“You will always miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.”
This is a powerful quote from Wayne Gretzky, one of the most famous and highest-scoring professional hockey players of all time.
It is also a very powerful lesson to share with your kids.
So many people, kids and grownups, let their dreams stay on their “wish list” instead of putting them on their “to do” list – leaving them there to wither as the years slip by.
But that doesn’t have to happen! Here are three common “stoppers” that keep people from taking that first step, what you can do to break through those stoppers (hint – mindset is the key), and put your dreams on your “to do” list today!
1. Conditional thinking
Conditional thinking occurs when you think something must happen before you can take a step. It can be spotted by the key word “if” followed by the word “then”.
For example, a child might say, “If I were taller, then I’d try out for the basketball team.” A grownup might say, “If I had more money, then I would start a business.”
The thing is, these are just circumstances. Even if circumstances can’t be changed (i.e. the child’s current height), they CAN be managed. For example, the child could focus on her shooting and free throws so that coaches notice her shooting and not her height. The grownup could look for ways to start a business while working at his current job. Or, he might be able to partner with someone to get the business off the ground.
When you spot conditional thinking in either yourself or in your children, ask the question, “How can I make this happen?” The question, “How can I…” will get both your conscious mind and your subconscious mind working to solve the problem for you!
2. Fear
Fear of the unknown often keeps people from taking that first step.
Remember that most people feel fear, or nervousness, before doing something new because they don’t have neural pathways about the new experience. To lessen the fear, learn as much as you can about the change you want to make. Start visualizing yourself in the new situation to start building neural pathways for success.
The only way to make the fear go away is to take action. Step through the fear and into possibility!
3. Lack of knowledge
Another common road block is that people don’t know how to make their dream come true.
If your dream is something that someone has done before, reach out to them and ask them how they did it. Find a mentor who can coach you along the way. You can also take steps to acquire the knowledge that will move you in the direction of your dream – read a book, take a class, listen to the experts, etc. Build your plan of action and take that first step.
If it is something that someone hasn’t done before, spend extra time visualizing what you want to create in your life. Take any step you can towards that direction (i.e. is there a skill you can build) and then pay attention. The Universe will deliver the “how” to you when you truly believe in your dream (more about that when we talk about The Law of Attraction).
So how can you use this knowledge? I’d like to invite you to do two things:
- First, write down your dreams. Are any of these stoppers getting in your way? If so, identify steps you can take to move your dream from your “wish list” to the top of your “to do” list and take that first step.
- Second, ask your kids about their dreams. If you hear any of these stoppers, share these tips with them and help them form a plan of action.
Finally, always remember the words of Wayne Gretzky, “You will always miss 100% of the shots you never take.”
Put your dreams on your “to do” list and take that shot today –
you just might score big!
Want to find a WISDOM Coach for your child?
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*** The end ***
Adventure well, my friend!
Copyright (C) 2010 – 2023 Renaye Thornborrow. All Rights Reserved.
