I’ve always had a love affair with the open road. And that’s probably a good thing since I live in San Diego and my parents still reside back in Indianapolis. Needless to say, I’ve made that 2,500 mile road trip more than a couple times!
And each time I embark on that cross-county quest, alone on those lonely roads, I always learn something new about myself and the world we all live in.
Visiting An Old Friend
I’ll never forget the time I was making my way through Illinois and then into Missouri. My plan was to stop into Kansas City for the evening and visit an old friend from college.
We had spoken earlier that day, but somehow I felt the need for more directions- you know, better directions- just to make sure I didn’t get lost.
Please read that again, it’s going to be very important in just a couple minutes.
When I was finally able to get him on the phone, he stopped me with a comment that would reverberate in my mind for years to come.
“Scott, you have all the directions you need. See you soon…”
You see, my friend John is a patient man, but only to a point. He gave me clear directions, and didn’t feel the need to guide me in turn-by-turn.
“You’re a big boy- you’ll be fine” he said with a hint of playful sarcasm.
And whereas I saw his point, what really got me thinking was how I might not be trusting all the other “directions” I’d been given throughout my life.
And, more importantly, how I might not be fully trusting myself to carry them out.
A Common Battle
We all battle this to some degree or another.
We receive “directions” through prayer, meditation, or other people. Our inner wisdom wants us to do something, to take action.
Then, despite our desire, we fail to follow through.
Or instead of admitting immediate defeat, we waste a lot of time asking more and more questions, all in a desperate effort to get more clarity.
Hoping that with more information, we’ll have less fear, and then take more action.
Perhaps it’s as Nolan Bushnell shares:
Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.
What are some things, that if you actually did them, would make an immediate improvement in your life?
Perhaps you believe it would be wise to work out at least twice a week, eat more vegetables, and meditate more consistently.
Or maybe there’s a much bigger direction such as fearlessly pursuing your dream career, volunteering for a worthy cause you deeply believe in, or making a commitment to save your marriage.
In short, what are some “directions” that you know you should take but just aren’t.
Is it that you truly don’t trust the directions, or is that you don’t trust yourself to follow them “perfectly”? Are you afraid to get lost?
For many people it’s the latter. Trust me- getting lost is part of almost every successful journey.
Stretch, Grow, Become!
I have a question for you and I need an immediate answer- the first thing that jumps to mind:
WHAT is that one “direction” you’re not taking action on?
Grab a sheet of paper and write it down. Do it now.
Next, ask yourself, “WHY is this important to me?” Really dig deep and connect with this desire.
Write it down. Do it now.
Now ask yourself “HOW would my life be different if I accomplished this goal?” Allow this vision to completely fill your mind.
Write it down. Do it now.
Next, ask yourself, “WHAT is one small thing I could do today that would set me on the course to its completion?”
Write it down. Do it now.
And lastly, “WHO can encourage me and hold me accountable to this thing that I say I want?
Write that name down. Do it now.
I want to encourage you to call that person and share with them what you want, whyit’s so important, and that you need their love, encouragement, and accountability.
You were not given this “direction”, idea, or inspiration for nothing.
Oh no, it was born within you for a reason. Your job is to trust this direction, get sufficient support and accountability, and then take consistent action.
Odds are, you have all the direction you need. Trust that.
By the way, I ended up finding John’s house just fine. It turns out the directions he gave me where all I needed.
Change isn’t easy. If it were, we’d all be livin’ the dream. Having a coach who can help you get there faster makes all the difference. Let’s get in touch and start putting some real wind in your sails! Schedule now.
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