The Problem With “Potential”

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.]