I once read an article about knocking down barriers that keep us from reaching our goals. It is amazing how much two fish can tell us about our own human nature. In the study, a barracuda and a mackerel were put in a glass tank with a clear glass partition placed between them. For two days the barracuda kept banging its little fish head against that nasty wall to get to its favorite meal, the mackerel. On the third day, researchers noticed the barracuda had given up. At that point, they removed the glass partition so the barracuda had full access to its long-awaited feast. What do you think it did? Nothing! Never tried again! Why? Because in its little fish brain, the goal was out of reach, so it just gave up. Unfortunately, the prize was right there for the taking but it had already given up hope and swam away.
How many times do we allow obstacles in our lives to continue blocking our success? How many times do we look for reasons something can’t be done (too old, lack of education, messed up family, no money)? WE often limit ourselves more than circumstances limit us from developing our ambitions into realities. When discouragement tells you to take a seat, tell it to get lost and start your faith workout. Turn your focus to real life situations that will inspire you back into action. Think of the homeless girl who made it into Harvard. Remember Susan Boyle who stepped out of her comfort zone and onto a stage where she was met with sneers and rolling eyes. She mustered up all the strength within her and totally blew them away with her voice. Her dream was too strong to stuff away any longer. What about the armless guitar player who blesses everyone who hears him play beautifully with his toes. There are countless cases of those who will not stop kicking against that obstacle until it shatters into a million pieces and they finally win the gold.
Bottom line, don’t let your talents stay buried in the ground. Nurture them daily. Put spikes of determination and faith on your boots and keep kicking down those partitions until they fall before you. One more whack against the glass may be all it takes to conquering your goal, and getting your own mackerel!! Boots on, leg up, start kicking!!!!
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. These highly effective tools empower individuals to become more accomplished communicators, gain greater confidence in business and social protocol, project a dynamic professional image, acquire the resources for a more successful career, and gain the ability to confidently make presentations in front of others.