The Problem
With “Potential”
The problem
with “potential” is inherent in its definition – “capable of being but not yet
in existence”. Do you see the problem? Let me clarify, potential is
“what-could-be”…NOT…“what-is”. Therein lies our problem. We fall into the trap
of believing what is potentially possible in the future is actually current
reality. NO! It’s not.
I don’t know
about you but I want to live with WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING RIGHT NOW
in my life…not WHAT MIGHT BE HAPPENING in my life! This is a new
year. A fresh start. A new perspective. It’s time to move forward, out of the
“forest of potential” into the reality of what is our best time – our life
right NOW!
You may
already know these simple facts but just a thought or two about a topic or two:
FACT…”potential
jobs” are not actual jobs! Seriously - potential jobs don’t actually pay bills!
If you want that REAL job, apply for it! Don’t have the required degree or
skill-set? Go get them! Start now. Shucks, you may not want to work for anyone!
(AWESOME!) You have that entrepreneurial-spirit?! Wonderful. Start, right now,
researching products/services you can provide to consumers - drafting a
business plan. Learn the process and then work the process. The only thing
stopping you – is you. “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
FACT…”potential
dreams” are not actual accomplished goals! Sure, they are seeds but without
ACTION…potential dreams don’t bear fruit. You must plan and then work that
plan. Determine what you want. Research how to get it. Take action. You want to
move into that new home. Start looking. Start saving. New car? Ditto. What’s
really stopping you?! If all you have is “coulda-woulda-shouldas”…then that is
all you will ever have. Whatever your dream is – remember this – nothing is
impossible! Nothing.
FACT…”potential
relationships” are not actual relationships! The blunt fact is – if there is no
mutually agreed commitment - you are single. Doesn’t matter how much great sex
there is, how often he/she is at your home or how many gifts are bought – no
mutual commitment means no relationship. I know how easy it is to think, “…but
we are GREAT together! We have the potential to be something wonderful”. I’m
sure you do have the potential but remember potential means, “capable of being
but not yet in existence”. It’s so easy to think of all the potential
possibilities, to get tangled in images of what could be, while years pass you
by. Lord knows, I don’t know the secret to perfect relationships but I do know
this, ladies and gentleman, if that man or women isn’t saying, “I love you.
Let’s do this thing, me and you, together! Right now! Let’s try!” You
are not in a relationship. You are single. If single-hood is what you want – wonderful!
Yet, if a relationship is what you want – don’t get trapped into providing
someone all the benefits of an actual committed relationship when they are only
returning the promise of a potential relationship.
At this
point, I’m probably preaching to the choir…
Look, it
isn’t my intention to shine a negative light on any of the above topics. My
point is that “potential” is the START…not the END! If there is potential, then
there is the capacity for existence but only ACTION will cause that
"potential" to become REALITY. This is your life RIGHT NOW! This
place, right now, is where you are – if this isn’t where you want to be...then
TAKE ACTION to get there. Don’t get tangled in the idea of what “could be”…create
your “what is”, right now!
In the
eloquently simple command of Captain Jean-luc Picard: "Make it
so!"
[Hmmm...this
got pretty word-y. <laughs> Apparently, it was on my heart.]
