Bound to Be

By Walt F.J. Goodridge

Special to the Saipan Tribune
Originally published: Wednesday, July 23, 2008


The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!

During a recent PassionProfit workshop, a participant realized that she was being paralyzed by the fear of failure. "How, " she asked, "can I avoid falling on my face as I pursue my passion?"

It’s a common question, and an issue I knew I could help her with! Having dealt with the issue myself, and after years of coaching, I felt I had an answer that could save her years of worry and woe! So, here it is, for those of you out there who are dealing with similar fears...

Bound to Be

I understand your fears quite well
I’ve lived them all before
It’s tricky to make plans
not knowing what life has in store

You’re searching for the constants
for without them life’s unstable
You need to feel you’re in control
and change things if you’re able

Well, here’s the magic secret
that can make your worries cease!
The antidote for failure fears
that offers life’s new lease:

The trick is to accept
and run TOWARD the great unknown
For life hides all your treasures
just outside your comfort zone

The fear you feel about the risks
and things you cannot see
Are clues to tests you need to take
and therefore bound to be

There’s bound to be some losses
so make plans to start again
There’s bound to be some traitors
so learn well the ways of men

There’s bound to be some chaos
so grow wings to ride the storm
There’s bound to be some cold days
so plan now how you’ll keep warm

There’s bound to be some sadness
so make friends who’ll make you smile
There’s bound to be upheavals
so plan now your new life style

There’s bound to be disaster
so make peace with what you fear
And blocks to where YOU’RE bound to go
like magic, disappear!


Many life rhymes deal with the issue of fear because it’s one of only two reasons why we do just about anything in life (the other being love).

The truth is that the feelings of fear you have about following your passion, starting a business, moving to a new city or country, dating, starting a new job, or simply living life at a different level are all your heart’s way of pointing you in the direction of your greater self.

You see, we only fear the things that make us stretch our self-concept, and that challenge us to be someone new. In other words, we only fear the things outside of our comfort zones and regions of familiarity. But, you can never grow, expand, improve or change your life to any considerable degree unless you are willing to take a risk and step outside your comfort zone. And, as has been said quite eloquently, life hides its greatest treasures just beyond your comfort zone.

If you recognize that your success lies just beyond taking that risk and becoming that new person, then, from now on, you’ll realize that if you want change, then you have no other choice but to run toward that feeling of fear, rather than way from it. The interesting thing is, you’ll find, almost magically, that once you accept and embrace the fear that it often no longer becomes a test you need to take…

So, here in the CNMI, as factories close, as new laws take effect, as people depart, as prices rise, there is a natural fear of the unknown. It’s difficult to know what to do. It’s tempting to take a “wait and see” approach since any step forward sparks new fears of what the outcome will be. Doing nothing is as much of a decision as doing something. The difference is, however, is that by doing something, you have an opportunity to be in a better position to weather the storm and prepare for what’s bound to be.

Note: For more tips on overcoming your fears, acting on your ideas, changing the game, and creating a passion-centered lifestyle, visit www.passionprofit.com!
Note: There’s a new blog in town! Check out www.blacksonsaipan.com.


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Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!