Why Don't We Do What We Really Ought to Do?
2002 Boaz Rauchwerger
There I was, at the ripe age of 11, wanting to contribute to the family by earning some money. We had immigrated to the United States from Israel two years before and settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I had an uncle.
Although I wasn't able to speak English very well, that didn't seem to stop me from launching my own business. I would mow lawns. My parents bought me a lawnmower and I took off down the street. I knocked on doors and asked people, as best I could, if they wanted their lawn mowed.
That first afternoon I mowed three lawns and proudly gave my mother the $6 I had earned. As I think back now, the real value of that day was the fact that my true future work clearly showed itself. Although I wasn't able to speak the language well, I apparently had a talent for communicating with people.
During the next four years, my lawn mowing business grew and, one summer, I gave my mother (after expenses) almost $1,000. During high school, I used my communications skills to win many selling contests. My lawn-mowing customers also became customers for light bulbs, candy and whatever else was being sold in fund raising events at school.
Throughout my life I've diverted a few times by working in areas that did not focus on my communications abilities. Whenever I did that, things did not go well. Whenever I got back to my true passion, things went very well. Now, as a professional speaker and high performance coach to CEOs, I greatly enjoy what I do and things are going incredibly well.
Do you see a parallel in your life? Think back to the times when you have been the most successful. Think about what you were doing at that time. If you've gotten away from that which you enjoy the most, why not make some plans to return to it?
You can start with small steps at first. Let's say you used to be a teacher and you really enjoyed that. At some point your life was diverted and now you're doing something else. However, you'd really rather be teaching again. Why not see what it would take to get your teaching certificate (if it's out of date). Take some courses at night until that is completed.
Then check with local junior colleges to see if you could teach a class in the evenings, while you keep your daytime job. It's easier to make a transition if you already have one foot in the destination.
If you're not really sure what your passion is, here is an affirmation that could help.
It's _________(set a date that is three months from now). I have discovered my burning desire and I'm excited.
Read that affirmation the first thing each morning and the last thing each night. That will open your mind to possibilities. Don't analyze that statement. Just read it. One day you'll notice something you hadn't noticed before. And there it will be - your burning desire.
I'm Not Saying There Isn't Any Hope - Just Don't Plan on It
I hear many people say, "I hope things work out. I hope I get that job. I hope I'll get a raise." When you use the word "hope," you're allowing your mind to question the outcome. Hope is not a decisive word. It is not a declarative thought that says, "I'm doing this!"
In recent columns we discussed deleting the words "can't" and "try" from your vocabulary. This week I suggest you delete the word "hope." When you talk about something your going to do, say "I'm doing this!" That attitude will give your subconscious mind an order as it taps into your storehouse of power.
I don't "hope" you understand the value of this idea, I know you'll see its value and you'll be careful not to use the word "hope" when speaking about your future.
A Daily 'Action' Affirmation
I'm taking small steps each day toward my most important goals.
Article reproduced with permission from Boaz Rauchwerger. You may reprint any of these articles in any publication or Web site so long as you credit Boaz Rauchwerger as the author and include this Web site address, www.Boazpower.com.