What’s on your Bucket List you’re not doing because you can’t get past your fear, doubt or discomfort? What are the things you’d like to do or achieve but for whatever reason, you just can’t make yourself do them?
This question brings me back to 2012. The timing for launching my speaking business would not have penciled out in any reasonable business plan. The country was in the middle of a debilitating recession. I was newly divorced. In addition, I’d bought our home in the divorce and had a big mortgage to pay. Yes, I had fears and yet, I moved through them one-by-one. How? My vision for a successful business was bigger than my fears.
After I wrote my business plan, I reached out to a small group of successful speakers I knew in the industry and asked for their thoughts about going out on my own. Everyone, in their own words, basically told me the same thing. They didn’t think the timing was right. They all felt I had the skill, experience and drive to succeed, and yet the consensus was that there just wasn’t enough business out there.
If these well-known speakers were not getting gigs, how was a newbie like me going to successfully launch her business in an economy that was bad and getting worse? The “reasonable” move was to take another corporate gig until the economy picked back up. And yet, in my mind, in my heart, I wanted to take the leap. I wanted to live my dream, I wanted to create my speaking business RIGHT NOW!
I made my decision on a Sunday morning. Corporate recruiters were calling. In fact, I’d moved through the hiring process with three different companies, and each had made me an attractive offer. I was grateful, yet not surprised. I had no doubt that I could land another corporate gig. I’m good at what I do. I’m a team player. I have a solid track record.
And yet, in my heart, I knew I’d be settling. Taking the easy way out. Accepting a job solely for the money at the sacrifice of not getting to experience the full measure of my creativity. “Just because I could, doesn’t mean I should!” Another corporate gig was not my Vision! And to test my resolve, I had the imaginary angel/devil on each shoulder.
The angel said: Follow your heart! You can do this! You’ve proven it in front of hundreds of audiences. Go for it, baby! You will crush!
The devil whispered: The timing isn’t right. It’s going to take years to build a clientele. How will you pay the bills? You don’t know marketing or branding. Take the corporate gig!
“No!” I said out loud, standing and stamping my foot for emphasis. “I will not sell my soul again!” I would burn my boats. I channeled the energy of Alexander the Great, from a story I tell on stage.
Alexander and his men land on the shores of Persia. But there’s only a thousand men and they quickly realized they’re outnumbered by one of the most powerful armies in the world. Alexander’s men plead to retreat and return with more men.
According to legend, Alexander made a daring command. He knew his men were paralyzed with fear, but he needed them to realize defeat was not an option. He yells, “Burn the boats!”
By burning their boats there was no retreat. They were left with just two options: Fight or Die. Now that’s a badass move!
And that’s what I commanded myself to do that Sunday morning. I made a “badass, failure is not an option – I’m burning my boats” move.
How did I do it? First thing Monday morning, I called and turned down all three job offers. No retreat! And then I created a budget and hired a business coach. I was on my way.
I’ll never forget my first speaking gig. As I boarded the plane to Houston, I couldn’t control my exuberance. I wasn’t nervous nor did I doubt my abilities. This wasn’t my first rodeo – just the first time I rode my own horse. And my presentation was a huge success.
At that time in my life, starting my own business was #1 on my Bucket List. I rejected all options that didn’t support my vision. Like Alexander, I eliminated all escape routes.
So, what’s on your Bucket List? What do you want to do or achieve? Having a vision is not age specific. It could be taking a trip, learning a new language, or volunteering for a charity. You could start writing, painting or pick up an instrument. How about dancing, singing or taking a class? Or depending on where you are in life, it could be starting your own business.
What are you waiting for? What will it take for you to burn your boats and live your Bucket List?
Don’t steal your own dream. When your vision is bigger than your fears, you can bring anything into your life.