Note: These are in no particular order:
1. Talk to yourself – vocalizing your desire can do wonders for making you put your intentions into actions. The difference between thinking “I will succeed” and speaking “I will succeed” is huge.
2. Question your motives – ask yourself why you want what you want. Is it because someone else has it or is it actually because you desire it from the depth of your soul? Think about it.
3. Write a list (on paper) – write out a list of actions you can take now, ON PAPER. Do not use the computer. The act of writing just feels like you’re putting in more effort.
4. Learn from someone who already has what you want – gain experience from those who have been there and back. Don’t compare yourself to them in your early stages because all it while do is piss you off.
5. Toss out your comfort zone – to be comfortable is to go without risk. And without risk, there will be no reward. Those who desire must take risks to get what they want.
6. Celebrate progression (no matter how small) – you aren’t in the big leagues yet. Try and live up the small victories as much as you possibly can.
7. Become passionate towards your desire – I’ll let Joss handle this one:
“Passion, it lies in all of us, sleeping… waiting… and though unwanted… unbidden… it will stir… open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us… guides us… passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of love… the clarity of hatred… and the ecstasy of grief. It hurts sometimes more than we can bear. If we could live without passion maybe we’d know some kind of peace… but we would be hollow… Empty rooms shuttered and dank. Without passion we’d be truly dead.” – Joss Whedon
8. Expect some resistance – it is only when you reach your desire that you can actually get what you desire. Prove yourself worthy by breaking through common forces of resistance (setbacks, naysaying, waiting periods, etc.)
9. Stop being realistic – the definition of realism in our society is “doing what everyone else does”. Almost everyone else expects you to fail while you pursue your desire or they expect you to not even try at all. I’d rather be me than be “real”.
10. Be practical- the word “practical” means capable of being manifested into actions (credit to Webster). Let’s say you desire to be a superhero. Sorry, not gonna happen. Want to grow a few inches when you’re ten years past puberty? Get lifts in your shoes. Be practical. If what you want is completely imaginary (i.e. not humanly possible) don’t waste your time.
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photo credit: h.koppdelaney
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23 comments to “The Top 10 Things to Do When Going After Your Desires”
The things you’ve said are powerful and, for most, not easy to do. I believe you practice what your preach, so I won’t be suprise of your success.
Don’t give up. Success is your privilage.
Great ideas! I particularly like the list idea. I’m a big fan of making lists!
That is a very motivating list – thanks John!
If I were to add something it would be to stop looking in the same place for knowledge… start using other resources to help with the journey.
Great post, yet again! K
Writing a list (#3) is is a big one for me. In fact, I pulled out a list I’d made about ten years ago recently – and realized that I’d done almost everything on it. That right there was reason enough for me to create a new list – and one that has much meaning to me. Great thoughts here John!!
for #1: I think it might also be useful to vocalize your ideas to people who care about you. another persons prespective might reveal something you missed!
in addition to #7 i would also add maybe it works the other way around as well? doing something you have a passion for helps you to do it really well.
chukwuma i miss you.
I always talk about celebrating small successes, but then catch myself not doing it, because I am already thinking about the next step.
I hate getting out of my comfort zone, but I also love it!
@Walter Hey Walter, don’t worry about me. Giving up isn’t my thing
@Dani Thanks! Aren’t we all… so many lists, but so little time.
@Kirsty That’s right! Diversify and keep learning. There’s always a better source of information out there.
@Lance That’s pretty awesome. Such is the power of the almighty list
Yes, I suppose it is about time for me to create a new list. Once again your input is invaluable.
@Arjun Dude… college is in 4 weeks. It’s going to be a blast seriously. I’ll probably be studying a lot more though, and I’ll be busy with the blog from time to time.
@Kaizan I’ve had a problem with celebrating as well. Even if it’s a goal I’ve been chasing for a while, I don’t really regard it because I think that I set my goal too low. This I realize is bad thinking. And yes, the comfort zone is indeed somewhat of a double-edged sword.
hello john,
how are you?
Great list you have here and it’s really thought provoking. I particularly like no 4 Learn from someone who already has what you want – gain experience from those …. Thats my where I am currently, networking with people who have gone ahead and are of like minds.
Once again great article
Daily progress create positive momentum which leads to success. Consistency is the key to all great success. Just ask Thomas Edison.
Wait, hold on I got him here on speed dial.
I’ ll let him talk
“Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”
-Thomas A. Edison
You see, listening is a great way to solve your problems. All humans have two ear and 1 mouth, and i think GOD made a great choice is doing so. So read over those Edison lines again and make daily progress toward your success.
The ball is in your court now.
no. 2 strikes a chord with me. My neighbor has a successful business and I found myself jealous one day. Then I asked myself why? I don’t want to do that!
no.5 I’ve been fearful about putting videos on You Tube. I need to bit the bullet!
The quote is amazing, who is this guy?
I really like the point about passion. Passion can drive us to go much further than most other extrinsic motivations. Passion translates to others, passion moves, passion takes a hold of you and won’t let go!
Everything’s a list for me. If it isn’t in a list it just doesn’t happen!
But the other BIG realization I made early in my life is that my dreams and desires, those things I can become passionate about, are far easier to manifest if I share them with everyone I come into contact with… you never know who might have the key or offer assistance to you if you stay quiet.
Thanks again,
Darren
I’m a big believer of “carving” your desires on stone.
One needs to remind oneself of the idea that ignited the desire/dream.
@Ayo Hey Ayo! I’m great and you? I hope whatever you’re working on takes off and be a good learner, okay?
@Jonathan ha ha, great comment. I see a little creativity there with Mr. Edison. He speaks the truth though. Keep yourself in consistent movement and the results that come from it will be priceless.
@Tess Hey there Tess! I actually got the idea from the advice you gave me a while ago. It’s not beneficial at all for you to be jealous. And I’ll be doing Youtube videos in the near future. Whether or not there good is up to the viewers. Remember, just do it. Don’t think about how you’ll look. Just have something to say. I’m sure whatever you produce will be awesome.
I actually don’t know much about the man behind the quote, but I’d sure like to. I’ll look him up.
@Ken Hey, nice to see you here. Passion is the driving force behind many successful people. Embody passion in all that you do and I’m sure positivity will follow.
@Darren Hey Darren! You and Lance are lot alike – you guys stick to your lists until their done
Share yourself with others (like minded individuals) who can compliment your efforts, whether it be praise, encouragement, or endorsement.
@Pax Always go back to the beginning. Remember where you are now, and how far you’ve come. Thanks for your thoughts.
Some interesting points John.
I’d have to say my favorites are definitely ‘Talking to yourself” and ‘Learning from someone else’.
Talking to yourself is the only, and I mean only, direct method that I know of that can immediately put your mind in whatever state that you want it to. Say it with feeling!
Learning from someone else is tricky. As you said, you want to emulate the best things without being a carbon copy or worse…start the comparison game. Only thing is even as I grew, I’d still try not to compare myself at all. I’ve been there…not fun.
Hello John,
I wanted to pick one of the ten things as a favorite but I really can’t. I am so into every single one of them! You really done a great job with this list. I love the idea of writing the list, BY HAND. That really does make it more “real”.
Thanks for a great post
I think your last two ideas kind of contradict each other. I agree with “Stop being realistic” because following what’s “normal” and expecting extra-ordinary results is ridiculous. But by the same regard, being “practical” is so limiting.
We could do so much more if we only were willing to believe that we could do it.
What I mean by “Stop being realistic” is stop doing what everyone else does, where as being practical makes you ask yourself “Do I really want to achieve this goal? Or am I just going to have at it for a couple of days than quit.” Go after something you know you’ll give your best effort towards, not something that you don’t care enough for. Nice thoughts though.
Hey John, great post! I always say to people to recognise when they’re giving up too because that thought alone may be enough to inspire them into action!
Loving the blog!
I always write a pro’s and con’s list. That is essential for me and a habit now.
I will also speak to people about their experiences also.
You have written a very resourceful list.
@Bunny Thank you very much. I hope to see you again soon