We all get stuck in a rut at times. We live ok, often better than ok but still, we are not satisfied. There is an emptiness and we want it filled.
I discovered my passion and purpose during a workshop with the great Jim Rohn about 25 years ago. My passion and my purpose is to teach, to coach, to train and help people live a happier, more fulfilled life. I became a certified life coach and studied personal development in even more depth.
However, some time later ‘life events’ happened and for nearly 11 years I went down a slightly different path. It seemed almost as if I had forgotten about my purpose. Maybe not completely forgotten but I let myself be so distracted that I did not think about it much, until one day I woke up and realized that I was stuck. Stuck in a fun but mostly empty life. I wanted more and almost overnight I changed my direction. Jim Rohn always said: “You are not a goose. You don’t have to fly south. You can take any direction you choose.”
You see, we go through the motions of daily life, and have the days roll by without a clear direction. We are doing what we’re supposed to be doing without questioning things or changing them up. We’re all guilty of this at some point or another. We get into a comfortable routine and are afraid to step outside of our comfort zone and try something different and new. While that may be a safe and secure way to live life, we end up spending our time merely existing instead of truly living life to the fullest.
The key to moving from letting the days pass you by to creating a meaningful life that you’ll look back on with pride is intention and purpose. That’s it. You simply have to step in, take control, and figure out what you want your life to be. Sounds pretty easy, doesn’t it?
Of course, that’s easier said than done. If it wasn’t, there would be no reason to run this 21-day challenge, and there wouldn’t be dozens of bestselling books like my “To be or not to be – the Choice is YOURS!” written on the topic.
The biggest problem is that we’re all very good at coming up with excuses about why we can’t do what we actually would like to do. We come up with the excuses because they keep us safe within our comfort zone. They keep us from trying new things and taking risks. They keep us from having to deal with possible disappointment.
There are things you want to do in life but maybe you’re too shy or embarrassed because you’re overweight or your hair is frizzy or you have pimples or… the list goes on and on. I’m sure you have one of these that’s a mile long 😊.
The difference between existing and living life fully is in the DOING!
Who cares if you’re a little out of shape? Who cares if you’re doing something by yourself because you don’t have a group of friends interested in the same things you are. Who cares if everyone around you has an opinion about what you’re doing or want to do. You too have an opinion, right? Do it anyway.
Learn to feel good about yourself, gain some confidence, love yourself, and do the things you love. Start truly living your life to the fullest instead of simply existing. Trust me, it is well worth the risk.
Homework
One way to get over the fear of the unknown and step out of your comfort zone is asking yourself: “What’s the worst that could happen?” Often the worst case scenario you can possibly imagine isn’t nearly as scary as the unknown. That one little exercise may just do the trick to convince you to give the things you’ve always wanted to do a try.
I challenge you to pick one thing, one activity, just something that used to scare you in the past and do it this week. Do it today if you can. Take action and take charge of your life and of your purpose.
Let us know what that one thing you have chosen is.
Make today matter!
Barbara