Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Wisdom in Your Potential...

"There are two great days in a person's life ... the day we are born, and the day we discover why.” ~William Barclay

You ask, “Why what?” Why you were created the way you were created? Why you have the unique DNA that you have? Why you have these dreams in your heart? Why you have this urge inside to unleash the potential and go after your passion?

What is YOUR why? What is your potential?

After pondering a bit on these questions, I thought I would share with you some wisdom I have found. Four steps to begin to find your why…your potential:

1. Define who you are….what do you value most in life?
These could be qualities like openness, honesty, and trustworthiness, or traits like creativity, focus and aptitude. Think of your best friend. What characteristics does he/she display that you value/appreciate?

2. Identify your strengths….what are you really good at doing?
Some people can make the most incredibly attractive scrapbooks of their children’s activities. They just know the right colours, shapes, and tag lines to create a treasured keepsake of memories. Other people are a total wiz on the computer and ‘wow’ me with how quickly they can assess and FIX hardware and software quandaries. Still others have the patience to spend an entire day with 25 first graders on a field trip to the biggest museum in town, and walk away with a smile on their face and a spring in their step.

3. Discover what you know…life has taught you much; you know more than you think.
I have one child who is good at spelling. (The other child…not so much.) It is rather effortless for my youngest to do well on spelling tests and Spelling Bees. She is no National Bee champ or anything like that, but plain and simple, she knows how to spell some fairly difficult words.

4. Acknowledge your uniqueness…there is only one YOU.
The marvelous Liz Strauss says, “Know who you are and where you stand – claim your space.” The amazing Marianne Williamson says, “We can always choose to perceive things differently. You can focus on what's wrong in your life, or you can focus on what's right.”

What is YOUR why? What is your potential?

The legendary speaker Tony Robbins began a new series on television this week called Breakthrough. Watching Tony pour his heart into the featured married couple was inspiring and encouraging. Everyone watching the episode could see the potential of these two people. One of my favorite quotes by Mr. Robbins… “Life is found in the dance between your deepest desire and your greatest fear."

Can you learn to dance with your potential?
If inside, you feel that you were made for more, but are afraid to move, I encourage you to decide today to take that first step into the unknown. Then take another step.

…Step even when you are afraid.
…Step when you are insecure.
…Step when you are safe.
…Step when it’s stormy.
…Step when you don't see what's coming.

Before long, you will find that each step you take weaves together to create a beautiful dance...a dance that is your amazing life…a dance that is uniquely YOU. I look forward to the day when I see you teaching others to dance too.

Now it’s your turn...

What wisdom have you gained in dancing with your potential?

4 comments:

  1. I love this! I stood at the altar at church a couple of weeks ago, knowing I was "comfortable" in my faith walk. I've always believed that if you're comfortable, you're not growing. And if you're not growing, you're dying. So I asked God to take me to the next level, knowing it would require me to step out of my comfort zone. His response was that if I wanted the next level, I'd have to LEAP out of my comfort zone and quit my job. He has a lot in store for me and I can't do it if 95% of my time is wrapped up in school and work. After a week and a half of being mired in my fear, my employer and I came to the conclusion that my school and work schedules weren't compatible. So I've put in my notice and as of August 20th I will be unemployed. I believe He's calling me, among other things, to really pursue my graphic design business. I've had dreams about it succeeding. I've had several confirmations that it will succeed. But I've allowed my fear and my feeling of inadequacy to hold me back. Now I don't have a choice. I'm going for my greatest dream and leaving my greatest fear in the past. Here we go God...I'm on my way to the next level!

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  2. Wow...you sound like you are certainly learning to dance with your potential! So glad you enjoyed the post. May you enjoy the journey as you take each new step and find the amazing blessings waiting for you along the way!

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  3. Why do I feel and say actually out laud that I will be going all around the world and teach people even when I am 70 years old. Pretty much everthing is going wrong for the 5 years now? I am already very tired to deal with all the problems constantly yet I still didnt lose the hope. this hope keeps me alive but I dont want to be just alive and I want more...

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  4. Perhaps the last 5 years have been full of challenges, my friend. Yet with each challenge you overcome, you will find a stronger YOU. There is great wisdom in your words. Your heart is full and telling you to give to others. It is in that service that you will find your strongest life and most happiness. It is when we are able to take our eyes off ourselves and put them onto others, that we find who we truly are and what we can accomplish. I do not know you but from your words, I know you will push through the circumstances in life and get to the other side where you find the "more" you are speaking of...it is there that the real you will shine. Thank you for sharing! I believe many people will be strengthened by the authentic you. Never never never give up.

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