Do you ever feel as if your life has come to a grinding halt, as if stuck in the mud with no idea how to get out? Are you working a job you dislike but are afraid to leave, or in a dead end relationship? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Even in these modern times where choices abound, many of us are too fearful or complacent to bust a move, to take a risk. The good news is you don’t have to stay stuck; by taking a few steps at a time you can begin living the life you envision.
First, get very clear what you want to let go of and what you want to take on. Ignore listening to the nagging thoughts that say, “you can’t”. Simply write down all of your ideas regardless of obstacles that you perceive Pauline Kael, a film critic who wrote for the New Yorker magazine once said, “If there is a chance in a million that you can do something, anything, to keep what you want from ending, do it. Pry the door open or, if need be, wedge your foot in that door to keep it open.” In other words, don’t allow limiting thoughts to stop you from achieving, and moving forward. Often the obstacles we imagine are simply self-imposed restrictions.
Start where you’re at, challenges and all. If traveling is your goal, save money work a little extra, if it’s going back to college, start with perquisites online, if it’s a new job, make a new resume and send out five a week. Invest in yourself, human beings are dynamic, our cells are in constant movement, we can create change and free ourselves from those habits and thoughts or behaviors that limit our life. Take scissor and cut the cords that keep you stuck. Perhaps that means letting go of perfectionism by allowing yourself to stop being afraid of making a mistake. Mistakes can be our greatest teachers.
Post positive encouragement around you, make “I can do this” sticky notes and put them everywhere. We all need positive feedback, but when there’s no one there to give it, seek it out for yourself. Listen to guided meditations and read articles that inspire you. And most important, protect yourself from naysayers. Family and friends can unintentionally sabotage our desires by expressing their own fears and judgements, but they have nothing to do with you. Find like-minded folks who have made the trek from fear to freedom. Share your doubts and ask for advice, not that you have to take it, but useful insight is fantastic for it can fuel you when you’re feeling low or depleted.
Even if you take baby steps, they are steps towards changing your life. Do an inquiry on yourself, ask why is it difficult to take risks, what in your life taught you to play it safe? Once we become aware of the source of patterns, we can begin to revise the script. Put the old tapes in the garage and see yourselves as the writer, doctor, mother, that you want to be. Dare to dream, and make your dreams come true. Face the fear head on, shake hands with it and bid it on its way. When fear sneaks back at your mind’s doorstep, remind yourself that you no longer have to let it in. Acknowledge it, then dismiss it.
Live your way into life, sitting around thinking about change doesn’t bring it on action does, whether it’s about exercise, eating healthy, or finding a new career. You deserve to be the person that you are meant to be. Everyone has gifts to share and once you acknowledge yours, put pursuing your dreams on top of your priority list.