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!
Based on the responses to last week’s Life Rhyme, “In The Comfort of Our Creations,” I decided to offer another life Rhyme at you this week.
It is for that person whose exam results didn’t pan out the way they’d been hoped for. For that person who’s feeling a bit abandoned by love. For that person whose expectations always seem to be over-promised and under-delivered. For that person who feels like giving up, I suggest you ask a critical “what if?”
What if that sense of emptiness
is not based on fact at all
and help and love are waiting
and all you have to do is call?
What if the rejection
is just all in your own mind
and folks are not all evil
but are mostly good and kind?
What if all their actions
are not really out of hate
but caused by thoughts arising
from a confused and fearful state?
What if all the doors that slammed
were just not yours yet to explore
and opportunities await you
with more abundance yet in store?
What if all the barriers
are really there for your own good
and someone's keeping you safe and sound
like a guardian angel should?
What if the delays
are no real reason for alarm
but interventions from above
that keep you free from harm?
What if all the pain you feel
is just a passing thing
and makes you that much stronger
and has lessons it could bring?
What if that winding gauntlet
were really fans lined up for miles
who wait the chance to cheer you on
and shower you with smiles?
And what if your perspective
is what decides your every day
what changes could you make
if you just see things a different way?
COMMENTARY:
Choosing to accept the correct "what if" is the universal challenge in life. Many of us choose to focus on negative “what ifs.” We say, “I want to play, but what if I lose?" I want to try, but what if I fail? What if they're really rejecting me?" "What if there's really no one out there for me?" We chose these disempowering “what ifs” and choose to wallow in self-pity.
We could just as easily ask, “What if this works!” “What if I win?” or a thousand other “what ifs” that prepare you for a brighter future and that empower you to persist in the realization of your dream.
The trick to choosing the correct “what if” is to realize that delay is not denial and detours are not dead-ends. Despite whatever happens to you, you can keep seeking your ideal that lies beyond what appear to be blocks on the path.
But know also, that the “what ifs” you focus on, like everything else in life, are simply choices you make. And with those choices, come consequences. If you are prepared to deal with the consequences of your choices, then life can never fail you. You’ll realize that with the right perspective, everything works for you and towards your good. Thinking so, makes it so.
So, today, make the choice of which "what if" will rule your every day by choosing the "what if" that empowers YOU and those you love. Don't ever give your power away.
Note: Where will YOUR passion take you? What sort of life would you live if you could? Find out what's possible. Check out my new adventures on jamaicaninchina.com.
Note: Ever wanted to direct your friends and family to a set of websites that revealed the best things about Saipan? Do what I do: send them to www.bestofsaipan.com!
Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!--Walt
Send article suggestions, entrepreneur nominations and feedback about this article to walt@passionprofit.com.