Beginning the new year, I set a goal for myself -- to read a set of books that I have been putting aside in the past due to schedule and time constraints. However, reading is something that I have always loved to do. Isn't it always easier to think of the many other things we "have" to do versus doing the things that we actually "love" to do? That was my conflict all of last year and years prior. This year, however, I want to approach it differently and do more of the things I love to do versus worrying about completing a checklist of things to do. This morning, I began reading a book called "The 5 AM club" by Robin Sharma. While reading it, I came across the following: he writes, "each of you has a call on your lives. Every one of you carries an instinct for excellence within your spirits. No one in this room needs to stay frozen in average and succumb to the mass mediocratization of behavior evident in society along with the collective de-professionalization of business so apparent in the industry. Limitation is nothing more than a mentality that too many good people practice daily until they believe it's reality. It breaks my heart to see so many potentially powerful human beings stuck in a story about why they can't be extraordinary, professionally and personally. You need to remember that your excuses are seducers, your fears are liars and your doubts are thieves."
Yikes! This really struck home for me. It struck me in the sense that what he states aligns with my purpose. My goal is to help those who are living in fear and who keep telling themselves a story about who they "think" they are versus who they "really" are. You see, this is something that I experienced myself. It is so easy to believe our fears and condemn our lives to misery and perhaps a daily routine that is not even aligned with our purpose. This is a way I used to live for many years because of the lack of belief I had in myself. In my eyes, everything that I did was viewed as a limitation. It wasn't until I sought a life coach and had an AH-HA moment for which my purpose and potential came to light. This is work that didn't come easy, but I was determined to live better and live happier. Most importantly, I knew I had to make a change in my life in order to live the truest version of myself.
If you are thinking of starting the new year right, I invite you to reflect on the following question: How can I let go of my excuses, fears, and doubts so that I could meet my powerful self? This may include reading more, being more mindful of how we talk to ourselves, and/or seeking professional help. Whatever it may be, I advise you to make the decision TODAY to change into the most powerful and best version of yourself! The hardest part is committing to yourself and making the decision for yourself to create the change you need. Once done, the rest will follow. I cannot wait for this year to be your best year yet!