Don’t Let the Air Out!

Today I am going to keep it short and simple. When I read Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. It reminded me of many things, but non more than something that I read in a book several years ago. Unfortunately, the book and it’s author currently are escaping my mind. However, the lesson taught in one of the chapters has stuck with me since the moment it entered my head.

In the book the author was discussing the power and life cycle of an idea. Specifically, the author stated that so often when we have a thought, such as wanting to write a book, lose weight, start a new business, play guitar in a band etc., we create the idea then immediately begin sharing our thoughts and plans with the people in our lives that we love and respect most. He continued to state that when you do this, one of two things usually happens and unfortunately neither will assist you in getting to where you want to go.

The first thing that happens is that out of “love”, those closest to us will listen to our idea then follow it with advice regarding all the reasons why it won’t work or why you’re not skilled enough to take the project on. It’s out of “love” because most of the time when this happens, it is because they are trying to “protect” us. They don’t want to see us get “hurt” in the process of going for it! Other times their negativity isn’t out of love at all but rather from a place of self pity, protection and unworthiness. Instead of supporting you they tell you all the reasons why your idea isn’t going to work, not because YOU can’t do it but because when they look in the mirror, they believe THEY can’t. This is know as mirror or shadow work.

The other possibility feels better but is possibly even more detrimental to the ultimate success of your project or idea. What happens in this situation is that that the person you share your plan with gets sooooo excited that they celebrate you and your idea like you just discovered the cure for cancer or won a Nobel Prize. While their confidence in you and positive affirmations will feel incredible in the moment, as the aforementioned unknown author stated, because you already received the rewards and celebrated the victory, the chances that you never take action at all increases exponentially!

I like to think of it like this. Imagine that your idea is a balloon. Every time you add to your idea it breathes new life and energy into the balloon making it bigger and bigger. Because the balloon (your idea) is not ready to fly yet, when you share your thoughts with someone else, regardless if they respond in a positive or negative manner, sharing before you’ve tied the balloon up and released it into the atmosphere, takes the air and energy out of it. Without this “life force”, your idea may never get off the ground.

So then, what’s the solution? It’s simple. Keep it to yourself. Instead of talking about it, listen to your gut, take immediate and massive action and do it now! Proverbs 27:1 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Have a great day!

Kevin

PS- Remember that sharing your idea with loved ones before it’s ready to launch and seeking counsel from “wise men” are two completely different things. If the scope of your idea is large enough, seeking counsel may be a necessary part of the process. If this is the case, look for a teacher, mentor or a coach that will help you examine all perspectives and work with you to create a plan that will lead to your ultimate success.