Hi, <<First Name>> !
Do you ever fall into the trap of invalidating certain steps you take because they didn't lead to the outcome you desired?
Ever since Junior High, one of my biggest dreams has been to become an internationally recognized author. This week, I took bold action toward that dream by taking the much smaller step of submitting an article to a national online publication.
Think about finally working up the courage to take a tiny micro step toward one of your big dreams that you have been procrastinating on. I've been procrastinating on submitting articles to publications FOR YEARS.
After I submitted it, I was thrilled with my accomplishment for the next few hours. I told myself that I would be happy whatever the result.
Later that evening, the result arrived in the unceremonious form of an email with the subject line, "Your submission has been declined."
As I stayed alert to the thoughts in my head, I was tempted to revert to my old, tried and true pattern of telling myself, "WELL! That micro step doesn't count, because it failed to have the impact you anticipated. So much for all that wasted effort."
Today, I gave an online presentation to members of the Chamber of Commerce in Carlsbad, California, during which I asked each of them to remember, write down, and feel the emotions attached to their big idea. I then challenged them to commit to a specific micro step that would move them toward this idea.
I was pleased with how the presentation went. However, upon reflection, I wish I had put more emphasis on the idea that the purpose of a micro step isn't achieving the desired result (although that is very nice), But TAKING The Action.
My friends, we leave too many of our big dreams and big ideas on the sidelines as we wait to come up with the exact, perfect steps toward them.
Nobody else has the power to reject my dream of becoming an internationally acclaimed author. That power lies only with me should I choose to give up and refuse to take steps toward it.
What's a big idea that brings you joy and gives you energy when you think of it? What micro step can you commit to taking toward it between this Newsletter and the next one? Honor that, while your micro step may turn out imperfect, it IS a step in the direction you want to go, regardless of the outcome.
I would love to know how it goes.
Happy stepping!
Jason W Freeman
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