Are you the type of person who HAS to have a plan? Do you need to know everything that is going to happen in order to reach your specific destination? It’s hard to let things just happen, especially in a culture where we have so many demands on our time and we are often trying to squeeze in as much as we can. I know that this method typically leaves you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
Have you ever set a goal, had the very best intentions of meeting that goal, but ended up falling short? Did you ever think that maybe you tried too hard to put all of the pieces in place yourself?
I had an experience recently where I was reviewing a personal goal I set for myself and started questioning how on earth I was going to reach it. My initial thought was I must create a plan so that I can put all the puzzle pieces together. I thought to myself, “All I need to do is create a spreadsheet, lay it all out and then work the plan.”
Well, reality hit me right in the face.
Let’s face it, sometimes life doesn’t work out that way. I could have the best laid out plans and force myself into meeting a goal as the action steps described. It doesn’t mean the goal was wrong, it just means that I put too much pressure on myself to reach it in the time frame I outlined for myself and I likely stifled my growth by outlining every specific action that I needed to take to achieve the goal.
I read an article on “The Law of Detachment” that said when we are attached to the outcome of something, we limit ourselves to what is possible. When we have the need for control and want to know everything, we create a false sense of security. Security is an illusion. The only thing that is real is uncertainty. There is wisdom, creativity, and freedom in uncertainty. This whole experience brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “Let Go and Let God”.
When you have a desire, try these steps:
1) Set an intention and visualize the dream
2) Design a strategy (become aware of taking consistent small steps, but steer away from building a workplan)
3) Breathe, Let Go, and have Faith in the unknown
4) Believe in all that is possible
When you truly have faith in the unknown, anything is possible.