It’s honestly time to give yourself a break. That means; forgive yourself for what you didn’t do in 2017, get over the fact that you’re not perfect and you stuffed some things up, and, be proud of the things that you did achieve. You’re having trouble thinking about the things you’re proud of right now, aren’t you? But, you’re having no problems thinking about the things you stuffed up, right? Why is that? Why are we so hard-wired to focus on our faults, mistakes and imperfections, when the reality is that we are truly remarkable and are achieving amazing things every day.
I have written about this stuff before, but you and I need to hear it over and over again. We need to keep hearing until it sinks in. It all started for you about nine months before you were born. Your life began alongside two hundred and fifty million other sperm in a race to fertilise just one single solitary egg. Out of all of those two hundred and fifty million other sperm, over a torturous journey, and, in the face of overwhelming odds, you were the one to fertilise the egg. You, yes you! You beat two hundred and fifty million other sperm. Have you any concept of the number, two hundred and fifty million?
Consider this, one standard deck of playing cards has 52 cards and is about 1.6cm (0.63 inches) thick. If we stacked two hundred and fifty million playing cards one on top of each other, the stack would rise 80km (50 miles) in the air. To put this into even more perspective, that is equivalent to the height of 166 Empire State buildings in New York, stacked on top of each other. Are you getting the magnitude of two hundred and fifty million? Even more importantly, are you getting the significance and the miracle that you are even alive today and being able to read this blog? You are remarkable, you are determined, you are resilient, in fact, you are one in two hundred and fifty million.So, don’t ever forget it
The proof is in the existing!
You have undeniable proof that you are incredible. That proof looks back at you every time you look into the mirror. Just think about what it took for you to be here. Now, as impressive as that is, let’s just go a little further than merely existing, shall we? You are not here to simply exist. You are here for a reason, a purpose and mission. You may know what that purpose is, or you may not. If you do know what that purpose is, you may believe it’s possible for you or you may not.
If you’re not sure what your purpose is, then your first purpose is to find your purpose! It is a great time of the year to reflect. Hopefully you have some time you can dedicate to identifying what will give your life meaning, joy and purpose. You are meant to shine. You are meant to love your life. You are meant to leave a legacy that will live on way after you are gone. The first decision I urge you to make, is to not settle for a life that is mediocre or one you are not passionate about. If you hate your life, then change it. You can. You are good enough. You are worth it. There are options. What would you do if you could choose any path? What is most important to you? What type of life would you love to live? What difference would you like to make in the world, or at least in your world? It all starts with a vision that excites you.
If you know what your purpose is, but, are having trouble believing that you can make it a reality, I want you to ask yourself this question; what evidence or proof do you have that you cannot make your purpose and dream a reality? This is an important question, because, we often draw false conclusions with no evidence to support them. When I was young I thought my purpose was to be a professional footballer. Now, I did have some doubts, as I was skinny, sooky and not that talented, but, I had no evidence to prove that I couldn’t play football at the highest level. It wasn’t that I necessarily believed I could, it was that I didn’t know I couldn’t. It became a reality.
Playing football, as it turned out, was not my purpose. I discovered that much later in my life when I decided to write my first book. Again, I had doubts; no time, no skills, no qualifications, blah, blah and blah! Again, I thought to myself, ‘I don’t know if I can do this, but, I have no evidence to prove that I cannot!’ I took a chance, I believed in myself enough to have a go. I knew I was worthy and I had a burning desire to make a difference in the world and change my own circumstances. I look back on that decision now and am so very grateful I had enough belief in my ability, potential, focus, willingness to work and my worth to have a go.
You are incredible, as am I. This is not an arrogant statement for you to make, or, for me to make. It shows self-love, self-confidence and a desire to live a life that we are destined to live. You can write your story, it doesn’t have to be written by someone else. You have the power and potential to take control and dictate your own future. Please stop leaving it in the hands of someone who is pulling your chain and controlling the life that you can live. You are amazing, you are worthy, and, you are good enough to do, have and become whatever you choose.
As you stop and enjoy the end of the year and the celebrations that go with it, please, spend some time reflecting, believing and planning what will be different for you in 2018. You are one in two hundred and fifty million! You have a power within you that will change lives. You have talents and abilities that set you apart from everyone else on the planet. You are incredible, so, go forth and make your mark on the world. You are a winner!
