I’m guessing the title of this newsletter grabbed your attention – yes? And, here’s why. Our negative attention seeking ego is drawn to messaging like this. The ego, and its self-deprecating chatter, is always on the lookout for information that reinforces holding back, playing it safe, and not stepping outside the lines. It’s constantly at battle with our more eager, optimistic and expectant self. Unfortunately, our ego is louder, more forceful, and wins out because we fuel it with our attention.
My ego helped me generate this list of 10 reasons why you should NOT pursue your dreams. I am confident that my ego and your ego come from the same school of thought and speak the same language.
- Who are you to think that you can live your dreams? You’re ordinary – not extraordinary.
- It’s few and far between, the people who actually experience living their dreams. Don’t waste your time. You’re not one of them.
- If you do pursue your dreams, what happens if you fail? That will be embarrassing.
- Pursuing your dreams is selfish. Those around you are slogging it out – what makes you think you shouldn’t as well?
- ‘Flakes’ pursue their dreams with the hope they’ll come true. Be mature, responsible and realistic in your pursuits.
- Be happy with what you have. You’re better off than most people on this planet. Quit dreaming and just make the best of what you’re doing.
- Pursuing your dream is going to be hard work. Do you really want to sign up for that?
- You’ll likely lose, not make money at pursuing your dreams. Can you really afford that, and for how long?
- There are more people that fail than succeed at living their dream – just sayin’.
- There’s seriously something wrong with you that you can’t just be happy with what you have and where you are at in life.
Sound familiar? The messages are clear and convincing – if we listen. But, what about all those people who choose not to listen to the negative chatter of their ego and go after their dreams? What makes it possible for them to move forward in a direction that serves them? I can speak to this, as I am someone who pursued my dream of doing something big in a small place.
My dream began with a vision to host an International Women’s Day conference on Isla Mujeres, the Island of Women, Mexico. I typically present at conferences; I don’t organize them. But I was compelled to pursue my dream of creating an event that would create positive change for everyone involved. I wanted to stretch my boundaries professionally and evolve personally. I thought I was capable of pulling off this event called “We Move Forward.”
It didn’t take long for both my internal and external critics to show-up. After-all, who was I to think that I could do something out-of-the-ordinary? It was turning out to be a lot of work for no financial return. Where is the value in that? I had a healthy career as a consultant and trainer. Why not leave things as is, count my blessings, and stay the course? The learning curve was bigger than I had anticipated, and mistakes were being made. People notice and talk about mistakes. Some comments and emails were hurtful. Was going after my dreams really worth all the painful criticism that comes with trying? On many days, my answer to that question was “no.”
So, what 10 things propelled me forward toward living my dream?
- Enjoying small successes along the way
- The companionship of like-hearted and minded people that showed up because of my pursuit, and continue to
- The personal satisfaction gained from persevering rather than giving up on something that brings me, and others, joy
- Determination
- Regularly flipping my ego the bird
- Dialing down my inner critic’s voice and cranking up the volume of optimistic me
- Staying on top of my game by learning how to succeed at my pursuit
- Reflecting on lessons learned and making changes that matter
- Keeping my body, mind and soul healthy through regular exercise, eating well, and drinking red wine with friends
- Knowing that I truly would rather have tried and lost, than not to have tried at all
It is my hope that you’ll join me in regularly flipping your ego the bird when it sets out to remind you of all the reasons why you should NOT pursue your dreams. Go after them instead. You are capable of extraordinary things. The path is there, right in front of you, and it is not that difficult to navigate, as it is well worn by others that came before you, people just like you, who treaded toward their dreams. If you hurry, you’ll catch-up to them and what a great time you will have.
If you are reading this newsletter and haven’t yet registered for We Move Forward, I hope you’ll pause, and pay attention to eager and expectant you, the you that wants to step outside the lines and do something special and out of the ordinary, something that will create positive change in your life. And then do it.
I invite you personally to join me, and other women just like you, on Isla Mujeres for We Move Forward in March 2014. Register today and feel great about where you’re headed next.
Register at www.wemoveforward.com
Announcement:
We Move Forward is pleased to announce that best-selling author Miriam Laundry will be speaking on Day 1 of We Move Forward. The creator of the” I CAN” children’s book series, Miriam’s books are making a difference in children’s lives. “I CAN Believe in Myself” became a #1 Bestseller on Amazon on its release date in June 2013 and has remained in the Top 10 since then. Her book has received many endorsements by global transformational leaders including bestselling authors, Jack Canfield (co-creator Chicken Soup for the Soul), Dr. Kevin Leman, Carol Kline and many others.
Miriam, will be joining an amazing list of authors presenting and participating at WMF2014 –each will gift one lucky participant a signed copy of their book. Authors include:
Claire Cooke, WMF Keynote and best-selling author of 10 novels, including “Must Love Dogs”
Mary Carwile, Heartstrings at 35,000 Feet
Helen Valleau, A Year of Possibilities
Alison Sawyer Current – No Urn for the Ashes
Penny Burnham – Jaded Diamond
One of the top universities in Canada, Royal Roads University, has sponsored WMF for the past three years, recognizing the positive impact of the program on the women who participate. As a graduate of Royal Roads University’s Masters of Arts and Leadership program, Janeen Halliwell can attest to the professional development benefits of We Move Forward: “This conference is about self-directed leadership – who says you can’t do a little professional development in a warm climate!” Attendees receive a WMF certificate of completion.
WMF kicks off 1 Month Today!! Join us March 6-9 on sunny Isla Mujeres for some amazing personal & professional development.
Register while there is still space!