How to Handle the Doubts

By Walt F.J. Goodridge

Special to the Saipan Tribune
Originally published: Wednesday, January 9, 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!


Dear Walt:

My question to you is how do you maintain your motivation and excitement when you encounter frustrating obstacles? How do you remove the doubt about whether this is the right direction on those mornings when you wake up and the first thought that jumps into your mind is "Am I crazy?"....if you know what I mean? There are several of us that are out on their own...and we all struggle with that issue.-Doubtful in Savannah

The truth, Dear Doubtful, is that there are no real doubts that I encounter, just minor detours and tests of my commitment. You see, I believe that every problem has a solution, every journey has a destination, and that the only way to find either is to keep looking. I believe that my destiny is not in the hands of anyone but me and my creator, so I never doubt that I can accomplish my goals.

I learned many years ago the power of commitment. I learned that it is possible and only necessary to commit once at the beginning of a journey. I learned that the obstacles are not my signal to question my commitment, but a chance to prove it.

Therefore, once I made the decision to walk away from my job and pursue my passion, the question became not "is this the right decision?", but "what do I need to make this happen?" In other words, I only ask "when?" not "if?"

The commitment was already made way at the beginning. The ups and downs are just part of the journey. I can’t tell you why I believe this, or what series of events in my life conspired to give me this perspective, but I know that it is what keeps me going forward even through the setbacks, evictions, credit challenges, etc., and all that I went and still go through during my journey.

But, as a result of your question, I started asking myself, "What is it that makes me this way?"

Maybe it’s because I got encouragement at an early age for my accomplishments and therefore don’t believe that there’s any test that I can’t master if I try hard enough.

Maybe it’s because I’m prepared to fall without shame (I gave up being controlled by m ego a long time ago. In fact, it’s first thing that needs to go if you’re serious about becoming free.)

Maybe it’s because I’m a control freak who is fanatically driven to be in control of my life, and will settle for nothing less.

Maybe it’s because I get physically sick if I have to work in an air-conditioned, corporate environment, and decided long ago that I wouldn’t remain trapped in that world.

Maybe it’s because I have a fear of mediocrity that won’t allow me to settle for being an "also ran."

Maybe it’s all these things, or none of them. I may never know the answer. What I DO know is that once I stepped out on my own, going back was never an option. Giving up my ultimate goal of freedom was not an option. Neither is giving up the desire to help others do the same.

Remember, any decision made in the direction of experiencing your greater self, your happiness, and the fulfillment of your purpose and passion are never "wrong." They are all learning experiences and pathways which move you towards your ultimate destination.

If you are truly moving in the direction of your happiness, then those are not pangs of doubt you feel, but merely reminders that you need to be more resolved and creative in bringing your happiness to fruition. It is not the path nor the obstacles which determine your soundness of your desire. The ultimate realization of your dream is something that is entirely up to you. You must believe that it’s within your power to change the outcomes you’ve been creating, and give yourself something different.

How To Handle The Doubts

No doubt there’ll be doubts
as you build your dreams, but
avoid second guessing
just measure and cut

Commit to the journey
do it once in advance
then always keep striving
leave nothing to chance

For roadblocks don’t mean
that the journey has ended
and spirit that’s broken
can always be mended

When obstacles come
don’t lose faith in your goal
when the ride becomes bumpy
simply tighten your hold

Commitment to outcome
precedes all success
and once convinced of your goals
daily doubts become less!

* * *

Until next time, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!-Walt



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