One of the common ways we block success is by refusing to take action
on a project or opportunity until we can see the entire pathway from
start to finish. We are afraid to start, because the outcome is
uncertain. While we plan, think, research, and analyze, the opportunity
slips away.
Highly successful people take a different approach. They just lean
into it – they open themselves to opportunities and become willing to do
what it takes to pursue opportunities further – without any
expectations. They say “yes” to opportunities, take the first step … and
then find out along the way if they want to keep going.
Stop Worrying About the “How”
When we are presented with opportunities or envision big goals, one question that stops us dead in our tracks is
“But how will I do it?”
Even if we can picture the goal and get excited about the end result,
our minds quickly start doubting our ability to turn our dreams into
reality.
For example, you may picture yourself as a best-selling author, but
then a little voice in your head reminds you that you don’t know the
first thing about writing a book, that odds are stacked against you
getting a publishing contract, that you have never marketed a book
before, and dozens of other pieces of proof that you don’t know how to
achieve your goal.
The beauty of just leaning into it is that it creates momentum.
Taking even one step forward broadcasts your intent to the world. The
universe responds by sending the opportunities, resources and people who
can help you just at the right time for you to benefit the most from
them.
Just leaning into it becomes a process of co-creating with the universe.
Become willing to explore the unknown, and trust that the answers and resources you need will appear.
All you need to do is keep taking the logical next steps. The journey
will take you where you want to go … or even someplace better.
Roadblocks or Redirection?
In The Success Principles, I share the story of a singer named Jana
Stanfield. After several years working in Nashville, Tennessee, to
pursue her dream of becoming a songwriter and recording artist, she
concluded that trying to get a record deal was like pounding her head
against a wall. She could try forever without any guarantee of success.
What Jana later realized is that when you lean into it, roadblocks
are put into your path to force you onto a different path – a path that
may be truer to your real purpose. She learned that even when you can’t
move forward, you can turn right or left, but you have to keep moving.
By continuing to take the next logical steps, Jana found herself
singing at churches. Responding to audiences’ requests for her songs on a
CD, she hired an engineer to record 10 of her songs. The first time she
offered her songs for sale after a church service, she made more money
than she had earned that entire week in her job. She was fulfilling her
purpose in her own unique way.
Today, her company produces more than 50 motivational concerts each
year around the world. She started her own recording company, and her
songs have been recorded by singers such as Reba McEntire and Andy
Williams, as well as featured on Oprah, 20/20 and Entertainment Tonight.
Feel the Fear, but Act Anyway
As you move forward, you will have to confront your fears. Fear is
natural. Most people let fear stop them from taking the necessary steps
to achieve their dreams. Successful people, on the other hand, feel the
fear but don’t let it stop them.
Some people will do anything to avoid feeling fear. It’s
understandable – fear is uncomfortable. But most of the good stuff in
life requires taking a risk, and the truth is that taking a risk means
that it might not work out.
Successful people are willing to take a leap of faith, even if they
are afraid. They know that if you don’t act, opportunity will pass you
by. As former attorney general and U.S. senator Robert F. Kennedy once
said,
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
I also truly believe that if a goal isn’t a little bit scary, or if it
doesn’t create a bit of fear within you, it’s probably not worth doing.
So many people stop because “they are scared.” I say, feel that
feeling, and get excited because feeling that fear means you are on to
something good!
Look at your list of goals for 2013. Which have you been ignoring
because you fear the risk you’ll have to take to make that dream come
true? Which have you been ignoring because you simply don’t know where
to start? As you consider these goals, ask yourself what you can do to
simply lean into it – what are the logical first steps that you can take
to begin exploring making these dreams a reality? Acknowledge your
fear, and lean into it anyway.
Small steps will help to build
confidence and dissipate your fear, while also creating momentum to
attract the resources you need to achieve your biggest goals
Jack
Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar
book brand
Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a
leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready
to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in
all that you do, get FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at:
www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com
