One of the most important factors in deciding whether or not something’s right for you is authenticity. Authenticity is defined as “the genuineness or truth of something”. It is a preservative force and is necessary for sustained success in whatever you’re trying to do.
Just because a business idea or particular life change worked for your best friend doesn’t necessarily mean it is something that it’s right for you. So before venturing into a project or goal of any kind, vet it for authenticity, in other words, ask yourself of this “thing” the following series of questions to help determine, “Is this right for me?”
1. Why do I want to do this thing in the first place? – If the answer is a selfish one and doesn’t include a purpose greater than yourself, then this is cause for reconsideration! Being selfish isn’t always a bad thing but when it is, it can cost you everything!
On the other hand, knowing that someone else is depending on you to succeed will give you a greater sense of heart felt commitment and accountability and increases the chances that you will finish what you start. So, either reconsider what you’re doing or figure out how doing this thing can be of benefit to someone else.
2. Do important aspects of this thing marry the personal fundamentals of who you are and what you believe? If not, either stop now and think of something else to do or be prepared to explain to your mother why you’re breaking her heart! Trying to succeed at anything is never easy, so try not to create any unnecessary hurdles to overcome before you even get started! If this thing conflicts in a major belief system like, religion, morals, family, etc., then it’s going to be harder than expected, be sure that it’s worth the headache.
3. Does doing this thing compliment other important aspects of my life i.e., scheduling, cost, sacrifice of family time etc. If the sacrifices appear to be too great, figure out how to lessen the load and still meet your obligations. If you find that it’s not worth the sacrifice, go back to question #1.
4. Do you currently possess the knowledge and skill to accomplish this thing? If not, do you have the patience and tenacity, to research, study and practice until you get it done? If not, see question # 1.
5. Does the mere thought of doing this thing feel you joy and excited anticipation? If not, see question #1
6. Is this thing an extension of who you are and what your life is about? In other words, does it make you and those you care about better? If not, see question #1
7. Have you been working at this thing for a while but still don’t seem to be getting anywhere? If you can honestly say you’re doing your very best, be patient, greatness takes time. If not, maybe you’ve bitten off more than you can chew and you need to narrow your vision a bit; or maybe this thing is just not that important to you in the first place. In that case, see question #1.
8. Are there any small voices in your head telling you you’re going the wrong way? Listen to this voice, something’s wrong. Go back to question #1 and start again.
So, if you find yourself constantly going back to the first question, “Why do I want to do this thing in the first place?” then this thing is probably not right for you. Discover that thing that allows you to answer these questions positively; otherwise you run the risk of burning up a lot of time and energy with nothing great to show for it!
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Author: Robin Oxford-Davis
Robin is a the creator of begintobelieve.com - a prayerful & practical guide to believing in yourself! She's also the author of the ebook How to Begin to Believe!
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