Measure Success by The Risk You Take

Back in the early 80’s, a certain karate class existed at a college a friend of mine attended in Northeastern Georgia.  In their classes students learned how to focus and overcome seemingly impossible tasks, both physical and mental.  Breaking boards, then patio stones, and finally bricks or tiles, requires both physical and mental training, the ability to focus, to block out all the thoughts that say you can’t do it.

During one demonstration they were performing at a Church, I remember watching a breaking technique they were doing on regular patio stones you would find in your garden.  It was their first time breaking patio stones so it was a new experience for them.  The first student did an elbow break on his two patio stones only to find there were reinforcement rods inside!  He was not hurt, just surprised more than anything. Then it was the next students turn. . . he was using what they call a hammer fist technique.  He could have let the knowledge of those patio stones being reinforced keep him from focusing properly; but he was able to concentrate, focus, and put aside any fear he may have had.  He busted through those patio stones like they were not even there leaving just a couple reinforcement rods hanging between the support blocks.

Doubt and fear can stop a person’s dream right in its tracks if they cannot overcome what it is holding them back.  Following are some suggestions that may help you tap into that inner strength we all have buried inside and allow you to push through any road block getting in your way.

1.   Hold onto your Dreams – there are always people in our circle of acquaintances who will listen to your dreams and when you are done sharing with them, will give you ten reasons why that dream could never come true.

“Dream Killers”, shoot down every adventurous idea they can.  A friend recalled how his Father would always give him several reasons why he would be a failure at whatever he might try.  Still, he chose to push ahead with his dreams and today he not only achieved his dream of becoming a teacher he teaches others how to achieve their dreams too.