“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on the fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Socrates
Hooray! As we change seasons the most beautiful weather in the world is upon us here in Southern California. As it gets warmer, we get more active and more energized. We start our day earlier; go to bed later; accomplish more during the day. Sunshine gives us a brighter and more positive outlook. People go out more.
Take a look at all the fitness centers. My gym is suddenly bursting at the seams as folks come back to get “bathing suit ready” for summer. The good weather makes us feel happier and want to get in shape. We socialize more.
Over the weekend I was catching up on my friends lives through their social media posts. I read this interesting post about growth. “A shark in a fish tank will grow 8 inches, but in the ocean, it will grow 8 feet or more. The shark will never outgrow its environment. The same is true for you. Many times, we are around small thinking people, so we don’t grow.”
This saying jogged my memory about a story from my friend Tony Robbins. I attended my first Tony Robbins event about 20 years ago. He told us a story that had a profound effect on me. In the early days of his business, Tony was struggling to meet all his obligations. His business was growing, but so were all of his responsibilities and expenses. Finally, one day he saw the house of his dreams down in San Diego. This was the ONE. It was everything he had always dreamed of, but he would have to grow his business 10X to make it work. He committed, refocused, and went to work to create massive change in order to reach the next level. By expanding his mind and setting a Big Audacious Goal he made it happen.
I remember that story because it helped me achieve my own Big Audacious Goals. It gave me the courage to make the leap when I bought my house a few years ago. Trust me it was scary, but if I stayed in the same tank, I would still be a small shark swimming in a small environment.
Change your environment and watch your growth.
Learn from the shark that adapts to his/her surroundings. Examine your life and pick one or two areas where you could improve and grow. In all likely hood it’s probably long overdue, you just need that push to jump. I know it’s scary, but growth always comes with fear. Use that fear and turn it into excitement. Yes, you can get that new body, feel healthier, buy that new car or house. Start a new business or move to another state.
“You are always only one decision away from a totally different life.” – Anonymous
So, as it gets hotter, joy is in the air, take that energy and go grow an additional 8 feet. Happy Father’s Day! Here’s to a summer full of growth and expansion.
Ralph
