In the midst of the challenges and chaos of our day to day existence, it's easy to forget that there's a world of opportunity out there. Sure, we dream of alternate careers, travel, trying out an idea for a business, moving to that distant place we've always dreamed about, learning to play the piano. We even imagine how rewarding it would be, but at the end of the day we often file these cravings away in folders labeled Someday, Pipe Dreams or Impossible. The reality is, many of our dreams don't have to be "out there" at all. They're not only possible, they're attainable with some planning and work. And the only things stopping us are two little words.... "I can't."
Too often, we clip the wings of our best ideas before they ever have a chance to fly. And nine times out of ten, I think this stems from fear, a heightened sense of responsibility or even negative messages we've received from people we love and respect - people who tell us that it can't be done; that we lack the skills, talent or resources; that we're too old or too young; or that we're just plain crazy. The problem with "I can't" is that it isn't a choice - it's a restriction, an imagined rule that's being imposed on you. Every time you say, "I can't," it chips away at your sense of empowerment and potential.
I'm not saying it's easy to make a dream happen. I'm not saying every idea we have will work, either. What I am saying is that there's no chance of it happening at all unless we believe it's worth pursuing... unless we tell ourselves, "I can." Those two simple words inspire hope, which brings about curiosity, which leads to knowledge, which encourages belief, which spurs planning, which fuels a sense of purpose, which ignites enthusiasm and confidence, which leads to a rewarding life. "I can" is the seed of possibility, and there's no greater force in life than inspiration. Thomas Edison once said, “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” I say the world really belongs to the dreamer, and that it does the soul good to be astounded once in a while.
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For helpful articles on bolstering your sense of empowerment and checklists for achieving your goals, click on the links below:
Empowerment: How to Feel Less Powerless, by Deepak Chopra
5 Ways to Feel Empowered Each Day, by Alissa Finerman
Achieve Your Dreams: 6 Steps to Accomplish Your Goals and Resolutions, by Susan M. Heathfield
7 Steps to Achieving Your Dream, by Chris Widener
