Last week for my #WeLiveBigWednesdays Challenge, I invited people to try something new. As the leader of a courage movement, I want to set a good example by really stepping out of my comfort zone as I fulfill each challenge. I discussed what new thing I could try with a colleague. She said, "You need to do a TED Talk."
"Yes! I've been thinking about doing a TED Talk for years. In fact, I've had it on a vision board for about six years," I replied. I found myself wondering how I thought it would come to fruition by just thinking about. I kind of expected it to fall in my lap if I simply wished hard enough.
While I believe in the power of thought, I think many of us get stuck there.
"I've been thinking about writing a book for a long time," I hear.
"That's great! How much have you written so far?" I ask.
"Oh, well I've just been thinking about it," comes the reply.
It's time to stop thinking and start doing. The only way to know if you can something is to take action. If you want to write a book, write a page today. Write a page tomorrow. See how it goes.
"I've been thinking about starting my own business," says a client.
"That's great! What have you done to take the first step?" I ask.
"Well, I can't start the business now...the timing isn't right," he says.
"That's ok...what's one action you could take this week to get closer to your vision?" I challenge.
Thinking is great. It's important. But it doesn't create momentum. In fact, when we're simply sitting and thinking about something, inertia takes over making our goals feel heavy and inaccessible. Want to lose fifty pounds? Take a walk. Want to become a YouTube sensation? Film a video. Want to become an astronaut? Sign up for an advanced math class. You don't have to have the whole path laid out before you take action toward your goal. Chances are, as you take action in the world, new paths will appear that are even more exciting than your original plan.
As you're taking actions, be mindful of the energy it creates. If it feels exciting and light, you're probably on the right path. If it feels heavy and daunting, change the action. The purpose of the action is to awaken yourself to what feels good, fuel your passion and build momentum.
Will you misstep without a fully flushed out plan? Sure. But you're learning along the way and creating your own path. Want to be a farmer? Plant a plant. Want to be a comedian? Tell a joke. Want to transform children's lives? Tell your own child a story.
The action doesn't need to be big, but it needs to get you out of your brain and into your body. Then, as you're taking action, consider whether it's bringing you lightness or heaviness. If it's heaviness, find a new action that feels light and still takes you one step further toward your goal.
My action? Nominate myself for a TED Talk. As I typed up the entry form, my heart was racing and I felt truly alive. Was I scared? Heck yeah. But was I energized? Yes indeedy.
This week I invite you to take action toward your dreams. What's one thing that you could do to take a baby (or big) step forward? If you think the timing isn't right, remember, this doesn't have to be a leap, just a little scoot forward.
Tune in for #WeLiveBigWednesdays
Each Wednesday at 9am EST, I'll live broadcast the new #WeLiveBigWednesdays Challenge on the We Live Big Facebook page. I invite you to join me in exercising your courage muscle by stepping out of your comfort zone. When we practice taking little risks, like trying something new, we get out of our routine and become more awakened to life. And the more often we can push ourselves into this space, the more likely we are to take a risk that really pays off when the timing is right.
I'll post a video (to We Live Big on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube), invite you to complete the challenge, and ask you to share it with your friends to help them be more courageous too. You have the full week to post your response to @WeLiveBig on Facebook or Instagram.
(By the way...#WeLiveBigWednesdays came about because I want to develop an app. The timing isn't quite right to do that, but I wanted to take action, so I decided to test this little piece of the app as a social media challenge. No cost. Limited time. Big impact. Huge energy gain.)
Calling Transitioning Veterans, Midlife Seekers and Entrepreneurs!
Flourishing workshops for May/June are open for registration! If you're ready to live your biggest, boldest, most authentic life and are looking for a roadmap to support your journey, you simply must attend a Flourishing workshop! Learn more and register here.
- RESET (Flourishing for Veterans) is an eight week series, starting May 31.
- Flourishing for Midlife Seekers is two half days, June 2-3.
- Flourishing for Entrepreneurs is one full day, June 16.
Want results like this? Register now!
"The process helped me discover what I really enjoy." -Sean McBride
"You made me fierce." -Sue Hoppin
"The program was life changing." -Amy Rutherford
Get Ready to Soar!
On June 1, I launch the Soar interactive public art project.
The installation invites the public to identify a burden that is holding them back from living their biggest, boldest, most authentic lives. Participants write that burden on a rock. When they’re ready to let it go, they release the rock and its assigned burden at the base of the installation. To symbolize their newly found lightness, participants then hang an origami bird at the top of the display.
As people participate, we expect to see hundreds of rocks revealing the thoughts, emotions and actions that weigh us down and stop us from living big. As the top of the display fills with birds, we hope to feel the community’s collective lightness, inspiring all to become more of who they’re meant to be.
Join us for the launch of Soar on June 1st at 2213 Mt. Vernon Avenue at 6:00 pm, or stop by anytime until June 24th. The installation is open for participation 24/7 so invite your friends, families and colleagues to come out and Soar with you!
With community funding I can bring more projects like this to life. If you want to help cover the hard costs of Soar, visit https://www.gofundme.com/soar-project to make a contribution. Thanks to all who have already donated. It means so much to me to have your support!