In his book The Science of Getting Rich, written in 1903, Wallace D. Wattles states that it is the purpose of all living things to expand and grow. If we look out into nature, we see evidence of this from animals, plants, even bacteria and multiple viruses. One seed, planted in the right soil, will go on to create thousands if not tens of thousands more. Each newly created seed going on to multiply. One way in which human beings expand and grow is by creating goals. It has even been said that a human being without a goal is lost. Indeed, the right goal can cause us to create things previously believed to be impossible. We are only ever one decision away from completely transforming our lives and the results we get. So if all I say is true, and I invite you to at least try it on and see what you discover then, why do so many people end up living lives that do not fully satisfy, fulfill, or bring them happiness? Why are so many of us, at least in some areas of our lives, feeling stuck?

Les Brown was quoted as saying “The graveyard is the richest place on earth because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered; all because someone was too afraid to take that first step and carry out their dream”. As you reflect on these words, I urge you to look at your own life. How many ideas have you had that you didn’t know how to set in motion so you created some reason or justification for why they didn’t matter or weren’t important? How many times have you not followed your gut or your dreams and instead settled for something that was comfortable or good enough, but not what you really wanted? Do you even know what you authentically want? Do you give yourself time to dream or imagine what is actually possible for your life? 

Many years ago, in the training course for my coach certification, the trainer invited us to go through life imagining death was on our shoulder. At first one could imagine this to be a tad morbid when what he really meant was for the audience to give up this notion that we have time.The invitation was to stop living our lives like we have endless tomorrows upon which to fulfill on the things that really matter; to spend time with those we love and do the things that bring us joy. There is not a better time than right now to really go after the life of your dreams. Take small steps if you must and remember that every day is just a series of choices. Ask yourself if the choices you make today move you closer to what you want or further away? 

Now there are times when life doesn’t go as planned or expected. I choose to believe that life is unfolding for the best and I have decades of evidence as proof. So, I say let’s play with our hearts out on the table. Let’s leave it all on the court. If for whatever reason, things don’t end up being quite the way you thought they would be, choose to have faith and believe that life is unfolding for you and not to you. It will always be this or better!