I used to be just like my neighbor.
He gets up every day, gets dressed, and goes through the motions of his daily morning routine.
Then he grabs his keys and heads out the door, off on his commute to wherever it is in this world he happens to work. You know… his J.O.B. And yes, that is a mild sound of disgust you hear (read?) when I say that!
See I used to work a J.O.B. too.
A hard and backbreaking one at that! And there was most definitely no future for me in it, no room for growth or expansion or personal and financial freedom.
Want to know what I did?
Wait… wait for it…
I cleaned vacation homes for a living! Yep. I cleaned skuzzy, nasty houses after strangers stayed in them for several days or more, each and every day, usually six days a week.
I did it because it was family owned, I was awarded a certain amount of freedom in scheduling (which always comes in handy if you’re a parent), and frankly… I didn’t make any more money elsewhere than I was making there!
So I cleaned vacay homes for nigh on 10 years, and rarely brought home more than $200 a week.
“Sometimes” it was slightly more during our busy seasons.
And NO, it was not a fun J.O.B. at all! (Just in case you needed a bit of clarity there. Not fun. At all.)
But that of course is history. Its light years away from what I do for a living now and what I make these days. I only tell a bit of that story to illustrate exactly where I came from, so I can really drive home the message that if I can change my life for the better… so can you.
It Doesn’t Matter Where You Come From
It doesn’t matter what you do now.
There is money to be made in this world and life-changing experiences that happen all around you, every day. You can do amazing things in your life, if you really want to. The key though is that you REALLY have to want it.
And I don’t mean ‘I want it’ in the far off, someday sense.
I mean ‘I want it’ and ‘I want it right now’! And ‘I want it so much, right now, that I’ll do just about anything to get it’. Feel me?
See, just wanting something bad enough doesn’t make it reality. Sure it’s great to dream and want things and fantasize. But I call those pipe dreams and pipe dreams are for losers. Pipe dreams are just that, because they stay nothing but dreams forever.
But people who take action on their dreams and choose to sculpt their own reality… those people begin to make amazing things happen. Those people start kicking some royal ass in the life department and make you wish you were besties so some of that awesomeness rubs off on you.
The thing is… those people could be anyone.
They could be you.
But you have to want it (whatever it is) bad enough to make it happen.
You have to manifest awesomeness.
Listen, everyone has dreams and fantasies they’d like to make reality.
Dreams of being an entrepreneur, or dreams of being financially free… dreams of working from home and dreams of having more time for the good things in life.
Dreams of traveling and meeting inspiring people… dreams of a life lived on their own terms, crafted with images of their deepest desires and set to a soundtrack of their favorite songs.
Are You Hungry Enough?
See the problem most folks have is they have those dreams and goals, and maybe they even take a bit of action toward them.
But invariably fear or insecurity throws up a roadblock, and many people have a hard time getting past those roadblocks to continue on their journey to sculpting the life they want for themselves.
So they end up giving up, chalking themselves up as “not good enough for the life of their dreams”.
Fear and insecurity is a coat of many colors and can manifest itself in ways you may not even be aware of. Or maybe you are on some level, but you don’t have enough control over it to put a stop to it. For me my fears and insecurities manifest as procrastination usually and a vague feeling of disorganization and anxiety.
- What if the action I take to move me closer to the life I want is the wrong one?
- What if I screw it up royally?
- What if people don’t like what I put out there?
- What if I don’t do as well as I hope?
- What if, what if, what if…
Yada, yada, yada.
And so I begin a cycle of procrastination and lack of focus that can literally put my progress towards my dreams at a standstill. Momentum falters.
It’s like I’m standing in the middle of the highway, watching cars race past… but I can’t move forward.
I know I need to, and I know WHAT I need to do in order to do so… but I make excuses and allow my emotions and fears to dictate my actions rather than just do what I know is right and true and making it happen.
Mind over Matter
Luckily I’ve had the privilege of knowing some pretty amazing people that have helped me on my journey of self-growth and that have overcome similar obstacles and roadblocks. So I’ve got a roadmap of sorts when it comes to kicking the habit of procrastination and breaking free of self-limiting cycles and behaviors.
And I know the Good Lord’s got my back.
So I KNOW I can transform my dreams into reality if I can just break the cycle of procrastination and insecurity, even momentarily. Long enough to take a step forward.
And so I do.
Maybe it’s just for a day, maybe it’s just for an hour. But I am hungry enough to force out my emotions that are sidelining me and take focused action whenever and wherever I can.
Actions are cumulative… eventually I’ll take enough of them I’ll no longer be harboring pipe dreams, but will actually be living the amazing life of my dreams, based on the new reality I have slowly and painstakingly carved out for myself.
Because I wanted it bad enough.
I was hungry enough to make it happen, no matter what.
And you can be too.
My question to you is what are you doing, right now… to make those dreams and desires happen? Really, I’d like to know. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, mayhap we can help you clarify some goals and give you a kick in the ass to get moving. 
Warmest,
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Wanting your dream bad enough is still a problem when you don’t want it bad enough to want it right now. I say that because I like what you said here and as I was reading your words it reminded me of getting my car unstuck last winter. A hell of a lot of work but I wanted it TODAY, RIGHT NOW and even though it took a couple days and I wanted it that damn much, I never quit until I got it out and keep at it until I succeeded.
Just thought I’d mention that and I really like this post.
Hey Eric! So true! You have to want it RIGHT NOW to really be dogged in making it happen.
I like the comparison you made, getting your car unstuck. I’ve had similar situations where I’ve been royally frustrated trying to get something done (putting a crib together comes to mind, lol) and for whatever reason I was having a hard time… but I was so determined to get it done, that I kept at it and kept at it, until suddenly..it was!
So great analogy, and so glad you enjoyed the post!
Wow, great post! This is just what I needed to read, perfect timing. I have domains and a brand that I would like to build, but I’m kind of treading water right now. I have been studying marketing and SEO, bought Thesis theme, and I have hosting for everything. Unfortunately, I have been stuck in the anxiety/procrastination mode, just as you described. I love this article, and I will definitely refer back to it for motivation.
Hey Kat! AWESOME… so glad it’s inspired you. It sounds like you’ve got all the tools in place, now you just need to get the momentum going and do the damn thing!
Keep me posted, let me know if I can help. 
Hmmm,
that’s a part of your life that I have never known about. And it’s inspirational too, which makes it even sweeter !
Procrastination is still my biggest enemy – sometimes I think I beat for good, and then shows up again. Argh !
You really have to be hungry to proudly follow your destiny, or you end up with that boring life from the past.
Pure desire + endless fire inside + massive action brings your goals into manifestation.
Nice magic, Cori !
Mars Dorian´s last [type] ..The Power of Questions- How Asking Can Help You Rock Your Digital Life
Hey Mars! Glad you found some inspiration.. I wrote that late last night, and almost posted it then…but then I sat on it till this morning figuring I might should re-read in the harsh light of day. In the end though I decided to go with it, because it’s something I’ve been struggling with, even more just recently, and I figured some of ya’ll might be too. So glad it found it’s mark!
And sheesh…. do I not post enough about my struggles? lol I thought I did, but now I’m starting to wonder!
I have them too, I swear! Mayhap we need to start a bloggers procrastination support group… it’s something I fear a lot of entrepreneurs struggle with actually, not just bloggers, so maybe the entrepreneurs procrastination support group. lol
What I really loved in this article was where you said a person might only overcome procrastination for a day or even an hour at a time.
In my case I don’t even know that procrastination is the right word. I have these creative episodes where I get tons done but they leave me totally spent. All I want to do is go wander around outdoors or read a book for a couple of days afterwards.
Well, that’s not too cool when it happens right when a person really needs to fire up the marketing machine or do a pile of editing. Sometimes I truly have to drag myself to the computer to do that stuff. And even having a VA wouldn’t solve it because I’d still have to drag myself to the computer or phone to communicate what needs to get done. Anyway, I keep reminding myself that working when I feel like a noodle is what allows me the freedom to indulge those creative bursts I love so much.
And that’s my dream really – I’m living it – I just want to go on indulging those bursts when I get them and living my life on my terms. So, back to working (I’m in noodle mode right now!)
Jean Sarauer´s last [type] ..How to Get More Bang for Your Membership Buck
LOL… noodle mode. I like it.
I get it though…it’s like creative fury over takes you for a while, you get a ton done and feel like patting yourself on the back… only problem is you’re so wiped you’d rather climb into bed instead! lol Maybe it’s some sort of creative bipolar disorder.. think there’s a medical term for it? But good for you that you still soldier on when you know you need to… sometimes it just boils down to exactly that… getting on with it already, otherwise you’re just putting yourself in a position for failure, and who needs that?
I’d much rather push myself, even if I don’t always feel like it and take steps towards building the life I want than just sit back and talk myself out of my freedom. Although if you find the right VA… it’s possible you may not have to be as hands on as you think.
The good ones tend to be REALLY good so I’ve been told..they make you wonder where they’ve been all your life. 
RT @BigGirlBranding: Inspirational magic from Cori http://su.pr/1Xesou
Cori, what an amazing post, thank you so much for giving the kick in the pants myself and so many people need from time to time.
I’m a prize procrastinator. I put off.. and put off… until suddenly, out of the blue, I deal with it. And guess what! I get it done easier, faster and more efficiently than I could have hoped. Until the next time that is…
It doesn’t always work though. It only works with things I’m suddenly in the mood to tackle… and yes, I need to go to bed now… and it’s 4pm here in the UK …
I
Linda´s last [type] ..How To Win An Oscar Without Even Trying
Hey Linda… I know the feeling! I do that more times than is likely good for my health and blood pressure, lol… but it’s almost like I have to force myself into a high pressure deadline I can’t ignore (as the ones I try to give myself typically get shrugged off, lol) and then once I’m “balls to the wall” I get it done better than I probably could have had I NOT put on a bit of unnecessary pressure. lol Sounds twisted right?
Hey Big D! Thanks so much for dropping by and taking the time to comment!
And glad you found the post to be the kick in the pants you needed, I consider my mission accomplished! 
Woot!
My attitude is focused on doing something today that makes me better than yesterday. It really does come down to doing something everyday as efficiently as possible. As long as we do something each day toward a specific goal we’ll start seeing results. Thanks!
Hey Joe… that’s an excellent attitude to have.. I have a bright yellow index card in front of my screen that I have written on there “Results, not excuses!” It helps to remind me to do just that… do something today that makes me better than yesterday.
Hi Cori,
Excellent post! You help remind me as to why I have a quilt on my wall in my dining area — see it at http://iimarketing.org/quilt.jpg and why I have lighthouse keepsakes sitting around the house.
I put the quilt up on the wall to remind me that I can get Anything done if I put my mind to it. I made this quilt through gritted teeth and solid determination. I had to pull it apart so many times that I barely had material left to sew the dozens & dozens of tiny pieces together. I would give up & through it against the wall, yet I truly desired to get this piece done. So, I would pick it back up and start working on it again & again. Finally, it was done — completely.
I can look at the quilt and tell myself — if you can get this done, you can get …….
(whatever is giving me a problem at the moment) done.
I have lighthouses sitting around the house to remind me that most fears are irrational. Several years ago, while visiting a lighthouse, my family & I decided to walk up the 200++ stairs to the top. Unfortunately, I have a huge fear of heights as well as getting vertigo feelings. The stairs in this lighthouse are iron & you can see through them all the way down to the previous floors … The first couple of levels went okay, yet as I attempted to go up higher, I began to hyperventilate. But, I was determined to get to the top and press thru my fears.
It is hard to describe just how incredibly fearful I was. My hands were sweating & shaking, my heart was pounding — Yet, I Knew it Was Irrational and pressed on. Finally I made it to the top and went outside, albeit pressed against the outer wall of the lighthouse. Walking back down wasn’t easy either, yet I made it. Afterwards I had a huge feeling of accomplishment.
The next time we visited, there was a little nervousness & heart pounding, but nothing like before. So, when you press thru your fears, “do it anyway” the successive times are easier and easier.
Again, thank you for you post. You helped me start “seeing” my reminders again.
Anne
Hey Anne.. THAT IS AWESOME that you keep a reminder like that hanging on your wall. It’s a great thing, those little reminders we leave ourselves.. provided we don’t begin to tune them out. Sounds like you were on the verge of that, so I’m glad my post could help you awaken and see them again with fresh eyes and motivation. I love that!
As to your lighthouse story… THAT is inspirational! I’m not even sure I could do that, heights tend to make me pretty nervous too, especially if it’s going up a lighthouse..I can only imagine!
I’d love to visit the Grand Canyons some day, but I always worry that if I do, what if I get too close to the edge and tumble over? Or what if I take my boys and they get too close? It makes me ill just thinking about it, and so far I’ve tabled any plans to go until my kids are much older and I can kick my fears without also fearing for them! LOL Thanks for sharing your story Anne!
I’m sure those who have been in the blog community long enough probably notice trends in the current of the blogosphere. I think that this “I really DO want this!” must be a milestone that we all have to pass through in the tempering of our will. It’s interesting that you and I have hit this milestone roughly at the same time along with a host of other “A-Listers of Tomorrow”.
And yes, I absolutely am going to list myself in the “A-Listers of Tomorrow” because I want it so d*mn bad that I’m going to keep striving until I make it or die. I see people like yourself that I think are going to be there with me too.
I love seeing that same determination in others and it encourages me so much.
Awww… so good to see you here David! Tis an honor!
I’m happy to be included with the A-Listers of tomorrow… say it like it already is, and before you know it… it will be! 
But I agree, it definitely seems to be a milestone everyone struggles with at some point, and it really just boils down to… how bad do you want this thing you say you want? If you really want it as you say you do… then you do everything you can to make it happen.
If you’re not doing that, then it’s probably time to re-evaluate the things you say you want.
Here’s to achieving our goals together!
This is a great post. And well timed. I just returned from my company’s annual convention and it’s really got me motivated to go after what I want. For me, having support of my family and friends on top of being apart of a Master Mind Group is helping me to go after what I want.
Patty Reiser´s last [type] ..Surprise- I’m having a Baby!
Hey Patty! Yes, a great support system is great for keeping you motivated and momentum going. I haven’t yet tried masterminds yet, but everyone I know who does, LOVES them.
Glad you found some value in the post!
RT @BigGirlBranding: *New #BGB*-Pipe Dreams are for Losers- Why Not Sculpt Your Own Reality Instead? http://su.pr/1Xesou What are you doing?
I confess to having had many dreams that I’ve never had come true. But now I’m doing things to make my latest dream a reality. I am soon going to launch a blog template/theme site that will offer my own designs. Some of them free and some premium.
I still have to battle that old fear of failure. But I just keep moving. Can’t freeze up like a deer in the headlights.
Joella@create a successful blog´s last [type] ..13 Free Ways To Manage And Rotate Ads In WordPress
Nope, no deer allowed here!
And good for you for finally taking action on those dreams.. I’ve no doubt it will be a smashing success! You’ve got an eye for design.
Hey Cori,
Your article feels like it was written for me! First, I have to tell you that I love your inspirational style. I feel like I have my very own coach right here with me. Just what I needed today.
I’ve been lamenting my lack of time – which I realize is just reinforcing – lack! There is time – I just have to cut back on other things, like reading all the email I get throughout the day. That sends me into a tailspin.
Anyway, thanks so much for this super-fab post!
Angela Artemis´s last [type] ..How To Be Your Best – Surround Yourself with Inspiring People!
Thanks Angela! So glad I could give you the kick in the seat you needed. Sometimes all we need is a gentle little nudge to find our way back to making things happen.
Wanting it badly enough is a problem for me. I have a family and that takes priority. I could spend all my time working on my business, but I would lose my family eventually and that’s not something I’m prepared to accept.
I am still doing work. I am doing some SEO on one of my sites, and have seen some improvements in rankings based on a couple of plugin purchases that I have made. One of those purchases paid for itself within about 7 days, so that was cool.
I need to plan how I can make enough money from my online business to exit from my job, and any material that helps me to do that would be welcome right now.
Nice plugins you have on this blog, btw.
David Thomas´s last [type] ..5 Bucks a Day Junior Audiobook Edition
Hey David! I agree, my family takes priority as well. I think it boils down to using your time in the absolute best way you can to maximize your growth and potential. THAT is something I struggle with daily.. you have to want it bad enough to discipline yourself enough to get where you want to go, and still make time for the things that are important to you.
And thanks! Glad you enjoyed the post and liked my plugins! lol I’ve probably got about 10 too many, but I seem to be a plugin junky.
I am a Big fan of personal branding and enjoy reading your posts.
JimAllen@12SecondCommuteSocialCommunity´s last [type] ..Gemma Insinna and Michaela Stubbs are now friends
Aw thanks so much Jim! I’m glad you like to read them!
If you really want something, do something about it and do it now! That is so true Cori. If you have a dream and if you want it so bad, work hard on it. If you need to improve yourself to achieve that particular goal, do it. Enhance your skills and change your values if necessary.
Definitely.. anything worth having takes a bit of hard work first.