan.
What’s one area of your business where you’re sitting on the fence?
Are you ready to get off it and choose a direction?
What action could you take this week to move forward and find out what works?
Do you need some help? Are you ready for a breakthrough in your business?
It’s time to get off the fence. Book a 1:1 discovery call with me, and let’s look at where you’re sitting on the fence, and decide what’s next.
(Check-in, are you on the fence about booking a call with me?!)
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