Happy 2010 friends! Even though 2009 presented wonderful opportunities, I’m totally fired up about this year. I really am. My engines are revved like an Indy racecar zooming down the track.
I want you to get excited about the vast, endless possibilities that will come through, because I KNOW you have passions other than what you’re currently doing.
We all do. It’s human nature. We all want to achieve great things, do fun activities, love passionately, live inspiring lives and embrace people that enrich our day.
But sometimes, life gives us obstacles. Like frustrations, challenges and other bull sh#t. Would you agree?
Life’s obstacles can’t be avoided. That’s part of the deal we get. And sometimes, we feel it’s too much to handle. Or too scary. Or we need approval from someone else. Or, or, or…
But the good news is, you CAN take a detour. You can climb over. Or go around. Sure, it may take a bit longer. But what’s the rush?
OK, listen up. I want you to embrace this next message. This may be the most important thing you’ll read all year:
“Don’t Wait For Permission”
There’s ALWAYS going to be a thousand reasons why you shouldn’t. Hey, I’m first to admit I come up with excuses sometimes also…
…but I eventually remind myself that I’m capable of growing bigger. Like baby tulips growing in a garden, reaching for the sun. Nature has tons of examples like this.
Of all the learning you’ll do this year, of all the experiences you’ll encounter, I want you to apply this one thing to start your year off.
“Don’t Wait For Permission”
You know how many times I’ve heard other people’s doubts, concerns and hesitations toward what I want and love to do? Know how many
“I don’t think so’s” or “that’s a bad idea’s” or “maybe you shouldn’t’s” I’ve had come though my life? (If you haven’t noticed, I’m a guy that dances. I’ve been hearing doubts and rejections from other people since an early age.)
Yes, opinions and advice should always be listened to when they come from qualified, experienced, reliable sources. I personally love getting constructive advice, and I’ve learned to ask whenever I need it.
But we Canadians have a reputation for being a safe, reserved society that people are afraid of taking risks. Because we sometimes listen to the WRONG opinions. And that’s whats holding so many people back.
In nature, Tulips continue to reach for the sun whether they see the light or not. Nature doesn’t wait for permission.
And neither should you. So why not choose to reach for the sun?
“Don’t Wait For Permission”
I suggest you write that quote out somewhere you can see it daily. Make it your screen saver. Update your profile status. Get those fridge magnet-thingys and spell it out.
If you NEED permission, here it is! I’m giving it to you right now, today! Go ahead. Start. Try. Achieve. Love. Be great. Do greater.
You now have “permission” to make your year incredible. But truthfully- you had it all along.
See you in the garden,
– Shawn B
www.Twitter.com/ShawnByfield
Shawn Byfield - Certified Public Speaker, Dance Coach & Choreographer 
Thank you for the love Briar, and thank you for sharing- I hope your clients get a lot out of it. Feel free to share anything here, that’s why I write. And kudos on your personal training biz, sounds like you’re making a big difference in people’s lives. Yess! 🙂
Nay, I love that quote. Thank you so much for sharing that insight and wisdom. Your blog has been a great source of weekly inspiration, please don’t stop! Now when we all gettin’ together?
– SB
Doesn’t bullsh*t suck? It won’t ever go away, that’s life. So let’s motivate each other to dig through it. Word? Word.
I’m with you Marie. Positive mindsets all the way! Let’s see what happens. 😉
– SB
You’re welcome Natasha! Don’t doubt yourself. Make this the year your project takes off!
You really inspire me when I need it. Thanks a lot! I remember last year– coming home, exhausted, sometimes disappointed – then I read your letter and all my energy was back. Right now I also have have a project, I worry about it and I don`t want it to fail! But now my doubts are gone. Thanks!
Your truly quite a fresh of breath air Shawn. This was well said and I agree with you completely. Only you can decide what you need to do.. It’s time to get the engine rolling for 2010.
Keep up the great encouragement and inspiration you give. I hope to dance with you soon!
Excellent affirmations; it’s good to know I’m not alone in the dark with these things. You’ve strengthened my determination to make 2010 a positive year (although deep inside regardless of time I’ve been aware), encouragement, reassurance, inspiration is always a plus!
Lets keep up the positive mind set, I’m all for it!!!
Hey Shawn! So 2009 was a really horrible year for me that kind of left me in ruins for a little while. I have to say that this message was extrememly motivational. I have had things sitting on the back burner for so long because of all this bullsh*t in my life and it is now time to get things rolling again……i can do whatever i want!!!! Thanks for this, truly.
Fantastic post! I love your your quote & agree with you completely…thanks for sharing. Here’s my favourite quote right now: “We should not think of our past as definitely settled, for we are not a stone or a tree. My past changes every minute according to the meaning given it now, in this moment.” ~Czeslaw Milosz, poet.
Take care,
Nadine
Shawn, I really enjoyed this post. I will be passing it along to my personal training clients as I think they can really benefit from your lesson here and your classes! I hear your studio is fabulous and I’m so excited for you!!! Hope to see you soon.