Stop Your Doubts from Sabotaging Your Dreams

Back when I used to do a lot of development coaching, one strategy that I'd frequently employ is the art of listening.  I don't mean your typical listening that normally goes on in regular conversation.  I listened for the types of words used, I listened for the person's mindset, and I listened for hidden beliefs that resided in the person's subconscious.

One thing I notice that people do is sabotage their own efforts.  In the same conversation, they'll speak life on their goals and simultaneously destroy it.  The worst part is that most people have no idea they're doing it.  I think we all do it to some extent.  But to us is sounds like we're reasoning or like we're going over the pros and cons.   Going over pros and cons is a good thing, but there's a fine line between being logical and completely destroying any chance of you moving forward.

In my opinion, going over the pros and cons serves one main purpose.  In my opinion, the only reason to go over the cons is to figure out a way to overcome the obstacles.  The cons are not there to stop you.  They exist to make you think through your process completely.  You're not supposed to let them stop you from moving forward.

When I hear someone slowing themselves down in their conversation,  I call them out on it.  I like the person straight in the eye and tell them "do you realize what you're doing? You're like someone who's sitting in a car with the foot on the gas and the brake at the same time."  You're sitting in a parked car that's not going anywhere.  You're talking yourself into standing completely still.

If there's a burning desire inside you urging you to take on a new adventure, listen to everything your gut says. But don't let those objections stop you.  Listen to them then address each 1 by 1.  Sometimes I'll actually write down all of my objections then brainstorm ways to overcome them.  It's a way of putting my mind at ease.  If I leave them floating around in my mind, things get bad.  They'll slowly evolve from being objections to concerns & worries.  Worries are poison to the lifeblood of your dreams.

It's natural for us to conflicting thoughts whenever we venturre into something new.  Our job is to challenge our own thoughts.  Point out the falsehoods in your fear based thinking.  Notice how you are intentionally holding yourself back because of concerns that may or may not happen.  It's time to take your foot of the brake so you can allow your intentions to finally take form.