What makes her think she can do this, anyway?

On my way to a meeting early this morning, feeling a little sorry for myself (after all, business is a little down, it's taking longer to find the right new clients) when on my radio came a story to remind me of what's important - and what I'd forgotten.

 

Karen Rogers is an early 40's mother of two teenage boys from Tahoe City, CA.  Her VISION is to make a solo swim from the Farallon Islands to San Francisco - a 30-mile, 15-hour challenge.  When she accomplishes that, she will be the 1st woman, and only the 3rd person to have ever done so.  The last man to make it all the way did so 40 years ago.

What makes her think she can do this, anyway?  “I’m one tough cookie,” she says.  “I’m the one with the guts to go out and accomplish this goal.” 

Shoot!  I’d forgotten how tough a cookie I am.  I’ve survived cancer, been married 40 years, raised 4 wonderful children, been through all kinds of business ups and downs.  We all have a core of strength that takes us through whatever is in front of us.  So what was prompting me feeling this way this morning?

Then I heard Karen’s advice for people who are inspired to try something that is seemingly out of reach.  “I think the most important thing is to set goals so you really have to reach for - but not so far out that you can’t attain them.  Once you commit your brain to something your body’s going to follow.”

Oh, yeah.  That old Napoleon Hill quote coming back again.  How could I forget such a basic, basic tenet of success?  But I also forgot what Walt Disney reminded us “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

So, what’s the message?  I do have a dream.  I am curious.  Sometimes I simply wake up having forgotten where I’m headed.  So I took out my VISION. I reviewed my goals.  I saw that they were, indeed, challenging but attainable.  The fog cleared, and I am again on track building the future for business and family. 

Thanks, Karen, for the reminder of how it really works!

Have you forgotten just how tough you are?  Are you ready to renew your VISION and head for what seems to be out of reach?