It is that time of year when many will decide upon their New Year’s Resolutions. This may include a list of things that will be given up or goals to be achieved in the coming year. In considering the latter, it is suggested that we think big.
Too often we only set little goals for which we can see each step it will take to get there. And, we may achieve these goals. All good – and comfortable.
What if we were to set bigger goals and leave room for Providence to move too.
Following is one of my favorite quotes which is often (incorrectly) attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back– Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.~ W.H. Murray
I find this to be SO powerful; and, more importantly, 100% true!
That is, there have been numerous times in my life when I stepped out on a leap of faith. Each and every time everything ultimately worked out!
This is not suggesting that we make reckless moves with little to no planning. What is being suggested is that when we have a big idea, dream or goal and have prepared as best as “reasonably” possible there comes a time when we must “begin it now!”
Example…
It wasn’t long after I had started my first “real” job out of college when I realized I wanted to own and operate my own consulting business. Being in my early 20’s, with long hair and no real-world experience I wasn’t the ideal candidate for this reality (at the time). First, I had to put a number of years under my belt working in the business world, as I climbed the corporate ladder, developing the necessary scars of experience.
In 2001 the time was coming near, to launch my business. I was VP of Customer Care at a now defunct Internet Service Provider, during the collapse of the dot-com bubble. During that time I had the unenviable position of being one of the “front men” who would meet with customers to tell them that everything was going to be ok. I’d then return to the office and, working with my boss and peers, identify ways we could continuously downsize (shrink costs) in concert with our declining revenues. Things were definitely NOT going to be ok. I had to get out of there before the lights went out!
At this point, I engaged a “for-fee” mentor to put together the business plan for my consulting practice. Since the company I was working for had a set of golden handcuffs on my wrist I elected to wait until the appropriate time to issue my decision to resign.
Finally, the day came, in April of 2002, when I let my boss know that I’d be leaving the company. What an absolutely freeing feeling that was, as a result of having prepared myself as best as reasonably possible, for a long held goal in my life…
A few days after leaving corporate employment, I was updating a friend at church who commented: “That was a leap of faith, wasn’t it?”
Yep, it was!
The economy was in turmoil. It was NOT a good time for business, much less launching a new one. And, I had absolutely ZERO business opportunities lined up. But, Providence moved too!
After exiting corporate employment and committing to the execution of my business plan everything came together perfectly, in due time. If you’d like to read about the details of my business launch simply click here.
While the above may have been one of my biggest leaps of faith it is only one of many.
The whole experience makes me think of another quote that builds on the one shared above:
Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall. ~ Ray Bradbury
In closing, decide upon some big moves you’d like to make in 2015, or steps you can take that will enable big moves in the coming years. Only YOU can design YOUR life. It doesn’t happen by waiting, hoping or wishing. Set the goal. Begin working towards it now and have complete trust that Providence will move too!
Be Brave Not Safe 