THINK BIG…NOT SMALL…

Change, like life, can happen with or without any help, with or without any planning and with or without any consideration for where we are or where we may wish to be. Growth, however, comes only through our intentional actions targeted towards the accomplishment (or avoidance) of a specific objective. People love and hate change at the same time. While wanting the “best things in life” to remain the same (comfort, security, job, environment, friends, financial stability, and relationships), many would prefer that life could improve or get better (wanting to avoid discomfort, negative change, emotional turmoil, or personal inconvenience along the way). Unfortunately, rarely is one able to live “the good life” without addressing, eliminating, or adjusting some of the bad that serves only to hold one back if not exorcised. 

Wanting it “both ways,” we often refuse to invest the necessary “sweat equity” to make change happen. When change is handed to us, we are more than happy to take it. We are less likely to actively identify areas needing modification or correction then intentionally acting to put them behind us while moving forward in a different direction – leaving behind what is comfortable (and sometimes holds us back) while hoisting our sails to capture the winds of a new tomorrow (venturing into unknown territory to discover 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. To move from where you are to where you wish to be, and 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) 

When a person must turn back due to unexpected rapids after charting a course and setting sail, two things happen. First, the individual will 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 being the critical component of learning). Secondly, 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. When we fail to leave behind the starting blocks 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 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 resulting in set-back – learn from it so your next steps can be successful. 

·       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. Some say they set low goals so they will not fail – that when the “bar is low,” nothing will keep them from crossing it. Others (appropriately) choose a different path – taking calculated risks in order to increase their chances of success. Choose to care more about others than you care about yourself. You might be surprised how rich and free your 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 driving 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 has already been 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 run from your current reality – embrace the potential around you as you move towards new possibilities. 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 something previously accomplished as anything more than a resting point as you seek your yet to be discovered destination – and you will surely taste success as you bring to fruition the big things while minimizing the impact of the small annoyances in life.