Step 1: Mindset

Everything begins with desire. For some, it is a faint whisper, “Could I be like him or her?”. What is your “Why?” Like a tiny flame, either this desire is extinguished, or it grows. What determines the direction is often what we see. If we see proof of the possibilities in the outside world, in the form of a natural person, whether only via the media or someone we are lucky enough to meet, it is the kindling to the fire. Seeing others living their best lives can ignite a yearning inside a person that grows and burns. The higher the desire, the more a person is ready to get it.

A couple of questions to ask yourself at this stage are:

1. Why do I want it, and how badly? The more you have to say, the stronger your desire, leading to higher chances of follow-through.
2. What will happen if I don’t get it?
3. What will my life be like if and when I get it?

I like to use daily meditation and journaling to build mental clarity. Another powerful tool to become clear on one’s desire is visualization. Working with the right coach can be a massive help for breakthroughs in clarity to figure out what you truly want.

The most unreliable factor is motivation. It comes and goes. Just when you need it most, it disappears. Keep going, even when you don’t feel like it.

Do you want it? Your desire can begin very small and grow into a massive force in your life. Or, on the contrary,

Step 2: Courage

To get started is a significant step. Fear and uncertainty are dream killers that hold you back from taking action towards your dreams or telling you to quit. Fight back. Not starting is the best way to fail. Who wants to grow old with regret for the steps not taken, the lost opportunities, and the dreams never realized? Leap. Find it within your soul to stop overthinking and do it.

Please write down your goal and set a date by which you want to achieve it. Pin the paper somewhere visible. Commit to making it real.

Tell a friend or a trusted acquaintance about your goal. Let them be your witness or even your accountability partner.

Put some skin in the game. Maybe you buy a plane ticket now for next year, or you open a bank account for the new money you plan on making. Taking action now will make your goal feel real.

Many mistakenly think courage is the absence of fear. On the contrary, when you do big things in life, you should be scared. We are survivalists, so change naturally scares us. But think of our ancestors. Had they not ventured into the unknown and tried new things, humanity would never be what it is today.

Courage is at the heart of it all. It will give power and confidence. Once you’ve embarked upon the path, you will look back and wonder why you were so scared in the first place. A common phrase I hear successful people say is this: “I wish I’d started sooner.” or “If only I’d have known, then..”

There is a catch: While getting started or embarking on a new adventure can feel very empowering and even euphoric, one must realize that you are in the honeymoon phase. Motivation is like the ocean tide in and tides out. You can ride the wave for a bit, but it will let you down.

The initial courage of leaping must be increased when the real work begins. No path towards success is easy. There will be obstacles, setbacks, hurdles, and frustrations. The key ingredient for success is a failure. Courage is a crucial component to seeing things through until the end.

Be prepared to fail repeatedly: to learn, improve, and grow. Success is not for the weak of heart. If you have a sensitive personality or an ego, failing and rejection may be hard for you to accept. But if you develop it, courage will be your best tool to get past anything.

Step 3: Faith

Faith means you feel aligned with your mission. You see things happening in your heart long before they appear in material form. While you still may not fully be where you would like to be, your path is clear. Successful people must have faith. It doesn’t have to be the religious kind. In fact, I see faith on three levels:

• Faith in yourself
• Trust in your partners and associates
• Belief in a higher power

Without faith, it is easy to fall into worry, doubt, and uncertainty. Faith is the North Star guiding you during the darkest times, showing you the way.

Faith helps you speak confidently, saying “I know” instead of “I hope.” Faith is the language of winners.

Do you have the right mindset, courage, and faith? Developing these qualities will help you in every area of your life. If you don’t, now is the time to start. Dare to follow your dreams, and there will never be any limits on what you can accomplish.