Change, like life, happens with or without any help from
us. Growth, however, comes only through
our intentional actions. People love and
hate change at the same time. While
wishing for things to remain the same in our lives (comfort, security, job,
environment, friends, relationships), we really want them to get better (rarely
wanting discomfort, negative change or inconvenience in our lives). Wanting it “both ways,” we often refuse to invest the
necessary “sweat equity” to make change happen.
When handed to us, we are more than happy to take it. We are less likely to actively identify areas
needing change then intentionally acting to put them behind us while moving
forward in a different direction – leaving behind what is comfortable (and holding
us back) while hoisting our sails to capture the winds of a new tomorrow
(venturing into unknown territory holding not yet realized opportunity). Though we may not always know where the winds
will lead us, simply catching hold of their endless power will help us to move
from our current reality to a future possibility without becoming caught in the
calm between what was and what could be.
Some random thoughts to help maintain focus along the journey
from what we know to what we might only imagine – from what is to what could be
– would include:
·
The only
way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the
impossible. (Arthur C. Clarke)
When we restrict our
actions, reactions and responses to the ways and methods we have always used,
nothing will change. Only when we dare
to act in ways we have never before acted – to think in ways we have never
before thought – will those things that were once beyond our reach become
possible. In order to maximize the likelihood
we will succeed, however, we must acknowledge the resistance we will face,
respond to the concerns our detractors will present, and present a plausible,
acceptable alternative (which is more desirable, beneficial or providing of
more opportunity) than the status quo. To
move from where you are to where you wish to be, and perhaps even beyond to
where you have not yet imagined, tear down the walls that limit you to what you
have always known or you will end up doing what you have always done and being
what you have always been.
·
Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible
objections must first be overcome.
(Samuel Johnson)
Allowing an individual to learn from failure is possibly one
of the best learning techniques we can use.
When a person must turn back due to unexpected rapids after charting a
course and setting sail, two things happen.
First, the individual will (hopefully) learn form his or her mistake by
recognizing the signs of turmoil and acting to avoid them before venturing into
the unknown again (recognizing the need to continue as being the critical
component of learning). Secondly,
though, and perhaps more important, we must identify the reason success was
delayed and correct the error, mistake or poor judgment in a way that allows us
to overcome the obstacles that kept us from progressing towards the
accomplishment of our goal. Learning by
experience is much more beneficial than listening to someone else say which way
to go or what road to take. We should
plan, anticipate and think of reasonable alternative approaches prior to
starting any task BUT avoid “analysis paralysis” (refusing to move forward if
there is ANY chance that something might go wrong allowing our fear of failure
to diminish our chances of success).
When we never leave the blocks we cannot compete and it becomes
impossible to finish the race.
·
The only
person who never makes mistakes is the person who never does anything. (Denis Waitley)
Life is not a
carefree path we take while moving towards an idyllic destination. Life is fraught with pitfalls, traps, snares
and impossibly steep embankments. It
would be nearly impossible to go through life without making a mistake so quit
trying to be perfect! Some of the
world’s greatest inventions have been the unexpected outcomes from failed
experiments. Our greatest presidents
frequently tasted defeat before they were elected. Many business owners have failed in an
endeavor before experiencing success. Once
a path has been taken that leads to a dead end – a process selected that
results in set-back – learn from it so your next steps can be successful.
- Knowing
is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Value is established not by what we know but rather
by how we can apply it. Wisdom is the
result of applied knowledge. Knowing
that a car needs an engine, a transmission, an electrical system and a variety
of other mechanical parts does not make you a mechanic. You must apply what you know to be of any use
to anyone. I could THINK about fixing a
car all day long but nothing would happen until I pick up a wrench (then
without proper education, training and knowledge my efforts might cause more
harm than good). Any action creates an
opposite and equal reaction, both in physics and in life. Intentional action is a prerequisite to
change. Plausible and acceptable actions
– often outside the normal realm of reasonable and expected responses – are the
precursor of success.
·
Risk
more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more
than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible. (Cadet Maxim)
As you dive headlong into life, remember
that you will get from life only what you put into it. I have seen individuals slide through life
expecting (and receiving) very little.
Some say they set low goals so they will not fail – that when the “bar
is low,” nothing will keep them from crossing it. I choose a different path – and so should
you. Take calculated risks in order to
increase your chances of success.
Choose to care more about others than you care about yourself. You might be surprised how rich and free you
life will be in return. Choose to dream enough so that you can experience new
horizons when bringing dreams to fruition.
You cannot fulfill another’s dream (no matter how hard you might try),
only your own. As for expectations – you
will never rise higher than you expect yourself to rise, nor fall lower than
you allow yourself to fall.
·
Focus more upon “what has yet to be done” than “what
has been completed” when seeking change. Acknowledging and recognizing your weaknesses helps
identify the causes of problems – developing and leveraging your strengths produces
long-term solutions. (Dave Smith)
Do not focus upon what cannot be done – continually
stretch to achieve those things that have not yet been attempted, reach outcomes
that have not been previously accomplished, or choose paths that nobody has yet
dared to travel. Do not seek an escape
from reality – embrace the potential around you. Do not dwell upon what has been done – seek what
has yet to be realized. Always expect
more than may seem possible – refusing to accept anything previously
accomplished as anything more than a resting point as you seek yet to be
discovered destinations – and you will surely taste success during the coming
year!
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