Originally published in 2001, Soulgoal Missive, Year 1, No. 16
And the most difficult of tasks to keep
Heights which the soul is competent to gain
William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850)
The Excursion, Book IV
Five minutes ago, after years of searching, I rediscovered this quote that has captured my imagination for decades.
The most challenging of all tasks before us, a predestined appointment to keep, is to ascend to the heights we are fully capable of attaining.
One part of us knows what we can achieve. We feel it in our bones. If we allow ourselves to turn our attention to our magnificent potential and act on its magnitude, we can accomplish what our hearts prompt us to do.
Another aspect of us – the part that’s been beaten up over the years and loses vision and hope – questions, downplays, and ridicules what we really want. In fact, we often can’t admit how much we want it. This is a safety net we created to protect ourselves from failure.
The thinking goes, if I keep my precious dream tucked away at least I know where it is, and it’s safe. I can cherish it as my image of the Holy Grail, hidden from harm’s way.
If I actually look for it and fail, I’ll be crushed. If my most sacred dream is ruined, what’s the use of doing anything? No, better play it safe and avoid the possibility of pain. Besides, who do you think you’re kidding even to try to go after what you want?
However, that first part knows better and feels cheated from the fullness of life.
Paul J. Meyer told this story several years ago. Can you imagine offering an ice cream cone to a small child, and just as that child reaches for it you smash it to the ground? Of course not.
Neither would your Creator present you with an idea unless you have the ability to do something about it.
If an idea came to you, and keeps coming and coming and coming, you have the ability to ascend to the heights of your vision, or the idea would be gone already.
Even if others are doing something similar, nobody can fulfill your vision like you. No two people are alike.
“A climber’s day always starts at the crux: getting out of bed.”
Guillaume Dargaud
An episode of Xena, Warrior Princess, showed an image of her in a future life as a great Peacemaker and Negotiator – a task Xena wanted. However, she wouldn’t be able to have that life unless she fully lived this one as a warrior. The concept is to fully live the life in front of us, learn the lessons, and take action however we can. Then we move forward to something that may interest us even more.
Where do you start to accomplish your most magnificent task? Exactly where you are.
Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to take steps to ascend to your heights.
- Have a vision of what you choose. If you haven’t allowed your nearest and dearest one to surface, choose something that’s right in front of you. Your next step is ALWAYS around you. Bigger next steps come after you take your immediate ones.
- Pick something to do, even if it’s one small action within your vision or goal.
- Narrow your focus. Don’t scatter your energy by trying to do many things or too much of the big picture at one time.
- Get busy; do something.
With a zest for Life,
Virginia
Success Thought
“One cannot climb at all unless he has sufficient urge to do so. Danger must be met (indeed it must be used) to an extent beyond that incurred to normal life. That is one reason men climb; for only in response to challenge does one man become his best.”
Ax Nelson
If you’d like help
to ascend to your heights,
contact me for a free consultation at:
virginia@soulgoals.com
I work with people who choose to share
their gifts or business in a BIGGER way
but don’t know how, feel stuck or could
use new tools or support.
I help them ignite their Soul’s goals
and be richly compensated doing what
they love.
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