IF or WHEN? Two little words that mean so much. IF implies an uncertainty as to whether or not something will happen. WHEN implies it will definitely happen, it's just a matter of timing.
When we're operating in IF, we're not committed. We're still questioning, "can I reach my goal?" There's no forward movement and it may actually feel like we're going around in circles.
When we're operating in WHEN we've made the decision to reach our goal. It's just a matter of WHEN. We may not know exactly how we'll get what we want, but the fact of having made the decision removes any doubt that it will happen. The "how" will come much easier because all future decisions will be taking us in the direction of our goal.
It's what Wallace D. Wattles in "The Science of Getting Rich" refers to as the "certain way". Once you are certain, the universe will start to work with you.
The difference in the outcome of operating from these two positions can be huge. The implications for our future are critical.
We hear people saying, "I keep trying, but I can't reach my goal. Nothing works." These people are still unsure they can reach their goals. Making the decision that nothing will keep them from their goal, even if they have to try and fail many times, is what makes the difference between the winners and the competition.
The transition from IF to WHEN isn't hard, but it does require some contemplation and preparation. It seems to be like passing through a barrier. You're either on one side or the other. But once you pass through the barrier, you're able to make forward progress with much less effort.
Two of my clients just made the transition from IF to WHEN.
Brenda had a history as a human resources professional, most recently as Human Resources Director in a large corporation. She needed to see herself in a different way in order to make the decision to become an entrepreneur. She had been questioning IF she should make the commitment. By getting to know more about herself and her personal truths she passed through the barrier to commitment without even realizing she'd made a change. All her actions started to be focused on putting together a business that would use the best of what she had to offer. This tapped into an energy that motivated and activated her. She acknowledged she felt passionate about her new commitment.
The other client, Drake, had been an entrepreneur for 8 years before losing his business due to some major personal challenges. After 3 years and some serious soul searching, he realized he's ready to be an entrepreneur again. Although he has very limited capital, he's been able to pre-sell his prototype product to potential clients to the extent that he'll likely qualify for a bridge loan to start up on a small scale. He's now eagerly putting together a business plan. Having seen strong market support prior to commitment of dollars was, for him, the factor that moved him from IF to WHEN.
Consider YOUR goals. Are you committed to them? Do you think of them as IF or WHEN? It might be helpful to list each of your goals under either IF or WHEN.
Create a plan with a timeframe for those in the WHEN category. Providing a structure for your efforts not only saves energy, it adds validity to what you're trying to accomplish.
What's the missing piece or unanswered question for those in your IF category? How might you convert them to WHEN? It's also important to eliminate any that don't create a strong attraction. This allows more energy to be focused on those that are ready to move forward.
It's OK to have some goals that are undecided, but know that you won't make real progress toward them until they are converted to WHEN status.
Are you operating from IF or WHEN?
Are You Operating From IF or WHEN? - To learn more about this author, visit Marian Banker's Website.
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Marian Banker
(Visit Marian's Website)
A coach with passion for her work and her
clients' success, Marian will inspire and
challenge you to find and stay on your
right path. She is a seasoned executive,
entrepreneur and professional and shares
that expertise with her clients. You can
count on her as a partner and guide to
accelerate the achievement of your goals.
Producer and host for Small Business
Summit 2006, 2007 and 2008, an all-day
conference that brings together small
business owners and technology providers.
Creator of the "Business Success System",
a step-by-step process with tools, text
and a virtual classroom atmosphere.
Since 1995, has coached Entrepreneurs,
Professionals and Executives in transition
to become business leaders. Emphasis is on
what it takes to lead a business to
success.
Holds a Masters in Business Administration
and has over 25 years experience as senior
executive, consultant, entrepreneur,
educator, mentor and coach.
Founded Prime Strategies in 1996 to
provide the small business community with
coaching, consulting and training in
business leadership, translated into plain
English for the typical small business
owner.
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