Your Dreams Are Waiting – What’s Holding You Back?
I’m a great day-dreamer.
I can envision what I want my life to look like with epic detail.
It’s the execution of this epic detail that sometimes trips me up.
You, too?
Having a happy and satisfying life is something which we all strive to achieve, but nearly everyone at some point during their life hits a roadblock which prevents them from making strides towards a life fulfilling dream. Whether it is a career aspiration, a relationship goal or a trip to an exciting foreign destination, it is important to understand what is stopping you from achieving that dream so you can navigate through it.
The Human Needs Theory
Many life coaches believe that without having your basic human needs fulfilled, you will never be able to achieve your dreams. Some of these basic needs include:
- Food and water
- Clothing and shelter
- Appropriate sleep
- Love and belonging
- Physical contact
The body and mind is constantly trying to fulfill these basic needs both consciously and subconsciously. I’m not saying that if you have everything on the list above that your dreams will come true. I don’t have that magic power of the genie in the lamp.
I’m saying that the items on that list are essential on a daily basis in order to have the oomph you need to pursue your dreams. Making sure your tank is full is the first step.
Fear of Failure and Uncertainty
There is always some fear of failure when you think about trying to accomplish something you really want or stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone. It’s that voice in your head that says you can’t or you’re not ready.
Step away from the fear for a moment and try a different approach.
What if you decided your life was a great big experiment and you were the scientist in the world’s most beautiful lab? In a science lab, experiments are never expected to work 100% of the time. There is no attachment to the achievement – just the curiosity.
You can change your mind and you can change strategy. Alleviate your fear of failure and the unknown by turning it into an experiment.
Try this. Try that.
Get curious.
Take action toward your dreams. It’s the forward movement that gets the juices flowing.
Comparing Oneself to Others
Ah, yes. The compare/despair syndrome. Many of us are trapped in a constant cycle of comparing ourselves to others. A co-worker which you admire may leave you wondering how you could possibly compete with them for a promotion, or the achievements of a friend may make you feel small and incapable.
And don’t get me started on social media and the effects that can have. Remember, people don’t typically share the darker parts of their life online. It’s not always a party – everyone has their share of struggle.
Believing that you are not good enough is one of the most debilitating beliefs one could ever have. Do not allow yourself to fall into this trap and instead recognize your own unique merits. No two people have had the exact same experiences, hold the same knowledge, or have the same style as you. Focus on developing yourself rather than transforming into a cookie cutter version of someone else and celebrate yourself.
The world needs your unique gifts and talents.
Being Impatient
Our culture today has unfortunately become one of instant gratification. When we want something, we can get it almost instantly – and often do. This has caused many of us to forget that achieving a certain vision takes time, planning and most of all, patience.
The next time you feel frustrated with how long it may be taking to accomplish a goal or if you begin to feel that you will never make it to the end, focus on the next small step you need to make to take you closer to your dream. Even if that small step is sending an email, making a phone call or completing another hour of work, that step has inched you closer to where you want to be.
When we’re so anxious to “get there”, we miss out on the beauty and enjoyment of “right now.”
P.S. Do you doubt your own abilities despite receiving accolades? Are you struggling daily because you keep on listening to that cynical voice in your head? Then join me on February 25th at 6 pm Central. I will be doing a live webinar wherein I will teach you how you can be free of self-doubt. It’s free to attend. Sign up now at https://babschurchill.com/webinar/