Go for It!: What Is Holding You Back from Pursuing Your Dreams?

(Photo Credit to Lindsay B. Garvin)
My wife and I recently traveled to Lowes in search of some rope. After we located the right aisle, we realized that we needed assistance to obtain the right length, etc. You can only image the look on the store attendant’s face after we told him I needed the rope because I wanted to get tied up. He cut the rope and said, “You guys have fun!” My wife and I hysterically laughed because, little did he know, I wanted to be tied up to make a point in this blog post. We often don’t pursue our dreams because we are tied up, with doubt, fear of failure, dread about what others may think about us, and even sometimes, feelings of low self-esteem.

Sometimes, we need to ask ourselves the following question: “What would you do if nothing was holding you back?” It is a very basic question, but also a profound one because the answer could open the door to endless possibilities! From new businesses, to living a more fulfilled life to even solving many of the world’s problems, there could be no stopping you. I recently stumbled across a quote from Mahatma Gandhi: “The difference between what we do and are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.” I think Gandhi was ahead of his time and saw the possibilities that are often squandered because many of us are holding back!

I certainly can relate to this sentiment. There have been times when I have let self-doubt and fear stop me from doing things that I wanted to do. For example, I remember when I was in high school and wanted to try out for various teams but was crippled by fear! The Carlos of today would tell the Carlos of yesterday to be courageous and move forward anyway. Today, I am in a different place and challenge myself to go for it. This message certainly takes courage. One of my favorite quotes from Nelson Mandela is: “Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”

Now is the time to live life boldly and courageously! The time for excuses is over, and we need to simply go for our goals! I now espouse the mantra that “impossible means nothing, and there are no limits to what I can do!” One of my favorite quotes from Shaka Senghor is: “I don’t think in terms of limitation. I think in terms of infinite possibilities.” Some may be asking what can I do to purse my dreams? Well, I am glad that you asked!

3 Ways to Go for It!

1. Answer the Question: “What is holding me back?” – Write the answers to this question on a sheet of paper, and after you take inventory, begin thinking in terms of infinite possibilities, people, and resources that can help you overcome your concerns!

2. Put Fear In Its Place – Zig Ziglar defines fear as False Expectations Appearing Real! Know that most of our fears don’t come true! Years ago while meeting with a counselor to discuss some of my concerns, he told me to write down my fears. After I completed that task, I can tell you that none of them came true. Have the faith and courage to realize that you can overcome your fears to achieve your goals in life. Don’t let irrational fears stop you from achieving what matters to you. Put fear in its place and move forward anyway!

3. Have and Execute a Plan – “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” – Unknown. Create a plan with goals, strategies, and deadlines. And find others to hold you accountable. A plan is worthless if there is no execution!

So what is holding you back? Don’t let the fear of failure, dread about what others may think about you, or low self-esteem hold you back from doing what is important to you!

Remember that Winston Churchill once said: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is courage to continue that counts.”

So what are you waiting for? Just go for it!

Remember, Greatness Awaits You!

Carlos T. Carter
Founder & Chief Motivator
www.seeds2fruitmotivation.com

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