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May 2008
Marcia's Dream NoteI am often asked what is my source of inspiration and how do I bounce back from setbacks. My answer is the same for both questions. I “work” on myself. I try to take time daily to turn my attention inward to see what I need and to reflect. This is a life-altering practice. Several times a year, I go on a retreat. Sometimes it’s just for a day, sometimes longer. If this appeals to you, this summer I invite you to join myself and my spiritual teacher (of 10 years) at the Masters of Manifestation program that we will co-lead. During this program, we teach a transformational process for reclaiming your essence. From this place, you will dream new dreams and move forward on what’s most important now. At last years Masters program, I made huge decisions about my life and work. I’m excited to see what happens this time. Masters of Manifestation is almost sold out and we do not have it scheduled again. If you are ready to take your life to the next level, you’ll want to be here. Read more about it and register by June 15th (using this link) to save $500 on the tuition. Dreaming Big, No Doubt About DoubtOften when we get in touch with our most heartfelt and hopeful dreams what may also surface are some of our doubts. There is an important relationship between (what I refer to as) the Dreamer and the Doubter that live inside of us. It is useful and necessary to develop skills for dealing with our doubt; otherwise your dreams could very well get squelched. The Dreamer inside of us encourages us with thoughts and comments like, “Yes you can. Go for it. You have what it takes.” By contrast, the internal Doubter voice may challenge and confront with comments such as, “What are you thinking? You’re too old (or too young), you don’t know what you are doing, and you don’t have the money or experience.” If we turn the voice of the Doubter down it becomes the voice of the Realist, the part of us that wants to know what we intend to do. Most often, the Realist wants to know where you will find the time and money, it wants to know your plan, but be careful. Early on, you may not have all the details figured out so if you go to strategic planning too soon, your need to be realistic may have you compromise on your idea before you fully explore what else is possible. Consider this. If all parts of us carry wisdom, perhaps even the Doubter can provide insight. If you interviewed this part of yourself, literally asked about its concerns and issues around your dreams, you might get some useful information. For example, my own Doubter often offers thought-provoking questions and prudence. Your Doubter could inform you of potential obstacles related to your dreams. Obstacles come primarily in two forms. They are either limiting beliefs, something that requires internal reflection or that you hold to be true. Alternatively, obstacles can also be something more external that require a plan, such as borrowing money or taking a class. For example, if your dream is to write a book but you don’t know how, you might seek assistance or learn how to do it yourself. But if what you are feeling is fear of failure that is usually more of a limiting belief, something going on inside of you that only you can change or affect. Of course, once you identify what you’re afraid of a strategy like working with a coach or a daily practice of writing might get you over it. Some obstacles can be both belief and strategy. Wherever there is an obstacle, you can manage it. But if you don’t know there are obstacles present you may get blind-sided or sabotage your dream. It is incredibly beneficial to hear from your Doubter. Be interested in what it has to say. Pull out a journal or pad of paper and explore what your real, imagined or potential obstacles may be. Knowledge is a powerful thing. Most people either ignore or get consumed by their doubt. I assure you, once you become aware that there is a Doubter inside of you that is not the enemy, you are much less likely to be stopped by it. Confusion and procrastination are often signs that the Doubter is present but not being acknowledged. How do you feel when you are trying to express and not being heard? I suggest you watch for signs and stop and listen. Once you are able to learn from your doubt, other people’s doubts will have less impact on you. How might your life change if other people‘s negative comments only deepened your conviction to your dream? Once you deal with your own doubt you will no longer put the beliefs of others over your own. This is a sign of transformation as you become more inner-referenced. This can lead to deeper self-trust, which in turn will enable you to take greater risks and dream bigger dreams! If you have a big dream or are in search of a new one, I invite you to join www.AmazingDreamers.com to network with the world's largest community of dreamers. For F-R-E-E practical help, complimentary gifts and inspiring resources join us today. Big Dreamers Share
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In This IssueDream Quote"Never underestimate the power of a Dreamer with a mission.” Dear Marcia,
I have a great dream but the truth is I’m afraid I might fail and that’s keeping me stuck. Can you help? Thanks, L. Dear L, I don’t know any big dreamer who hasn’t failed at some level or experienced setbacks. A friend of mine says that failure is feedback so we can learn to course correct. The most successful people I know have learned to fail with dignity and grace. But rather than tank their entire dream, they check in and see what they can do differently. Usually they have to get humble and ask for help. I suggest breaking your dream down into a short term project or goal that you know you can accomplish. Make it easy so that when you take action, success is a given. Success breeds greater confidence which will help you muster the courage to take your next step. Repeat this practice often. Show that you are serious about your dream by taking action. Today’s article may help. Big dreams often occur one step at a time. The secret is to not let your fear stop you. Share your dream, ask for help and celebrate each and every step you take along the way. Warmly, Need help? E-mail your questions. |
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