It is all very well just “jumping in” and tackling a task “head on”, but often this will not be as effective if you have not first “laid the groundwork”. This simple, but evocative expression can be used in a range of contexts to express that the foundations of something have been established.
One way to step out from the sidelines is to be “given the green light” to do something. This simple but effective image sums up transforming an idle state into an active one. A similar expression is “to get the nod” to do something. After all, sometimes, it takes a nod to approve someone to get started.
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, an attempt to solve a problem can result in many more problems. Sound familiar? If so, then you will know what it feels like to “open up a can of worms”. It may not be the most pleasant image, but this expression perfectly captures the chaos and unpleasantness which can come about in such situations.
So you can certainly specialize, but not without making sure to divert your focus to other areas from time to time in order to acquire broader knowledge and benefit from advantages, i.e. “the best of both worlds”.
In such a case, you may need to “retrace your steps” and start again. “Taking a step back” more generally can sometimes be useful. By doing so, you can “gain some distance” and “put things into perspective”.
Achieving a goal may require you to step out of your comfort zone, support yourself, and “step up.” This term refers to the square plates used to mark the bases in baseball and represents a player stepping up to bat and meeting a challenge head-on.