Have you ever caught someone saying that they want something, only to follow with a reason why they cannot receive that which they desire? "I really want to change my job/life/relationship, but I cannot because of (insert excuse). Have you ever offered to fix someone's excuse, believing the truth in it, only to realize that the excuse offered was just that, an excuse to get out doing the work required to change it? Can you think of a time when you were good at making excuses? What are your greatest and most dominant excuses? I have a list of them myself. I catch myself saying, "I am a stay-at-home-mom. I cannot make time for myself. I don't have the luxury of giving to myself, my business, my needs." The only truth in that statement is, "I am a stay-at-home-mom." We all have the same 24 hours in a day. We each make choices about how we choose to spend the valuable resource of our time and money. I am in the business of being with individuals as they bring about powerful and lasting change in life. I get to be with clients as they move through the space of resistance.
What stops us from making big changes? What keeps me making excuses? The same things that keep you from making changes;
1. Dissuasion. I tell myself that life is fine the way that it is, I don't really need to be doing anything differently. Asking for more is greedy. There are a number of things I tell myself that lead me away from seeking what it is that I deeply desire. What do you find yourself saying when you know that a change is calling?
2. Distraction. I could have a master's degree in distraction. There are times when I can be in the flow of change and suddenly I'll find myself being attracted to the drama of life. Other common distractions: "I'll put myself on the dating market as soon as I lose weight." "I'll invest in myself as soon as I get the raise that I've been wanting." What is it that you tell yourself when you are on the way to creating positive change for yourself?
3. Fear. Fear is the last ditch effort I make to self sabotage when moving toward change. Fear can take over as I listen to the little voice inside screaming at me, "Who do you think you are? Do you really think this change will amount to anything? Do you really think you'll be able to pull that off? Give it up, you can't make this last." What is your fear yelling at you? When have you noticed fear keeping you from moving toward the life of your dreams?
The dissuasion, distraction and fear are not the truth of who you are and what life has in store for you. As you calm the voices of dissuasion, distraction and fear, you will come out of this space stronger, more confident and feeling more connected to your authentic power.
So how do you do it? Be gentle with yourself. Be observer. Simply notice and give attention to the voice within. When you notice the voice, where you are in your process, you allow yourself the gift of creating clarity. With that clarity and new awareness, you now have the ability to choose. You can choose your thought and your actions. What is next? What will support you to move through it? Contact a friend, ask for support, JUST DO IT! You already know the results of NOT doing it. Allow yourself the gift of receiving the benefits of breaking through the barrier of fear, distraction and dissuasion.