“Your most powerful tool is your own example”. – John Wooden

Have you ever wanted something that didn’t seem “practical”? I say that in quotes because honestly, how do you define “practical”? It probably depends on who you ask, so the only definition of “practical” that matters is yours…But sometimes being “practical”, can actually sound a little crazy….

“Are you sure?” has to be the last question you ever want to be asked when you know you are about to embark on your journey towards that scary goal. Even if you know you are sure, the mere question raises doubt.

Then the following dialogue ensues: “You’ve been wrong before right? Maybe this time will be like all the rest. They’re probably right, it’s too late for me.”

Even as I write this to you, the more I type, the more ridiculous it sounds. This idea that we can’t do something. Who set the benchmark? Is it written somewhere that it has to be this one way and if not, then it can’t be done. Doesn’t that just sound ridiculous to say? When described that way, it seems crazy to not do the thing, to stay on your current path, to be practical. Is it ok to be practical and unhappy or be practical with regret for never pursuing your goal?

Practical sounds crazy….

I know, I may say being practical sound ridiculous or crazy, and I don’t mean to belittle it, because the truth is that achieving some goals, the truly scary ones, are actually hard to do. They often require the most sacrifice and the most work.

Has it occurred to you though, that if you have trouble achieving the goals you set, constantly falling out of integrity with yourself by not keeping your word, that odds are, you’ve set the wrong goals?

If you can’t commit to something you say you really want, then maybe you don’t want it after all.

Before I share with you the 5 questions to ask yourself before doing the crazy thing, let’s explore what does practical really mean? One definition for practical states, “relating to or concerned with ordinary activities, business or work”.

Ordinary activities? Sounds like settling to me….

See whether you believe in the Universe or God or whomever, we were each placed here for a reason. We each have a purpose. Your path may deviate along the way, but your purpose remains the same, and it is your life’s journey to fulfill that purpose. Only you can do that, no one else can do that for you. Many people never achieve their purpose in life, but that doesn’t have to be your story. Personally, when I struggled with this, I completed Priscilla Shirer’s Bible study, Discerning the Voice of God. Always remember the Divine communicates with your heart. All you have to do is follow your heart.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself if you are trying to make a difficult decision, that people have said isn’t practical:

1. Who are you doing this for? Immediately you are going to say you, but be careful and don’t answer too quickly. Are you doing the thing because you want to make someone else proud of you, or are you looking for validation that you aren’t getting in your marriage or your job? Is this about making more money? Are you trying to fit in? Really explore who you are doing this thing for…

2. Will it make you happy? I think we spend so much time settling we forget what “happy” feels like. Are you willing to give up things you once enjoyed, do you give them up easily as if they were burdens so now you feel free, lighter? If so, odds are you were doing the other stuff for someone else and not you. Does the thing create a calmness that others can’t figure out because what you want will literally rock your world? If so, odds are, you’re on the right track.

3. Does the possibility of the thing bring you joy? What if it doesn’t work out? How will you feel then? Even with the potential to fail and I use “fail” loosely, are you excited, are you filled with joy? If the possibility of the thing makes you happier than your current situation, you might be onto something. Go with it…

4. These last two are from one of my mentors, Marie Forleo. Ask yourself 10 years from now, will I regret not doing this thing? If you really stop and think about it, this is a powerful question and I have made some major decisions for the better using this tip alone. Don’t think you’re being selfish. Know that “what’s highest and best for you is always what’s highest and best for everyone around you”. – Marie Forleo

5. Last question, again from Marie Forleo, is do a brainstorming session and ask yourself wouldn’t it be great if…And then dream as big as you can! Don’t put too much thought into it, just free write from your heart. Listen to Marie TV on Brainstorming – Wouldn’t it be great if…

So here are your choices: live the best one life you have with no regrets or settle for the life someone else told you is all that you can have. Personally I have a son, so this choice is important to me. What legacy am I leaving to my child? What example am I showing him? Am I teaching him to settle? Read more about settling in this post….

Follow your heart and live in your alignment. Practical is crazy….

Talk soon,