Just Do It

I recently caught up with a friend on the phone. It had been awhile since we chatted and it was a really good conversation. We spoke about what's new with each of us and so on. Something that stood out to me in the conversation was our shared frustrations with ourselves for being our own stumbling block and consequently preventing our growth and advancement in life. We spoke about all of our goals and aspirations in life that we could pursue but haven't. I expressed annoyance with myself because I have a couple of business ideas that I've been talking about for the past year or so that I have yet to even start to develop business models for. I'd been putting it off because of my own fears, anxiety, and self-doubt. They are great ideas that could potentially be successful and I'd be devastated if someone else developed the businesses before I do, but I'd have no one to blame but myself. 

Do you have any goals and aspirations in life that you want to pursue but are afraid and unmotivated to start? Do you have a bunch of ideas/goals that you've started to pursue but never follow through and complete? You are not alone. I'm finding that this is more common than I thought. We fear failure. We doubt our abilities to accomplish our goals. We stand in our way. But this stops today! One of the keys to having a successful and fulfilling life is by making stepping stones out of our stumbling blocks. You may be wondering how do we do this? After deep thought and conversing with others about this topic I'd like to share with you three ways I've started to overcome these obstacles and get out of my own way. I hope that they can beneficial to you as well.

1. Reframe your thinking. Turn those negative thoughts into positive ones. This takes a lot of effort so you have to be intentional about it. Using thought-stopping techniques will help with this and prevent you from focusing on the negative. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or engaging in negative self-talk just stop it immediately and change that thought to a positive one. There are usually more positives than negatives in any given situation if you pay attention. 

2. Act on it. If you have an idea or a goal you'd like to reach just do it. Try not to think too hard about it because you may end up talking yourself out of it and doubt yourself. Instead do your research and learn what you can about what you'd like to pursue. The more educated you are on that idea/topic the more comfortable and confident you will feel to pursue it.

3. Reach out. We often stumble more when we stumble alone. Reach out to your loved ones for support. Find a mentor or a colleague with a similar interest who can assist you in reaching your goal. Use this as an excuse to build a new relationship with someone with a shared interest.

These are all easier said than done and requires intentionality. Life throws stuff at us and things get in our way and a lot of times we get in our own way. But as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. So, I am here to remind you to get out of your own way and just do it! I have started to get out of my own way and have been way more productive in achieving my goals. I hope you decide to do so too!

Are you your own stumbling block? What has helped you to overcome the obstacles in your way?