In the late 80’s, my three
friends and I participated in one of Anthony Robbins 5-day seminars on
empowerment that included walking barefoot across burning coals. When we
arrived that evening, the first sight we saw was fire trucks and medical teams
(on call in case of any emergencies). You can imagine what was going
through our minds!
For the next five hours (with
about 500 people) we experienced numerous exercises in preparation
for the fire walk.We focused our mental states to imagine the burning
coals were “cool moss.” I admit that I felt some fear. Could I do it?
Would I be safe? Would I get burned?
Of course no one HAD to do it. As
I watched all of my friends successfully do their walk, I just had to go
next. I wasn’t going to be the only one who bailed! We were mentally
prepared to imagine (and believe) that, as we walked, the ground beneath our
feet was cool moss. Big gulps. Ready, get set….now walk. “Cool moss, cool
moss.” I took my first step and kept going until I reached the end. Guess what?
No burns. It was an amazing experience.
I’ve looked back over
that evening many times to remind myself those things that
seem
threatening oroverwhelmingly difficult CAN BE OVERCOME with the
right mindset, support, and resources. What I’m emphasizing is that
things
that appear or seem too
big to manage might be
easier to overcome than you might think. Watch that illusion piece. You
know- perception can be a tricky thing. You can see things as problems or
opportunities.
Over the next five days, I heard
Tony use the phrase,
“If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.”
He’s been quoted for that phrase.When I heard him say those words, they
really struck a chord in me. I have never forgotten them.
Here’s why that quote has
become a power
full mantra for me. Whenever I feel passionate about
something or when I feel driven to do something and some resistance or fear
pops up, I remember that quote. It helps me bust through roadblocks. When
the need/desire to move becomes greater than the resistance to stay stuck we
can move mountains. I call this “tipping the scale.” Many people will push
through things that are uncomfortable when the pain of holding on to
something becomes so unbearable that they are willing to do whatever it takes
to make the pain go away. Pain is a pretty powerfull motivator.
That weekend was a metaphor for
me -
overcoming the illusion of MOUNTAINS that are really mole
hills. (That’s one of the reasons I use that tag line in my
products!) Now, I pay attention to those times when I have a
burning desire to take action in the face uncertainty or fear. I just
remember,
“If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.”While
pain is a power
full motivator for change - passion and burning desire
is much more pleasurable!
Cool moss……
