While writing this week’s to do list this morning, I thought I’d start by writing three things I want to change and will actually change, and three others I want to change yet thought was too risky. It’s so much easier to think things are going to be to difficult to change, rather than actually trying to change them. In actuality, we have no evidence that what we want to change is going to be challenging at all.
So, this week I was hoping we could work on getting rid of all those excuses we are so invested in believing in. Those excuses that impede us from moving ahead with our dreams.
A few of mine are (feel free to add to this list):
- I am too old to start a new business.
- The economy is bad. (This is a big one now.)
- If I charge what I deserve, I am not going to get any clients.
- I do not have a college degree.
- I have no talent. (When “talent,” I think, is mostly about practice and doing.)
- My family and friends are going to think I am crazy.
The list is endless.
Let’s work on a different mindset: Nothing is standing in the way of living fully. If I do not follow my dream in five years, I am going to be exactly where I am. If I do follow my dreams in 10 years there is a 50% chance I’ll accomplish my dream. (Those are good odds.)
Here’s the homework: Write down three changes you accomplished in the past year you are proud of (go ahead, be proud and thankful). Then, write down three things you think are “too risky” but start trying to make change anyway. What is the biggest excuse you always use?
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Bisi Bordley
July 26, 2010
TOMORROW!!
Mandi h
July 26, 2010
Why would people choose me, there are a lot of people that can do what I do.
I have been waiting for a while for my big push to get jump started, and today,as if were planned, I saw a sign that read: “Sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith.”– Margaret Shepard It is important to recognizes the “signs” life gives you!
Deborah
July 26, 2010
Hi Preston. I enjoy the Mon to do list hw. I immediately realized my mindset needs to be changed! 1.There are so many Special Event Co already established here in Philly its going to be hard to attract new clients especially with my Co.being so new. 2.I don’t really know what I’m doing. With little to no startup cash in the bank my business is going to struggle. Things will be better in 5 years or so. 3. My family & Friends don’t take me serious because they don’t believe or see my vision.
Sarai Flores
July 27, 2010
buenos dias Preston, I hope you know all you mean and what you represent and inspire to many of us in the wedding industry. Not only I love your work, but I deeply respect and admire how human and down to earth person you are. Gracias!
here my excuses:
I don’t have a design degree
I am might not be good enough
I cannot charge THAT!
kisha
July 27, 2010
1) I left an unfulfilling job that was draining me completely. 2) I’ve reconnected with loved ones 3) I’ve started parlaying something I actually LOVE… into a business 4) I helped my kid pass the first grade. Yay! 5) I scratched a few items off of my bucket list.
1) I can’t afford it 2) i’m not 19 anymore 3) I’m inexperienced 4) they won’t get my ideas/concepts 5) i have no support
kisha
July 27, 2010
1) I left an unfulfilling job that was draining me completely. 2) I’ve reconnected with loved ones 3) I’ve started parlaying something I actually LOVE… into a business 4) I helped my kid pass the first grade. Yay! 5) I scratched a few items off of my bucket list.
1) I can’t afford it 2) i’m not 19 anymore 3) I’m inexperienced 4) they won’t get my ideas/concepts 5) i have no support from like minded individuals
Richi
July 29, 2010
You are so on point. We find so many excuses, but we as humans are full of potential. Oh you forgot to mention one excuse, which i often use…I DON’T HAVE THE MONEY
Sheree Mills
July 30, 2010
Milton Berle’s famous quote: “If opportunity doesn’t come knocking, BUILD A DOOR”!
I already have the hammer, wood and nails out!! Fixin to start building that door! You have to build the door BEFORE you can walk through it! Get Busy!!