When it comes to that business… that dream… that big goal… it’s easy to be non-committal.
When something really spectacular comes along, a need for validation tends to rear its ugly head.
I don’t want to fully commit to pursuing that really awesome thing, because first I want proof that it’s going to work out.
When the money comes in…
When my audience gets to a certain size…
When my project can support me (without a side job)…
When Oprah calls…
When I get a sign from the heavens…
THEN, I’ll commit.
THEN, I’ll put my heart and soul into this.
THEN, I’ll say what I really want to say.
THEN, all bets are off.
THEN, I’ll be free to live how I want to live.
When the validation arrives, THEN I’ll commit.
Before I put my heart and soul into this, I want proof that it’s all going to work out.
Because, what if it doesn’t?
What if things don’t fall into place?
What if the money never comes?
What if I never build the audience and influence I crave?
What if I always have to work a side job?
What if Oprah never, ever calls?
I’ll be crushed.
I’ll be completely devastated.
I may never recover.
Because, this project, this dream, this company… it’s my whole life. And, I can’t breathe when I think of it not working out.
The disappointment I’d experience if I failed would be gut wrenching.
It might kill me.
The risk is too big. So, I want proof.
I want validation before I move forward.
I want a sign. I want concrete evidence that everything will turn out okay.
I want to know, without a doubt, that if I commit, my dreams WILL come true.
That I’ll get what I want.
I want reassurance that I’m not foolish for chasing after this goal.
After years of feeling this way, what I’ve found is that this feeling is really a “chicken or egg” dilemma.
Commitment actually comes BEFORE validation.
And, that’s why wild success is so rare.
Because most folks aren’t brave enough to face full commitment before the validation arrives.
Most folks spend their lives waiting for that validation.
Because taking the plunge without the validation seems risky at best. At worst, totally insane.
Better never to try than to face that kind of public disappointment and embarrassment.
But, commitment is actually what GETS you that audience. That book deal. That fan base.
Saying what you need to say, being 100% committed, being consistent day-in and day-out, diving in head first, THAT’s what it takes to get the money, the fans, the legacy you dream of.
Validation comes second.
Commitment comes first. And it’s scary as hell.
But, get the order confused, and you might spend a lot of time waiting around.
