As a coach, so often I speak with people about what they would do in their lives if there were no constraints holding them back.
Often times people have visions of being more creative or starting a business or traveling to new places. Inevitably, there is always a big, old BUT that comes after their exciting stories of possibility and that BUT is usually followed by a reason why they cannot make it happen. Perhaps it is not financially possible or there is a fear of failure or no one would think their idea would succeed.
I then ask them why they cannot begin to explore their curiosity. What is the harm in beginning to carve out some time to specifically explore, research and talk to others about what interests them?
The biggest obstacle I see people bump up against in trying to make purposeful change in their lives is an “all or nothing” approach. I can see the ego wanting the new endeavor to be perfect and that is just about death to any new seedling of an idea.
Does a Redwood tree come out of the ground strong, tall and robust? No, it takes time and the right conditions for it to grow and become majestic.
So instead of saying that something is impossible because there is no time or no money, or that you are not talented enough to make it happen — start small and just change your story.
- Replace negative stories with ones that support your intelligence, curiosity and innovative spirit.
- Look at articles or research on-line about your idea and see what other people are doing similar projects out in the world.
- Start sharing your visions, all imperfect and fragile, to the people you trust and get their input.
- Track your ideas in a journal when they come to you so you never loose the spark of a good idea.
One of the most powerful pieces of advice I ever received was “Fake it, until you make it.” Don’t wait to be an expert to start trying out your new idea. The new stories you tell yourself may sound contrived and funny at first but over time they become real and more powerful than the negative stories you had beforehand.
So if you have been dreaming silently to yourself for a while now about something that excites you and are afraid to act on it, today is the day to nurture that new seed. Water it with empowering stories, give it sunshine with the research and sharing you do and watch it begin to grow very slowly each day.
When proper preparation meets right timing, magic happens. Just paying attention to your new ideas will shift your energy, bring you in alignment with the mystery of life, and help you attract things you would never have imagined!
A version of this post appeared originally on On Your Path Consulting
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ABOUT JOHANNA
Johanna Beyer is the Maybrooks Lead Ambassador Coach. Johanna is the founder and principal of On Your Path Consulting and specializes in working with individuals who feel unfulfilled with their current careers and are ready to create their next stage of work that is fulfilling, challenging and purposeful. Prior to starting On Your Path Consulting, Johanna received her Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA and her Masters Degree in Organizational Development from California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. Learn more about working with Johanna.
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