This weekend…something EPIC happened.

I was backed into a corner and forced to answer a series of open honest questions regarding a goal of mine that I set at the beginning of the year. This goal was purposefully designed to be BIG and BOLD, and as a result the goal had a very large revenue figure attached to it. The open honest question I was asked was, “… is the dollar amount associated with your big bold goal realistic?”

Ouch.

I knew it wasn’t achievable by December 31, 2012; however, there is not a doubt in my mind that this passion project won’t yield indescribable fortunes in the future. After about ten minutes of 6 people grilling me as a means of getting me to re-frame my goal, another open honest question was asked, “…what about the revenue portion of your goal doesn’t resonate with you?”

Jackpot! It hit me.

For the past 60 days I have intensified my self study. Yup you read that right…I hired a life coach and having been spending an extraordinary amount of time studying myself. Getting answers to questions like: Who I am? What do I want? What do I value? What is  my purpose? I’ve been studying myself, and getting really clear, specifically on my values. Why? Because it all starts with what it is that we value. I’m talking values deeper than family, friends and happiness…yep, much deeper. More on this some other time.

Back to my breakthrough moment

So I’m in the hot seat. I’m confused. I’m anxious. I’m pissed off at myself for having not set aside the time prior to our meeting to re-frame my goal before arriving. Had I done that, I could have avoided this agonizing series of questions (the best form of medicine I might add).  And the worst part about the entire experience was this mind chatter…this old voice inside challenged me over and over again, trying to fire up my competitive spirit. The spirit that wouldn’t back down in the face of a challenge. The spirit that would never admit that something is not achievable. But the more I heard this voice telling me to keep it up there (the revenue figure), another voice was emerging. My own.

I processed the question, “…what about the revenue portion of your goal doesn’t resonate with you?” and speaking from my core with conviction; from a place only accessed through truly knowing myself, my values, and what’s really important to me, I was able to say without fear or shame,” the reason this revenue figure bothers me, is because money is and has never been one of my core values. At the end of the day…this is not about making a dollar, but making a difference. And if we do what we’re supposed to do, and create a community of advocates that are engaged and really living this message, then the revenue will come, at the right time, in the way that it’s supposed to.”

Breakthrough.

MORAL OF MY TRUE STORY

If you want to live an extraordinary life, get crystal clear on your values. Let them be your guide. Because  with persistence, patience, and faith, it is possible.