What You Did Not Know about Me
Let's see... what is that you know about me?
Most probably that I am the owner of this site and I write motivational articles. That I think positive and like reading self-help books. You may also know that thanks to these books that I am able to think and feel positive and help others to do the same.
What else have I heard from you? That I am such a strong person, I can achieve what I want, I am living in my dream country, Sweden and have made many of my dreams come true and still working on reaching other goals. You have told me that I am like an idol for you, that you wish you were like me and that everything seems to be so easy for me. That I always know what to do, I know how to use my power, I am always there when needed and give great advice and so on.
All that sounds very kind and flattering to me, thank you.
But I have a problem.
My problem is the phrases "I wish I were like you" and "I wish I was as strong as you". That's something I've been reflecting on for quite a while. I have heard people tell me the same phrases over and over again. At first I felt happy, flattered and proud. I was happy that I made such an impression on people. I was glad people wanted to hear that there is a way to do things differently and there are people who actually do it. It's all so wonderful and awesome, and I am so thankful for all the positive feedback.
But after a while, after hearing so many "Oh I wish I could do it as well" I started to think. It started to disturb me. Like, come on, I am no god, I am noone with special competences, I was never a miracle child, I am no different from you, I am just like you!
I realized the reason for me not being comfortable with the situation was the lack of selfesteem these people showed. It made me (and still makes) me feel as if there was a gap between me and those "admiring" me. The explanation is simple: I am a human being and similarly to you, I have my own issues, doubts, fears, bad days, ups and downs. The difference is that I go and take action.
Go and Do It
What I'm saying is that it happens that I feel like lying in bed for a long time in the mornings, not wanting to go to work or school or making that damn phone call. I hate it that I need to arrange some stuff in order to get something, that I have to talk on the phone, that it is raining outside and I'm gonna get wet, that I would rather do something else than the thing I am currently doing and that I am not where I want to be, yet. But here comes the keyword: take action. When in this state, I always think "Alright, I can just keep being annoyed, hating everything and everyone but how is it going to help me?". And do you know what I do? I get out of bed instead of skipping school or quitting it. I stay at my workplace after a shitty first day when all I could think of is considering quitting and never coming back. I make the phone call. Even if it takes hours of sobbing, yelling, feeling sorry for myself, feeling like I was the biggest victim ever, asking life why it has to be so hard and unjust... I just GO AND DO what I have to do in order to achive the goal I set for myself! It hurts, it feels uncomfortable, uneasy, whatever you want to call it but I do it.
All this because I know if I want to get THERE, I have to ACT.
Believe in Yourself
What does it all mean? That instead of underestimating your own power, think of that those who you admire and may already be doing what you can just dream of right now, have gone through this. It's absolutely okey to admire people. It is more than fine to look up on them. But it has to stay on a level where you get inspired and gather positive energy from them which make you more determined and stronger. The road to success is not always smooth - it is often bumpy. But don't let it make you sad and disappointed! You will eventually get where you are heading to. If others made it there, you can make it there, too. Once these people were also where you are now. Just keep going!
You Always Want to Go up a Level
We are human beings and we like to hang out with likeminded people. I'm sure you know how it feels when you are so excited about life itself, or anything in life... and then you get all turned down when others around you cannot share this positive radiating of yours and it goes on constantly. Not very uplifting, right? You wouldn't want to spend time with people who don't believe in themselves, would you? You want to develop, you want to step on to the next level and discover what life has in stock for you. Then you need people who say "Oh, wow, did you really do that? Well, I can try that too" and "You really inspire me, it makes me more determined and want to take action and become as successful as you are".
Because believe me, that is what I want to hear. And believe it or not, there are people like that. There are people who amaze me how they can take inspired action. I know a few. And they are no "special" either. They are average people like you and me. They struggle in life just like you and me. So stop underestimating yourself - get out of your comfort zone and take action!
You may have to go through difficult times and situations but if you keep your goal in mind, you cannot fail, I promise you.
And lastly, a quote by Mike Dooley: "Starting something is the best way to finish something. And just doing a teeny, tiny something, today, anything, from wherever you are, is the best way to start something."
Written by Andi August 15, 2010
*Photo by Bernat Marek
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