It’s funny how real a dream can seem when we’re first trying to wake up. Shaking off a particularly powerful dream can make us disoriented and confused about where we are and what we are actually doing. For that single moment, we believe that something happened that actually didn’t happen – for a moment, we believe in the impossible. Perhaps we can take this gift and apply it to our goals and to our dreams. The impossible can be reached, if only we open our eyes. Can we apply this to our own motivation and success?
Too often, we believe that if no one else has done something, then it must not be possible. We don’t believe that people actually run as fast as they do or have as much money as they say they do – because we can’t prove it. We make up excuses for their money and their talents, believing they are some sort of magic trick that is meant to fool the eye. As we learn to discount the deeds of others, we are actually discounting the abilities of ourselves.
Believe In Yourself
We are telling ourselves that really big dreams aren’t possible or realistic. And when that happens, we begin to make choices that reflect this belief. For example, if you have a dream to move up in management in your company, but you believe that you can’t make it so you don’t fill out the application, you’re not going to get the job. This isn’t because you’re not talented enough; it’s because your beliefs kept you from trying. Maybe it’s time to communicate some success to yourself. Believe in yourself!
For just a moment, believe in something that you feel is impossible. What does that feel like? Do you feel empowered? Do you feel alive? When you stop thinking about the reasons why something wouldn’t or couldn’t happen, you open up the door to the possibility that it could. After all, self improvement is only a few thoughts away.
The impossible does happen – everyday, in fact. But it’s waiting for you to believe in it.
Have a most outstanding day
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
SeanRasmussen.com © 2004 – 2008
{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for posting this article. I also try hard to work on gratitude as much as humanly possible lol and this article helps tremendously. My appreciation to you is in the highest sense.
To show you my gratitude I would like to share with you a post I found that also helps with this: http://consciousflex.blogspot.com/2008/01/life-changing-gratitude-by-nicholas.html
Thank you indeed. I hope it helps you and others who read as much as this post of yours as helped, please keep up the incredible work in helping others!
Thank you. I checked out your article and appreciate your effort in helping too. There are plenty of bloggers out there that are happy to share their gratitude around.
It is all too easy to set oneself limiting beliefs that restrict achievements to the familiar, the comfortable and the ordinary. However, the greatest achievements of human kind are all things that many would have thought were impossible at the time. Things like flying, and landing on the moon. These achievements were created by people who thought that it might be possible and gave it a go, often failing many times in the process.
There is a great quote by George Bernard Shaw which applies here – “Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress, therefore, depends on unreasonable people.”
Why doubt that something can be done? This is self limiting and encourages a mentality of avoidance. Avoiding risk and avoiding trying to strive for great goals.
I’d rather dare to dream that something is just highly improbably rather than being impossible. Unless I believe something might be possible, I am unlikely to try to do that thing, and if I never try I won’t achieve it. I’d rather risk failure in order to achieve success.
Tom McEwin´s last blog ..Getting Targeted Internet Traffic and a Hungry Crowd
Hi Sean,
I remember a time not so long ago when I was guilty of not believing in myself. So many times in the past I didn’t go for things that I really wanted because I didn’t think I would get them. It wasn’t because I didn’t believe I could do a certain job; I did think I would be good at it. I was just waiting for someone else to believe in me. I was waiting for someone else to give it to me.
The thing that really changed this for me was I got tired of waiting for someone else to see that I was good enough. I saw other people who were a lot more confident doing or having the things I wanted. I realized that they weren’t more talented than me. They just believed in themselves.
I am so much better at believing in myself now.:)
Very insightful Sean. We do make choices based on what we beleive we are capable of or what we deserve or what has worked for us in the past. For way too many years I used to make choices that were self-limiting and now that I can see that I find it hard to understand why I was so naive.
Now when I think of a possibilty in line with my dreams I live by the adage “If you never give it a go then you’ll never ever know!” I’ll jump right in and explore the opportunity. So far I have found many ways that don’t work but I am having an interesting life along the way.
‘Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast’
Spoken by The White Queen in Alice through the looking glass.
Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..Internet Marketing Why? How?
Funny, I read this book for the first time in November last year – it’s not part of the German curriculum
But I remember that part and even so she was a bit crazy, in that respect I think she was a very clever Queen.
Also it is a great book because it challenges the “possible” and makes a lot of “impossibles” suddenly normal.
Renee´s last blog ..Definition Of Motivation
There is a process called ’stretching the possibilities’ told to me by a multi-millionaire friend. She stands by a clock and for one minute per day she makes herself come up with as many impossible things she would like to have or do as she can, no matter how ridiculous. She says it helps her to release obstacles in life.
Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..Internet Marketing Why? How?
Hi Wal,
Wow! This sounds really interesting. I’m going to give it a try and see what happens. I could definitely use some new ideas about how to get around obstacles.
Very inspiring post!!
When I think of the impossible is scares the living daylights out of me. Thinking – the dream is possible… it’s strange. It becomes a totally different ball game. AIn that context the next step is to simply step up to the plate because there is nothing left holding me back!
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
I’ve got that song ‘To dream the impossible dream’ running in my head at full volume – its one of those songs that just doesn’t know what ‘whisper’ means. (Goodness, its so loud, I can’t think of anything else !)
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
I’m back again, and there’s that song again. I think it overshadows (but only just) your March 23rd 2010 post.
Thanks again.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
Hey Jo, you know what really amazes me about Susan Boyles’ story apart from her amazing voice? Okay, I’ll tell ya’ Susan DID IT… despite “the book” (that you should never judge by the way), she stood up, looked like crap on stage (I wish I had her courage) BUT she believed in herself. I think – oh my lordy, she’s amazing. And I get so angry at the media who don’t give a second thought at someone like her to bring her down with a click of their fingers.
But she believed in the impossible dream & by gosh her song went number ONE!!! Awesome stuff, yeah?!? I just cheer her on…. cause if she can do it – well, maybe me too. And take a look at my sorry arse… I love that woman.
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
Hi Sam,
yes Susan Boyle is an inspiration to be sure, and her ‘I dreamed a dream’ is just simply stunning.
“To dream the impossible dream (in my head sung by Jim Nabor), to fight the unbeatable foe, to bear with unbearable sorrow, to run(?) where the brave dare not go… This is my quest, to follow that star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far…….” I will look for a copy for you.. It breaks through my walls faster than anything else, I think.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
I think Susan is one of the greatest achievers ever and a great role model for believing in herself.
She walked straight into that competition with most of the contenders half her age or younger, a frumpy 40 something that was being laughed at and ridiculed until she opened her mouth and sang.
I wonder how many people in the world sat and cried for all their own untapped talent, and lack of courage to have a go, all their dreams shoved in some dark corner of the world, like Susan, who had lived half her life already, hiding one of the most beautiful voices on the planet.
That night, she was my hero. She went for a win against all odds, and she chose the most significant way to be heard.
We all have a Susan Boyle within, just boyling away!.
Blessings
Elly
Elly´s last blog ..
Believing in yourself can actually be difficult. Trying to get over the fear of failure and taking the risk to achieve your dreams can sometimes be one of the most scary parts.
I know I did (and still do) carry fear about the unknown. Most of that fear is due to unfavorable events in my past which make me takes more cautious actions in the present.
Cemil´s last blog ..Masterchef Australia Winner
There are lots of things we can and will never know about some aspects of our faith journey. Such uncertainty doesn’t have to handicap us in that journey if we can stand on some solid ground along the way. Not knowing all the answers doesn’t mean we have no answers at all.
I think there is something in there for all of us. Just don’t tell anyone how deep some of my thoughts are.
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..How To Make Money Quickly
I partially disagree.
I don’t think people think that they can’t do those things that they think are impossible. I think it’s the restrictions or time frames that they put on the end result is what makes them think that the impossible can’t be achieved. It’s mostly because they want it done too fast. Sometimes you need to persist, and wait for the rest of the world to catch up. And generally, as you are persisting, it is that very persistence that causes the world to catch up. (As I write this, I’m thinking of George Lucas’ and James Camerons’ of the world that couldn’t make their epics because the world hadn’t developed enough to give them the resources…..until they started to create the resources….but it still took time.)
Cheers,
Pete
Pete´s last blog ..peteboyr: @bullhunter Thanks, Sean. Just reviewing the webinar, and will get to your blogs after that. Big night ahead, pizza on the way!
After reading your article Sean and Cemils comment I felt compelled to say that my story of achievement is a little different and one I am sure many can relate to none the less.
I was a high achiever, very intense and believed I could do what I set my mind to, and I did. The only thing was, after I reached my goal, I would always feel flat and unhappy.
I realised one day that I was always trying to make my parents/friends proud of me. So my motivation always came form the need to be ‘accepted and acceptable”
It took real courage to then do what I really wanted to do, even to admit what I wanted to become as this meant breaking away from other peoples values and beliefs. It meant having to leave the known, the tribe. and venture out alone. The best thing about that is I alone am responsible for my outcomes and it feels fantastic. Now I am beginning to dream big dreams.
Kind regards
Elly
Elly´s last blog ..
The word impossible infers that one can’t do it. It’s all about the language we use – so one could take this either way. Which way for me? I am sitting in both camps – I can so there!! It’s just a word….
Just take a look at the Moon… not right this second – it’s not a good time. All the people who said it was impossible… I don’t know who specifically – it was before my time. Those who believed in the impossible made it possible… to land on the moon. Sure there are the nutters who said it was all done in a sound studio – even if it was, and I’m not saying it was – cause it wasn’t – come on people they went to the moon & made it possible for everyone to dream the impossible dream… even Susan Boyle.
The future… Mars baby! I believe we will go to Mars…. and beyond. Something for our generations to strive to dream for ourselves – in our own dreams, aspirations.
It makes our dreams so much more possible in comparison…. or impossible. Think about it…
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Going Bush
Since we are able to dream a dream, whether subconsciously or consciously, it must be based on reality. If you believe some dreams are worth pursuing, take action and turn them into beautiful reality. That’s how we can make our lives and our world better and better every day.
Tess QIU´s last blog ..Impossible challenges
Inspirational words like yours are life changing to so many people. They can be applied to so many different situations. Its so great to see. Thanks for your words and time.
Cheers and sunshine,
SB
Sue Brown´s last undefined ..Response cached until Thu 17 @ 12:33 GMT (Refreshes in 24.00 Hours)
Thank you Sean and Sam. You brought my attention to something I’ve always believed and reconfirmed my thoughts. Too many times I hear my father or mother in law says “that’s impossible” and I’m now responding with, yes but so was flying a plane and the Wright brothers did it. Or so was landing on the moon, and watching someone hundreds of miles away through a box on your wall.
If everyone believed these things were impossible they would be. Because one person realized it was possible they happened.
Where would we be today if everyone sat down and did what they were told and not what they dreamed of doing? I know it would be a boring world so I’m set to make it even more exciting – are you?
Sarah Butland´s last blog ..The Magic of Believing Review
Hi Sarah,
I think you’re amazing. It can’t be easy to share your dreams with people who have lost their ability to dream. Still, I can understand being so concerned with reality that you stop believing that dreams can come true.
I think you will be just the person to show them that you can make your dreams come true. I would love to be there when the light finally goes on in their eyes and they start to believe. It will be magical.
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion
You’re absolutely so kind and sweet Jazz. I, too, will love the look in everyone’s eyes when I get to where I finally want to be. For example, before I left work on maternity leave I told my co-workers I planned to complete my novel and everyone laughed. Well, it’s done to my own completion (in an editor’s hands now) and I still have over 4 months left of my leave! When I go back I will have novel in hand to share and sell and the greatest part is – the challenge for me is showing everyone dreams do come true if you set your own goals.
Knowing people like you and meeting more through Sean’s competition is both breath taking and inspiring. I’ve read a few “self help” books like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The Magic of Believing and have put both in practice.
Some days is harder, the days I’m surrounded by negativity or just not able to get on track, but I know in the long run I will succeed because I have to.
Sarah Butland´s last blog ..Asking the Universe
Hi Sarah,
You can do it! You can do anything you set your mind to doing. Let people laugh or say it can’t be done. Use this to motivate you and push you further. Take the negatives and turn them into positives.
Have you read all of Sean’s Mindset Mastery series? Whenever I feel like I’m responding to negativity; I go and start re-reading this series of posts. For me, they’re like a vaccination against all forms of negativity.
You are doing a wonderful thing for your family, Sarah. William is very fortunate to have a Mum who is so dedicated to learning and applying the principles of success.
“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” – George Bernard Shaw
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion
Oh, absolutely. Normally, after a good night’s sleep, I can take all the negative and turn it around. Especially with the help of people like Sean Rasmussen, Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) and Claude M Bristol (The Magic of Believing). Some days are definitely harder but those are the ones that make me realize I want what I want so badly.
I just have to limit my time of listening to the negativity and refocus on everything I love. Like learning and earning for my family.
Sarah Butland´s last blog ..A House of Straw
Thank you Sean,
Can I put it this way? “Dreaming is Believing” as in “Seing is Believing”. Just learnt to believe in myself. Self improvement is the key to believing in Success. I feel empowered & alive!
Thanks again.
Rose
Rose Kawe´s last blog ..Risk Free Internet Marketing
Limiting ourselves & holding onto fears of the unknown are the most detrimental things we can do to ourselves – never let the nay-sayers squash your dreams!.. Thanks for the reminder Sean, much appreciated!
Mel Smith´s last blog ..Latest Mobile Phone Technology
I realized a little bit ago that I limited myself right from the get go in this competition. I didn’t believe that I would really have a shot at winning it, but was just glad to be in it for the learning. I’m still very glad to be in it for the learning. But, I need to change my thinking about the winning part of it. I have just as much of a shot as anyone else.
You’re right Elizabeth. Everyone started on equal ground and is racking up points one comment or task at a time. Everyone is a potential winner, of this competition and making millions from the lesson’s learned.
Keep it up knowing that you’re offering wisdom and gaining guidance with every comment.
Sarah Butland´s last blog ..A House of Straw
That’s the spirit girl’s, you have every chance of success if you believe it. Will we see you in the top 10 now?
Hi Sean,
It’s really quite interesting how the difference between believing & not believing actually shapes your life from the ground up. I used to believe that nothing was impossible but over the years have lost my way, I am only now through reading & following guys like yourself beginning to believe in the power of positivity again & hopefully this will lead me to success & happiness.
jeremy´s last blog ..jlagatule- RT @tonyrobbins For you night owls still upCome be the first to have a sneak peak of R Breakthrough insiders site http-bitly-caSRxw
I’d recommend focusing on believing everything is possible as believing nothing impossible means you’re giving credence to a concept that doesn’t deserve it. Although it seems a minor change in thought it will make all the difference in the end.
You will be happy, successful and prosperous with the new drive that you show here and the support of Sean and every connection you make through his forum.
Sarah Butland´s last blog ..Lesson’s in Internet Marketing From Sean Rasmussen