When I was young, maybe five or six, I remember a time when I really wanted something. Something that I just couldn’t live without. What was it? Probably a sticker, maybe a piece of candy, the “what” is not really that important. What is important is what I ended up receiving instead…

Without even knowing it, I received a life lesson from none other than my dad. I remember begging him to get me this life-or-death, can’t-live-without item. You see, we were at an event and I would have to walk up to someone I didn’t know, someone important. I was much too shy to do that! But rather than giving in, my dad said to me, “If you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes to get it.”

It’s those words I remember hearing, when in college I received a less than desirable grade on a research paper that, I have to admit, I was pretty proud of. I felt that I was graded unfairly. So, I swallowed the huge lump in my throat as I walked though my professor’s door to ask her if she might take a second look and explain to me where I went wrong. As she read the numerous red markings she’d made on my paper, I heard her mutter under her breath, “Oh, that was harsh.” Needless to say, my grade was adjusted and I felt exhilarated!

I asked. I received.

That determination and can-do attitude are essential characteristics in any form of business. If you want something and believe you can achieve it, well then, there’s no stopping your potential!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought to yourself:

  • “I’m not creative enough to produce something new.”
  • “There are plenty of other people who are smarter than me.”
  • “Who am I to teach others? I’m no expert.”

I’m willing to bet there is a good chunk of hands raised up right about now.

I’d like to share with you one of my favorite interviews, featuring the late Steve Jobs. He explains the importance of breaking these limits we put on ourselves…

“Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you.” —Steve Jobs

Each of us have our own life experience and point of view. Each of us have the potential to pull from those experiences and help others rise to the top. I’m sure if you sat down and really thought about what it is that you do, what it is that you’re good at, you could come up with a pretty good list of things you’re an expert in. Maybe you’re a mom who has mastered the art of routines and organization. Could you share your secret with other moms who might be struggling? It doesn’t have to be purely knowledge based. If you’re offering a product or service that fills a need for someone else, you’re helping that person. Maybe you have a talent for making jewelry. Have you thought about offering your original pieces for sale? It can be the littlest thing that comes naturally to you every day, that can help someone else who may be struggling.

So, how about doing something unscripted for a change? Why not take all that talent and untapped potential you have bottled up inside you and break out of those limiting thoughts?

I want to leave you with one final thought…during the summer months, my husband and I sometimes tune into America’s Got Talent to unwind after a day of work. As last night’s episode was wrapping up, one last contestant took the stage. His name, Paul Thomas Mitchell. His story is one of breaking limits. Listen and be inspired…

At the end, Howie Mandel had this to say about his performance…

“Whatever you go through in life, there’s a reason. You have to climb. You have to struggle. You have to hurt. You have to feel the pain. Because when you reach that moment. When you reach that peak. You feel it.” —Howie Mandel

So here’s to dreaming big and reaching your goals…let’s do this!

Take Action:

  1. Leave a comment telling us one goal you have for your business. It might be that you want to be featured on a major media site. You might want to increase sales. It might even be that you want to finally go for it and start your business. Whatever it is, write it down. Be specific.
  2. Next, tell us three steps you will take to achieving this goal. Again, be specific.
  3. Then finally, take that first step!

When things get difficult along your journey, I want you to pull out Howie’s quote and feel good about where you’re going.