Several years ago, I read the story of how the term “reaching for the brass ring” originated. This phrase has always symbolized striving for, and achieving, one’s goals. The carousels of long ago were huge circular wooden platforms with hand-carved, brightly painted panels and beautiful wooden ponies that bobbed up and down on thick, shiny brass poles to the sound of calliope music. Children were so excited for the opportunity to reach out and grab a fist-sized metal ring from a dispenser suspended just outside and above the carousel. Most of the time, they would get a black ring. How joyful they were when, every once in a while, someone would seize a “gold” one, the brass ring! That brass ring came to symbolize adventure, passion, joy, and having what it takes to achieve (and conquer) our biggest hopes and dreams.
We all want to achieve those dreams; however, our lives often take a different course, filled to overflowing with work and relationships that leave little or no time to pursue our original goals. We often consider all of the reasons why we cannot attain those dreams due to any number of circumstances. Some of those reasons may be legitimate for a season; others are based on fear of failure or rejection, or a lack of self-confidence, money, etc. The more time and energy we expend entertaining those reasons, the farther we get from grabbing our own brass ring.
Once you determine you will no longer let life’s obstacles keep you from embracing your own golden ring of triumph, you can clearly focus on the steps necessary to build a successful business, acquire the new relationship you so strongly desire, or whatever that ring means to you. It’s time to OWN the desire of your heart! First, carefully answer the following three questions.
1. What is my true heart’s desire (a meaningful and important goal–your brass ring) that I want to accomplish in my lifetime?
2. What qualifications do I already have to help me reach that goal? (Include personal and professional achievements, education, internal drive, successes)
3. What else do I need to get there? (taking relevant classes, ending a negative relationship, listening to so many motivational tapes that I can never go back to my former way of thinking).
Now, hop on that beautiful pony called the merry-go-round of life and ride my friend, ride! Exuberantly grab onto that brass ring and NEVER LET GO!
Rita Rocker is a national inspirational and educational speaker, communications and image specialist, and career coach with Transformation Academy, LLC. She is the author of A Guide to Marketing Yourself for Success, and a contributing author to The Unstoppable Woman's Guide to Emotional Well Being(from Self-conscious to Self-confident), and Total Leadership for Men and Women. She has appeared on national television and radio talk shows on self-esteem and communication. Rita is a former Mrs. Nebraska and Mrs. America contestant. She is active in numerous professional organizations, on the Board of the Small Business Association of the Midlands, and co-director of greater Omaha's Affiliated Women International. Rita provides life and career-transforming programs to mature teens and adults.