Success and Joy in a Nutshell: If You Know What You Want, You Just Might Get It!

But knowing and thinking you know are two different things…

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman

I’m going to throw something in your face here. Don’t worry; you’ll be glad I did.

So, you’re not where you would like to be on many fronts—your career or business, your love life, your relationships with family, friends, or colleagues. Perhaps you are having some physical or spiritual challenges.

Whatever your concerns may be, you’ve done everything you need to do to set your various houses in order, right? No? Ah, I thought not. You’ve done a lot of complaining, to be sure, of both the inner and outer varieties. You’ve prayed, meditated, worried, got angry, yelled, kicked the cat, cried. Maybe you’ve even given up on a few dreams because life just isn’t fair and things aren’t going in your direction. I really don’t know. And more to the point, I really don’t care. Rough? Not really. I know that you can manifest pretty much whatever you want to manifest in your life, provided you keep a few things clearly in mind.

The very first one is, anything you want to do cannot step on the toes of someone else. Why? Because not only is that a tacky way to live, everything comes back around to either pat or bite you on the butt. (Karma, anyone?) If you get that, then you’re off to a good start.

Have you developed a clear vision of what you want or where you want to go? This is crucial. If you don’t know what you want, you’ll get something else. And there is a good chance you don’t really know what you want, even if on the surface you think you do. Sit down with yourself—or with anyone else who may be involved in your vision—and begin a discussion. Ask yourself why you want what you think you want. Be open, be honest. Lay any fears or justifications out in front of you. Look closely. Any hidden agendas?

Once you get a clear vision, a clean perspective, a sense of real possibility, then you’re on the right track. The fact that you now have a clearer direction will of itself set outward processes in motion. Don’t block them by wavering or becoming doubt-ridden. If you do, pull yourself back onto the wagon and keep going.

Continue to challenge your own inner saboteur. You’ll hear what is called ‘status quo’ thoughts running through your mind. “This is more than I bargained for,” or “I don’t really have the talent/time/ability or the resources/money/cooperation that I need to get this into place,” or “I don’t deserve this.” That’s a biggie. It can get you if you let it. Don’t let it. As has been said, if you place a low value on yourself, you can be assured the world will not raise it for you.

There may come a time when you'll have to shift direction or strategy. Your dreams, goals, and desires can and will evolve over time and you’ll need to do some adapting. Changes in plans, world economy, family dynamics are inevitable. Be ready to roll with the punches. Change is the only constant, as the science guys like to say.

Ask for help now and then. You have people around you who are willing to assist. Don’t let ego stand in the way.

You can use all the affirmations in the world, hold a positive thought, or even chant. Still, you must move, take action, and stay determined. Be flexible, of course, but not breakable.

You can manifest whatever you want as long as you know what you want and take the steps to achieve it. Keep a clear vision before you, good relationships beside you, and an expectation of an outcome that is best for you and for all concerned.

And, as a final jab, sometimes not getting what you want can turn out to be the better deal. Be open to that as well. We often, and mostly, do not know what’s best in any given situation. A seeming disappointment may actually be icing on the cake. Can you hold to that possibility? If you can, then you are ready for the best the universe has to offer. Paraphrasing Dale Carnegie, getting what you want may be success, but wanting what you get is happiness.

“The ultimate reason for setting goals is to entice you to become the person it takes to achieve them.” Jim Rohn, Business Philosopher