Last week, I talked to my sisterfriend on an unexpected phone call. It never fails. No matter how the conversation starts with her, we seem to find ourselves back in the same space, encouraging and motivating each other to move forward in purpose.
I can't speak for her, but for me, it's replenishing to the spirit. Can I just say, if you have someone in your life who is a true friend and wants you to succeed, please call them up now and thank them. It is truly a blessing. There hasn't been one time that I've ended the conversation with my sisterfriend feeling drained or depleted. But rather, it's always uplifting and energizing, and most times it is just what I needed in that moment.
So, why is it that some of us can use the energy of an inspiring moment to catapult us to the next level while others do not? And, why is it that some of us can use the energy of a negative moment to motivate us to shut down our naysayers while others will fall further into an abyss?
Those were the questions that begged me for answers when I started my purpose journey. I could be so inspired or motivated, but couldn't use that energy to help me take the long-term steps toward my plan. Instead, I'd find myself a year later on the same block, roaming around like I didn't even have a plan at all. The negative energy seemed to take root in my life and unknowingly dictate decisions I'd make. The crazy thing is that I wasn't handcuffed, but it felt that way. No one had brainwashed me to think I couldn't do it. I was an abled body, yet not moving forward.
Frustrated and confused, I started paying attention to my actions and thoughts, reading the bible, and studying people with real purpose, like Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, and Oprah Winfrey. Pretty soon I had the answers I needed.
Turns out, I needed 3 things to use the energy of a moment to mobilize my dreams. I want to share them with you today.
1. You MUST have a STRONG enough WHY.
Your "Why" for getting out of a bad situation should be just as strong as your "Why" for accomplishing your goals. It is the reason you are doing anything hard. It must be strong enough to keep you grounded. Initially, my "Why" was to start a business I could run after my early retirement from Corporate America at age 55, then I could finally live on purpose. This reason was surface level, selfish, and couldn't be more wrong. It wasn't deep enough to push me into action. It came from a good place, but the heroes I studied always went deeper into their souls to find their "Why". In some cases, their lives even depended on it. Your "Why" needs to be your reason for breathing, or else why are you doing it? It should always lead back to service, not selfishness. So, my "Why" was re-written. Now, my "Why" is to inspire every person I meet to live on purpose, so that they can claim their birthright of living the fulfilled life God created specifically for them. This will be my legacy.
2. A BELIEF can be the GIFT of a LIE.
What do you believe? So many of you are fighting off or stuck in belief systems that weren't designed for you. We hang on to beliefs pressed upon us as children. As an adult, you have to face these beliefs, then promptly delete them if they are holding you back. Use Philippians 3:14 to replace them with your own beliefs. Can I suggest that your beliefs may be the reason why you can't move forward. And yes, these beliefs could be the very reason you find yourself re-living the same negative situations over and over again. Whatever you believe, good or bad, it's true.
3. HABITS will MAKE or BREAK you.
This was a hard one to learn. I don't like repetition. Over time, it bores me. But, not being repetitive kept me from moving forward. I had bad habits which invited unwanted and unnecessary stress. Creating good habits through constantly repeating actions ensured I moved forward no matter how small or large the step was. My routine became a guidebook for me. I didn't have to decide or think about my daily routine, therefore, it was harder to talk myself out of it. I saved time and didn't open the door to veering off track. There are still days where I get off track for real. So, this isn't to say you won't ever get off track, but it is to say --use habits to get on track, and if you happen to get off, you have a method to getting back on.
Energy is a thing and it can, unknowingly, dictate actions. To those of you who know what you should be doing, but never seem to make progress, the first thing you need to do is clearly understand your "Why" so that you have a north star. Then, you will need to de-program limiting beliefs and re-program them using Philipppians 4:13 as your foundation. Lastly, start with a simple daily routine centered around your goals, like, getting up 30 minutes earlier to spend time towards your goals. As you master it, continue to add to your routine until you build all the habits you need drive toward your dreams.
With this, the next time life sends you a moment, good or bad, you'll be able to receive the energy of it, and then use it to catapult you forward.
If you liked this post, let me know by leaving me a comment. I always look forward to hearing from my readers. Also, if you want me to deliver the latest posts directly to your inbox, subscribe at watchmyfeet.org.
Teresa H. Snipes
Life Coach & Strategist
Founder of WatchMyFeet.org
Comments