What is TakeLeaps.com?
Take Leaps means Do things you want to do - but might not normally do - and do them sooner than later. Do different things. (Or the same things in different ways). Whatever it is, get started. Escape your comfort zone, think big, explore your big & bold ideas, take risks, come up with solutions to improve the world around us, do something creative, stretch your boundaries, learn new things, be inspired, figure out what you have a passion for & pursue that path -- as long as it's something positive -- even if it is a path that does not yet exist. It means Live life to the fullest & explore every opportunity it provides. Travel with a sense of purpose. No excuses. Never settle. For each of us, these general concepts are applied in a different, specific way. It all depends on what we have done & what we normally would do.
How did TakeLeaps.com get started?
It was started by Greg Forbes Siegman. His interest in Leaps was shaped by a series of different -- mostly difficult -- experiences. At 18, he was rejected from every college in America that he wanted to attend. The experience humbled him and nearly broke him - but ultimately strengthened him. Click here to read an article about how he dealt with the setback and how it drove him to take a leap and build something positive for others. When he was 20, he received -- but passed up -- the opportunity to work & study in England for a year. It became one of his great regrets in life. Since then, he has tried to seize opportunities to go new places, try new things & learn about new subjects -- & hopefully leave each place a little better than he found it. One of those opportunities came in 2008, when he served as Scholar-in-Residence for a civic engagement program in South Africa. The trip inspired him to stretch his boundaries (further), explore (more) possibilities, Take (more) Leaps & to encourage others to do the same. In addition, the premature passing of three friends & Greg's own spinal injury & surgery also reinforced the importance of making the most of life while the opportunity is there to do it, rebuilding after setbacks, & trying your best to make a difference in the process. Over the next year or two, that process evolved into 'taking a leap' and starting a pilot test of TakeLeaps.com
Does a Leap have to involve physical risk?
Absolutely not. A Leap can be jumping out of a plane, but it also can be signing up for a cooking class - or - trying to hatch ideas that will tackle problems that impact the world outside your window. Again, as it is intended here, Take Leaps simply means step out of your comfort zone, try things you wouldn't normally try, make a difference, do it with enthusiasm & a smile & do it as soon as you reasonably can instead of delaying them until 'some day' down the road.
Can anyone Take Leaps?
Absolutely. Just remember we are not responsible in any way for what you do or your safety doing it. So -- be smart, be safe, make sure the Leap is something positive, make sure you have the necessary permissions (a doctor, local officials, etc) & talk to the right experts to make sure you've taken any necessary precautions to help ensure nobody gets hurt. If you are a minor, talk with a parent/guardian before you take any Leaps whatsoever -- even if it's a Leap as seemingly safe as playing checkers for the first time. If you are a minor, you should still make sure you have permission from a parent/guardian before doing it. And remember: Leaps - as they are intended here - don't have to involve literal leaps. They can be 'feet-on-the-ground' activities like learning a foreign language. It is about trying new, positive things.
Benefit to Leaps?
Some fun, potentially life-changing experiences. Leaps give you a chance to explore new possibilities & learn new things. They can be an opportunity to stretch & reinvent yourself, discover new interests & talents you possess, become more outgoing, and in short, live a little. The process -- choosing the Leap, researching it, commuting to the location where you do it & doing it -- can lead you to cross paths with incredible people, places & things emerging along the way. Best of all, Leaps can also create opportunities for you to make a difference in the lives of others.