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Dare to Change Challenge 10/08/07- New Ideas Create A New You

October 8th, 2007

As we live our lives, we have all had moments where we think we have it all figured out, only to have life throw us a curveball. These moments where things end up differently than we would like are the defining moments of our lives, because these are the moments where we decide the nature of our existence.

We can choose to learn from the experience, blame another for our circumstance, complain about how stuck we are, or use the moment as further proof of how broken or dysfunctional we are. However, the one thing that we all know to be true (if we are honest with ourselves) is that you never get a positive by dwelling in a negative reaction.

So instead of wasting another moment of your life in a pattern of blame, fault, or low self-esteem, start looking at challenges as your opportunity to learn to become more than you already are. If the knowledge and/or beliefs you currently have is not enough to overcome or avoid the recurrence of undesirable situations, then become a new you by learning some new ideas.

Examples:
If you find yourself continuing to have financial difficulties, then maybe you need to start increasing your education in financial matters by reading a book, listening to a podcast, or watching a dvd.

If you are already good at managing your finances, but you need to make more money, then maybe you need to increase your skills related to your job.

If you find that you are great at doing your job, but have poor communication skills, then maybe you should take up public speaking.

Recognize that as you move through life, every lasting and meaningful change you desire requires you to learn and be more than you were before. If who you are were enough to become who you would be, you would already be there. That is not to say that you need to drastically change your beliefs or skills, but it does mean that until you are where you would be, something probably needs to change.

Also, do not take this as a license to be unhappy where you are. You can enjoy where you are, and also have a goal of where you would be. When you go to an amusement park, you can enjoy the bumper cars first and then move on to the rollercoaster without having been unhappy at any point during the trip. You do not have to choose liking one over the other, because you began your trip with the intention to enjoy both, and then you acted accordingly.

Life works the same way. Where you are can always be beautiful if you recognize the beauty within yourself. However, your current moment will never be so beautiful that you cannot also carry within your heart a vision of even greater beauty. It is this vision of greater beauty that many call one’s purpose. In order to pursue one’s purpose, a fundamental truth in life is that all lasting change and success is the outcome of a never ending process of growth, so enjoy who you are and where you are during every step of your journey, but remain mindful that you must also continue to change and grow.

That being said, the challenge that I put before you today (and for the rest of your life, if you so choose) is to dedicate at least 15 minutes a day, each day to read or listen to something or someone that educates, motivates, and inspires you. If you find that you are really enjoying this on a given day, you can spend more time (just watch less tv), but right now I want your firm commitment to 15 minutes more than an uncommitted wish to do more each day.

As you alone define the path that you would follow, you must choose the nature of the material you will learn; but I suggest that you pick material prepared by people who has earned your trust and for whom you have respect. You should also pick people who challenge and encourage you to stretch your current beliefs, so that you can become the best you possible.

As always, if you choose to participate, please comment and let me know what you have done.

Wake up! Life is waiting for you.

Mario

Entry Filed under: Dare To Change