John’s buddy twisted his arm to attend a seminar featuring an internationally known motivational speaker. The speaker’s presentation was fascinating and as he sat in the crowded arena, John realized just how much he needed to break out of the work-a-day rut he had fallen into. From the speaker’s comments, he knew there was a part of himself that was yearning to follow a bigger dream. John had great ideas for some products that could revolutionize at least one industry, but he had never taken those ideas beyond some simple diagrams.
Once John arrived home after the seminar, an inner conflict emerged. Part of John was excited to move forward in a new direction but another part of him was saying, “Yeah, but you really don’t know much about that industry.” As his excitement grew, his head filled with counteractive thoughts such as: “Yeah, but you don’t have a pile of money. How are you going to survive?” “Yeah, but you don’t have the necessary skills to succeed as a business owner.” “Yeah, but there are too many obstacles in the path ahead.”
Fortunately, John found a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who had been through these difficulties and could help him overcome his reluctance. In talking to these successful risk-takers, he learned that it is common to be overwhelmed with “ya-buts” when you are on the verge of breakthroughs. John discovered some tips to help him overcome his “ya-buts:”
- Go on a “ya-but” hunt. Identify and write down all the negative thoughts about your plans. Don’t let the “ya-buts” roam freely around your brain. Bring them out into the light of day to be examined and evaluated. Make this list exhaustive.
- Give your “ya-buts” a voice – perhaps not your own. Let someone else read your “ya-buts” back to you. Hearing your own thoughts coming from someone else can help you decide which thoughts are legitimate and which are merely the result of negative thinking.
- Exterminate useless “ya-buts.” When you find “ya-buts” that serve no purpose but to keep you from your dreams, eliminate them. Because “ya-buts” are notoriously hard to get rid of, try holding a “ya-but” burning ceremony. Make sure you invite only your most positive-thinking family and friends.
- Talk back to your “ya-buts.” Once you’ve identified the “ya-buts” that are based on legitimate concerns, write your responses. What steps will you take to keep risks to a minimum? How can you avoid unnecessary liability and business pitfalls?
When you learn to successfully handle the “ya-buts” in your life, you’ll have much more energy and clarity to move forward in fulfillment of the higher purposes of life.