April 14, 2009

Commit, Begin, and Go Until...   "It's just taking so long, I'm about ready to give up." "Sure, this is what I want, but come on, there has to be an easier way.  This is just too difficult." "If I take this step, I might find myself worse off.  Then what?" "Nothing good ever happens for me.  What's the use?"   We all have bumps in our life when we're ready to throw in the towel.  Some of us do give up, while others of us are able to move past the bumps and continue on our way to success.    What's the difference between the two groups?   Commitment.   Commitment is persistence with a purpose.  It will get you over your bumps. What are you reaching for, how badly do you want it, and are you willing to do whatever it takes to get there?  Are you willing to commit, because...   When you commit and commit fully, the universe will go to work for you.        "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).  There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, thenProvidencemoves 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, begin it.  Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.  Begin it now."                  Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe     If you want it bad enough, commit, begin, and go until...       "I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen."             Frank Lloyd Wright   "If you are truly flexible and go until...there is really very little you can't accomplish in your lifetime."             Anthony Robbins   "The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire."             Ferdinand Foch   "Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard for people to stop you."             Bill Cosby     I don't pretend to know all the secrets to remaining committed to achieving what you want. If it was easy, no one would ever quit.  I do know, though, that your desire must be strong enough so that you walk through your fear (if that's stopping you), have courage, be open to all possibilities, learn from your missteps and continue on, and believe that you can succeed.    I also know that when you do commit, things begin to happen.  Someone calls out of the blue and offers just the next step that you need, or you meet someone who knows someone who helps with another step.  Or, the light bulb goes off while you're driving down the street and you say to yourself, "Yes, that's it!"    What you're looking for is looking for you - when you commit.   Have a fantastic week and commit.   Stephanie   P.S.  I remain committed to my speaking, writing, and coaching and also to my volunteer work, not only through AAWD but also through the community.  I was just informed that I have been selected as one of the ten 2009 Women of Achievement forAlton,Illinois.  This is a yearly event sponsored by the Alton YWCA, acknowledging women who have contributed to the quality of life in my region and who support the mission of the YWCA to empower women and eliminate racism.  Media day is April 23 and the event luncheon is May 28.  I am honored to be recognized.      We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com