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What Would You Do If You Knew You Could Not Fail?
by Maureen Staiano
What would you do if you knew you could not fail? An interesting question and one that definitely gets the creative thought process started. Take the fear of failure out of the way and a whole new world opens up and boy oh boy it's full of possibilities.
There are lots of people who are ''stuck'' in their lives. They dream of a better job, a different living situation or perhaps a return to school. ''I always wanted to write a book become an artist or start my own company'' you may quietly think to yourself. As you daydream about these things a little spark of excitement begins to develop and grow into a small flame. Maybe you can picture how this new dream might look.
And then, fear in all its glory steps in and extinguishes the fire of excitement and possibility. Fear can come in many forms. It could be the little voice in your head saying ''Get real, you can't do that. What if it doesn't work out''? Oh but that is only one way fear shows up. Sometimes it shows up in the voices of those closest to you. ''Why do you want to do THAT''? They ask if you happen to share your dream with them. ''Things are fine just the way they are.'' ''What if it doesn't work? What will you do then?''
So what do you do? You end up staying right where you are rather than take a chance at something greater.
You know these voices of fear are keeping you stuck in a life that isn't making you feel complete. Most of us have heard them at one time or another. And though it is incredible to be able to find contentment and happiness in you life just as it is now; if you are experiencing a yearning or incompleteness in your life that won't go away it's time to ask, ''What would I do if I knew I could not fail?''
Start With This Exercise.
Ask the question what would you do if you knew you could not fail? Now grab a piece of paper and start writing. Let yourself go and get creative. Do not let thoughts of a lack of money to fulfill your dream even enter into your head. For this exercise money is no object. In fact don't spend a lot of time analyzing, just write, everything you can think of, every dream you have ever had. Let yourself see your potential dreams down on paper. Give yourself about 15-20 minutes. Anytime the voice of fear creeps into your head keep asking the question, ''what would I do if I knew I could not fail?'
So What Really Excites You?
After you have completed the writing exercise take a look at what you have written. As you go over your list pay attention to your reactions here. What gets you excited? What gets the butterflies going in your stomach? Pay attention to these reactions as this is your inner self speaking to you. You know that little voice you some how started to ignore awhile back? Well start listening and you will be amazed. Pick the dream or goal on your list that has generated the greatest reaction. When you're ready to create a better life it's time move forward.
Get Clear On Your Dream.
Before you can make a change in your life it is helpful to have a clear picture of exactly what the goal is. The more details you can incorporate the clearer and more real the goal becomes. I want a new job is a very vague goal. The following is a more helpful example. I would like to open my own financial planning business and have it be close to my home. I would like to be making about $75,000 per year and would like to have flexibility in planning my hours so that I can be involved with my kids and their sports. I would like a small office close to, but not in my home so that I don't take my business home with me. I want to work with a small number of clients that I can benefit positively. I still need to take 2 courses to receive my certification and they are offered at night at the local college. This kind of detail will begin to make the goal very real. It also allows you to take an in depth look as to what it will take to make the goal a reality. From this you can begin to break down the steps it would take to work towards achieving this goal.
Take Just One Step Today.
Now ask your self, ''What is one step I could take today that would get me moving towards this goal?'' In the above example you might give the local college a call and see when the required classes are available. One step at a time you can begin to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be. Some steps will be easier than others, so just get one step started. Many people find that taking one step, even if it is the smallest one on the list begins a whole domino effect. Excitement builds and you begin to think ''I can do this.'' It is easier to ignore the fear if it creeps up as it inevitably will. Working through any fear will actually give you energy to keep on toward your dream, your goal.
When you feel ready you can share your new plan with those around you and withstand any unenthusiastic response they may give. You will be at that point begin to be ''un-stuck'' and no longer being held back by the fear of failure. Pay attention in the following weeks and months because as amazing as it may sound you begin attracting into your life all the things you need to accomplish what you have set out to do. So, one more time, ask yourself what would you do if you knew you could not fail?"
Maureen Staiano is a Life Coach specializing in working with midlife women and all the wonderful challenges and transitions we experience.Maureen is a also co-author of 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life Vol.3 and founder of www.MyMidlifeMakeover.com. She lives in beautiful western New Jersey with her husband Jim. Visit her at http://www..Achieveyourdreamcoaching.com for the free report Building Better Confidence and Self-esteem.
Contact the author, Maureen Staiano
, at maureen@achieveyourdreamcoaching.com
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