Words To Live By

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails, Explore. Dream. Discover. 
 - Mark Twain

It's taken me long enough to write this simply because it took a lot of thought and there were times where what I wanted to say could not be put into words.  Change is daunting no matter how small.  Change provokes a fear in most that can be so destructive that it prevents us from taking a chance that may lead us to a better place or a better way of living.

Today, I just wanted to offer reassurance to those that are attempting to make a change in their lives.  It can be anything...moving, changing careers, or something as simple as adopting a pet.  Lately, I have found myself attempting to make a much desired change in my life and even though it's not the first time it just seems to come with so many more risks this time around.  However, no matter how daunting I'm determined to make this change and I'd like to share with you some inspiration that has proven to be very good advice.  Hopefully this advice will help to make us more confident when striving to achieve our goals and make that change. 

1.  Fear should motivate you.

Fear does not always have to be a detriment to accomplishing goals.  Listen to that fear that you feel.  Often it's an indicator that you're doing something right.  To not feel fear/anxiety/desperation would mean that we did not wish for that change to work out.  Trust yourself and work through your feelings. 

2.  Eliminate Adverse Commitments

Look at your list of things to do.  Now eliminate the ones that directly interfere with what you want to accomplish.  A bit ruthless...yes because you did agree to those tasks but that was before you realized that living the best possible life was the most important task on your list.  Sure you're going to disappoint people but that's fine because life is full of disappointments.  Buildings will not burn and children will not die.  You have to live for yourself and you have to live with the decisions that you make.  There are only so many hours in the day.  Respect yourself and your needs enough to say "I appreciate the opportunity but no thank you" and please let it be final.  

3.  Respect life and death.

Death is the final act in life.  It's a tedious act that takes years to accomplish so let that process be your motivator.  Understand and accept that we will not live forever.  Thus, we have no idea how long we will have to live out our dreams.  Accept that and use it to motivate you to begin living out your dreams today.  We've seen lives cut short so we know that it may happen to anyone.

4.  Ignore the negativity.

There is no doubt in my mind (and there should be none in yours) that you will face opposition once you decide to make this change.  There may even be laughter if things don't work out the way that you expected but ignore that.  If any of the things that people say were true they would have been said before you took the chance.    Place yourself around people who will encourage you.  The naysayers will never know the growth, the pleasure, or the euphoria that results from you accomplishing your goals.  

5.  Surround yourself with people that inspire and encourage you.

These people are people who you respect, admire, and attain satisfaction from simply being around.  You should put yourself around people that are living in a way that you view as a model.  These are the people that when you approached them with your idea they thought of ways to help you.  They will give you honest opinions and feedback when it is needed.   These are the type of people that are integral in you reaching your goals.

6.  Stop Comparing

You are the only person like you.  Sure there are people who may resemble you but you are one of a kind.  It simply is not fair to compare yourself to someone else.  The means by which they live are acceptable to them and even though you may like what appears to be grand it frankly is not your life. We each have a different set of talents, experiences, and gifts that by no means makes us inferior or superior to another person on this earth.  

7.  Banish the Self-Doubt

You have all these other negative entities trying to stop you so why add to your own pool of sorrows?  If you were not good enough to accomplish what you set forth to accomplish then you would or should have never thought of it.  If you want it go get it.  Holding yourself back with thoughts is just absurd.  If you knew how powerful your thoughts were you'd never think a negative thought again.  

Change in life is inevitable but initiating change can be crippling for some.  No matter how small, any change that may change your life for the better is worth pursuing.  Living the life that you dream of is living life to the fullest.  Never be ashamed or deterred from your pursuit.  Live courageously and by doing so you will be closer to reaching your full potential.