Waterfall or Brick Wall?
Is it a waterfall or a brick wall?
Most of the time it's a waterfall pretending to be a brick wall.
We classify the challenges that stand between us and where we want to be as either a waterfall or a brick wall. Based on that assessment we determine what if anything we are going to do about that waterfall or brick wall.
If we've determined it's a waterfall then we've basically said:
"It's possible."
"I may get a bit wet, but I'll come out okay."
"Let's do it."
We can walk through a waterfall with relative ease. It's more of an inconvenience than a true barrier to what's on the other side. Waterfalls are great! Wouldn't it be awesome if every challenge we faced was a waterfall? So, what happens when we've defined the road ahead as a brick wall?
If we've determined our challenge to be a brick wall, we're saying:
"Impossible."
"No matter how hard I try, I'm going to get hurt."
"I'm not going to do it."
Brick walls are meant to be impenetrable. They are meant to stop anything and anyone from getting to the other side. If our challenges are brick walls, what hope do we have?
Far too often, our initial classification of a task, challenge or goal may be that of a brick wall. Why? Sometimes it's because we've never done it before. The first time I bought a house it was intimidating (like a brick wall). Now that I've done it multiple times, I can guarantee it's more like a waterfall.
Another reason we classify something as a brick wall is because we just don't want to put the effort forth to do it, and classifying it as a brick wall is a great excuse to not move forward. I can't count the number of handyman task around our home that I put off because it seemed like it was going to take too much time and effort. All to find out that when I focused on it, it didn't take that much time at all.
We need to be honest with ourselves and ask: Is our brick wall actually a waterfall?
Most of the time it is. Our internal system of classification is sometimes our biggest opponent. We are sometimes our biggest challenge. Waterfall or brick wall?
You have a choice to look at the challenges that stand between you and the story you want to write for your life as waterfalls or brick walls. The way you choose to see them will in most cases dictate what you do, which determines what you get.
Turn your brick wall into a waterfall and walk through it. You'll find that many of the impenetrable brick walls that have stopped you before were but a waterfall daring you to run through to the other side.
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Do any of the following feel like brick walls to you?
- Creating a plan for your life
- Defining your purpose
- Creating core values
- Determining guardrails for your time
- Knowing where to start
- Leaving a legacy you're proud of
If so, I've created a free guide that's just for you. I call it "Life Story."
It's a step-by-step guide to creating a plan for the life you've always wanted. You'll define your purpose, values, goals and guardrails all in the context of writing your life story.
Life Story will help turn your brick wall into a waterfall. Download it now.