Are You Sitting or Splashing?

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This week I spoke at the conference for Women of Splendor, a national network for spiritually-minded entrepreneurs. The theme of the event was “Splash Your Splendor.” As I was preparing my presentation, I thought of how most of us spend too much time in the shallow water, dipping our toes in where it is safe, instead of diving in to the deep waters to explore the vast ocean of possibilities that awaits us. Yes, the beach is nice for a rest, but it can become rather ho-hum after a while. If we stay on the edge of the ocean, we settle for mediocrity instead of pursuing our dreams with passion and confidence. Without that big leap out of our safe place, we sink deeper in to the sand and it becomes more difficult to pull ourselves out.

Are you sitting on the beach, missing out on what the world has to offer? Here are three secrets to making a big SPLASH in the world instead of a tiny “plink.”

1. Be Fearless. What is holding you back? Are you afraid of failure, fearful of the unknown, or worried about what people will think? You must overcome your self-imposed limiting beliefs to reach your full potential. Instead of thinking “what if I fail,” think “what if I succeed?” Take small steps, ask for support and believe that you are good enough as you are to achieve anything your heart desires. It’s okay to “snorkel” for a while, but if you stay in the lagoon, you will miss out on the vibrant plan in the deeper waters!

2. Focus on Your Purpose. You must have a clear plan for where you are headed. You wouldn’t go diving where the ocean floor is barren, but instead you would strategically seek the beautiful, lush reefs! Your “Divine Dive Master” created a spectacular journey for you before you were even born. Explore your unique gifts, values and personality traits, and let them be your guide you on that path. Make sure you don’t have the “extra weights” of fear, perfectionism, procrastination and guilt holding you down. Keep your eyes open, watch for unexpected surprises and swim confidently into new waters. If you are an entrepreneur, it is so important to align the mission for your business with your life purpose statement for success and true self-fulfillment.

3. Experience Freedom by Living an Authentic Life. Living in alignment with your purpose will give you the freedom to float with little effort as you live an authentic life, instead of swimming upstream to fulfill what the world says you should be. No more dog paddling or thrashing about in unfamiliar waters. No more frustration and exhaustion from putting on a mask to hide what’s really inside. Just be you! Also, surround yourself with like-minded people who are also looking for something better in life for inspiration and motivation. It’s much more fun that way, and you need their support as you swim in to deeper waters.
So what will it be for you: playing it safe, staying on the beach where it is safe but boring? Or living with clarity and confidence as you claim your purpose and live freely as your authentic self?

Susan Tolles, a Christian Life Purpose Coach who works with women in midlife, is the founder of FlourishOverFifty.com.