Are You Lying To Yourself About What You Want?

I wanted to leave you with something that will challenge you this week. For those of you that will take this exercise seriously, I think you’ll find it enlightening. Maybe even shocking.
 
Some people are hesitant to learn about themselves. For some it’s painful, a reminder of how much we don’t ‘have it together’. Another group of people would rather examine and judge others live's but seldom look at their own.
 
If the above IS NOT you, then you may appreciate this simple exercise. If you’re honest with yourself, you may discover that possibly you’ve been lying to yourself – perhaps for many years. A small percentage of you will discover that you’re on track; even if you veer off from time to time. The best part? This exercise only takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Some people can finish in 2.
 
Ready? Simply follow along.

• (1) Find a quiet place where you'll be undisturbed for about 10 minutes. Turn off the television (or radio) and put your phone on silent. You’re about to do a little thinking and the quieter, the better.
• (2) Grab a blank sheet of paper and something to write with.
• (3) Grab a seat with your paper and writing utensil and get comfortable.
• (4) Now, image this scenario:

You have just won the Grand Prize of a sweepstakes! What’s your prize? They’re going to give you an all-expenses paid vacation. We’re talking an ENTIRE YEAR at a resort on a private island. You don’t have to pay for anything - everything you need will be provided for you. Also, there’s no need to worry about your job because you’ll still get paid your full year’s salary and your employer can’t fire you (I know, we’re stretching it but just stay with me).

​So, there’s a catch (surprise right?)... During your year in paradise you have to study ONE TOPIC of your choice. Only one! You must choose it before you get to the island and you cannot switch it once you’ve chosen it.
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• (5) So here’s the question. What one thing would you commit to studying for a full year? What’s something that would be that meaningful to you? What could hold your attention that long? Take your time to think about it then write down your answer.

 
Did you come up with your answer? If you COULD NOT then that should tell you something. It should show you that you have yet to find a PASSION in your life. That’s a huge realization because passion is important. Once your passion is identified, you can make plans and goals to change your life. You can move in a direction that is exciting and fulfilling. You may not really know what you want at this time, but there’s always time to correct that.
 
And what if you DID come up with an answer? Well, your answer should tell you that not only do you have an interest in the topic, but it excites you and you’re passionate about it. A year of studying only one thing is a long time. It requires focus and dedication.
 
So, if you came up with an answer, I have another question for you: Is what you answered a MAJOR part of your life? And I don’t mean a hobby or something you dip in and out of when you have time. I mean is this a very central part of your life?
 
For example, would you study interior design on our fictitious island, but the only thing you designed in real life was an art project in sixth grade? Would you study medicine but in real life you went to culinary school? Would you study music but in real life you work on an assembly line?
 
How far are you removed from your passion? Do you think about it often but keep pushing it aside for ‘more important things’?
 
The point I want to drive home is: Have you been LYING to yourself about what you really want from life? Have you settled on something just because it was convenient or easy? Are you sincerely happy with the direction your life is going in? And if not, when are you going to do something to change it?
 
Be brutally honest with yourself! When it’s all said and done, the longer you continue to lie to yourself the further your dreams drift away from you.

Until next time...

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