What if Failure was Impossible?

   As I make my way through this crazy world each day, I come across people who forgot their purpose; souls who are desperate, have lost their way or worse, lost their hope. Feeling stuck is more common than people like to admit. Whether it’s lack of direction or motivation, many are unsure how to move forward.

   There is one individual who lives at a busy intersection near a Home Depot.  I imagine he chose this particular spot because it’s not a public transit stop and probably isn’t bothered much by people wanting to use his bench. I have seen him there at all hours of the day. He has no sign and doesn’t ask for money. He just sits or lies on the bench while enduring all kinds of weather. 

   Passersby have a wide range of reactions to choose from when they see him, from apathy or compassion to frustration over lack of solutions.

                                  Why So Many Feel Stuck

   There are others who don’t exist in that level of desperation, who have cars and jobs with homes to avoid the elements. Even these have something in common with our friend on the bench. They aren’t where they want to be either. There is a longing for desires they don’t know how to achieve. 

   Everyone on the planet feels stuck at one time or another. The desire to rise to the next level and make loved ones proud and our friends envious is human nature. If it doesn’t happen, the wind in our sails dissipates and the glint in the eye dims.      

   If this continues long enough, we may stop dreaming and settle for the status quo. 

   Years of settling may not lead to living under a bridge, but it won’t propel us to the heights of our potential either. 

   Hence, the reason for this post.

                                       Hidden Opportunities

   We all have an amazing opportunity we fail to recognize. We have all lived with the internet and technology advances for years now and it may have become somewhat commonplace for many, and faded into the unnoticed background of life; like the colors of the wall around you.

   The smartphone we hold in our hands has more computing capacity than NASA used to put Neil Armstrong on the moon. Those inferior machines took warehouses to contain.

   Most of us use it for funny cat memes, to check our friends’ weekend or what a family member made for lunch. There’s no condemnation here, we all do it. 

   My point is it’s like firing up an F-22 fighter jet to cook hamburgers on the barbecue. There is so much more that can be done with what you have.

The internet is a compilation of the human story. Anything you want to learn about is there somewhere, with experts waiting to explain and expound on the subject. 

We can learn how to repair a sprinkler system or restore an old motorcycle. Whatever the curiosity, answers await in the vastness of cyberspace. 

   This alone is a wonderful resource to have. Like the late night infomercials say, ‘But wait! There’s more!’

   Beyond mild amusement or entertainment, there is enlightenment and education. There are people who have made the journey from nowhere and despair to living their dream. And they are magnanimous enough to help others do the same. They are the voices of INSPIRATION.

   By the way, this is the magic dust that the guy on the bench needs. A sandwich or a few dollars may help for today, but inspiration will shift his thinking and view for a lifetime. It reveals new realms, namely possibilities.

   Og Mandino tells the story of how he was estranged from his family, unemployed with no hope or path forward in life. While contemplating suicide, he went into a library to escape the rain. He stumbled onto a book written by W. Clement Stone, (whom he would later work for) and it changed everything. 

   Mandino went on to write several bestselling books and became an inspiration to literally millions of people. But what happened? Someone turned his gaze from the hopeless situation he found himself in, and showed him a huge menu of possibilities. That is inspiration.  

   That happened before the digital age we’re in. The access to amazing stories is even easier now. Many are in video and podcast form. You can be inspired, learn new things and get fresh ideas while on a commute or waiting in line. The phone in your pocket is a rocket to new worlds and vision. 

   One doesn’t need to be desperate to benefit from an inspiring voice. It’s for you and me as well. Sleeping in a park isn’t required to be inspired and rise higher. Anyone can advance from where they are. 

                        Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

   Motivational speakers whose purpose it is to call others higher can be found on any platform. If they’re not on yours, you should try a new one.

    People often limit themselves with statements like I’ve never written a book. 

There was a time when Ernest Hemingway could honestly say the same thing. Until he wrote his first book. I promise he had doubts and reservations like anyone. 

   Another limiting belief is the lack of time to pursue a dream. If a desire is strong enough, time is available. Money guru Dave Ramsey says a brick through the television frees up time quickly. 

   Screens are a time-eater.

   If that’s too extreme, be patient and take longer to reach goals. It isn’t a race. If you want to accomplish something monumental, take small steps with persistence. You may be shocked in five years. 

                        What if Failure Was Impossible?

   There is always a reason not to pursue an idea; lack of money, resources, information or a list of unknowns. Inspiration provides the drive when the way through isn’t clear or easy, and asks the question to all of us, What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?

I don’t know you personally, but I do know this much. You have potential that is untapped. Please receive this as a compliment, not an insult. Whatever skill set you have now can be stretched and honed to do bigger and better things. Human beings are amazing creatures, with more creativity and imagination than most of us realize. Everyone feels stuck at some point. Remaining there is optional.

   Human beings gravitate towards excuses. I’m too old. I’m inexperienced. There isn’t enough money, etc. The truth is if you’re vertical and drawing breath, Congrats. It’s not too late.

                               Take Action

   Begin by taking small steps. Spend 20 minutes a day learning something new. Listen to a podcast, read a great book. Replace social media scrolling with seeking intentional content.

   Set at least one goal and take a solid step toward it daily. Any movement forward is progress. 

    "Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."   Albert Einstein

   Consider the possibilities. Dare to dream bigger things than you have resources for. Learn, experiment and accomplish more than you believe is possible. The world needs to hear from you.