Take a chance and see what you’re made of. Why Not?
One of the greatest struggles we face in unveiling our greatest potential is the ever ongoing back and forth with our own inner voice. The one that gives all the reasoning and logic as to why we shouldn’t do that “thing”. You know, the thing that has us being bold, taking action, releasing creativity, risking failure, learning, sparking reactions in those around us, igniting transformation and so on.
Sure some of the naysayers come from without. But the only reason they are harping on, criticizing or playing down our “crazy” ideas for making a major, meaningful shift in our life, is because when faced with these ideas, they are in fact struggling with their own inner voice that is counteracting the small seed of hope and daring we planted within them by sharing. But just as we have those from without that will tell us why we shouldn’t pursue these strokes of inspiration, we also have those who support us, who say go for it and “why not?” That same question can arise from within. When faced with all these reasons (yes, all very good ones) we come up with as to why they would never work, we must, ourselves, also say “Hey!!! WHY NOT??!!”
It’s amazing how the smallest shifts can have the greatest impact. The instant the obstacle of inner doubt and fear is raised, it takes less then a second, moving at the speed of thought to immediately fire back with “Why Not?” and drive a wedge into that closing door.
Now, I’m going to present yet another of smallest shifts that has an even greater potential for blowing the doors wide open. Asking “Why Not?” is a popular approach to questioning our self-sabotaging tendencies. It’s certainly a good start. But wouldn’t it be safe to say that, in general, we’ve had alot of practice coming up with all the reasons why our “hair-brain” or ambitious ideas won’t work? Wouldn’t there be a good chance that with a habit that is built over years and years of stopping ourselves dead in our tracks, that we wouldn’t slip and in fact fuel more reason’s not to? Think about it:
“Oh I can’t do that. It’ll never work.”
(Haha, I got you this time) “Ahem… Why not?”
“Well! Let me tell you why not. Because….”
You see, the term itself can easily get turned around on itself. We end up finding ourselves in a position of asking for more reasons why we can not go through with it, reinforcing the logic as to why it shouldn’t be done.
But remember, all it takes is the smallest of shifts. Continue to follow through on the intention of the original question, only this time ask:
“What If?”
You see, “What if?” doesn’t set us up to lead in on the negative, the way “Why Not?” does. “What If?” is a alive with possibility, with potential.
“What if I WAS the senior VP of my company? What incredible advancements would come of that?”
“What if I didn’t have to worry about money? What opportunities would now open up before me?”
What if I got up tomorrow morning and walked for 15 mins. What if I kept doing that, every day for the next year? How far will I have travelled? What could happen on such an epic journey?”
“What if it didn’t matter what everyone else thought?”
“What if going through with this idea completely changed the life of one single person. And that one single person went on to change the world?”
“What if that person was me?”
A single, simple, tiny shift and the world around us becomes something else entirely. Rather than a finite rock to which we are constrained to, our world becomes an infinite universe of possibility and potential.
What if?
Dare to Evolve,
Shane.
What if I woke up every monday morning and was inspired to live my soul’s true calling? Thank you, Shane for keeping me on track. Much love.
“What if I woke up every monday morning and was inspired to live my soul’s true calling?”
Love this Jolie!
Thanks Shane, it amazing how the weight of doubts can be shed by asking “how do I (overcome this)?” , or “what if I?”. Needed to read that! Thx my man!
Most welcome Dwight! Glad it connected. Keep asking the question, keep the evolution on track. : )