"Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality."Ralph Marston
Part two of Exploring the Intersection of Endurance and Creativity.
Now that you have shaken the pesky monkey called Can't off your back, it's time to get realistic. Can you honestly visualize your goal? You may want to go to the moon or become the president, and more power to you, but in most cases you need to really think about where you want to be a few or months—or years—down the line.
For example, say you want to start a new business. Are you thinking of standing behind the counter of your new coffee shop surveying your domain as the smell of freshly ground coffee beans infuses the air? That's great! But you also need to think about the more practical things that get you there, like how to apply for a food/drinks license from the local council/authority. This is just one example of the many small—sometimes very complicated—necessary steps to be taken.
The same process goes if you want to become a painter or a musician. The first time I picked up two drum sticks to begin my career in rock n roll, I knew it would be a long road. I am still learning to this day and I remain very grounded in my expectations. As much as I want to play with Pearl Jam, I know I am more likely to be playing with talented local musicians instead. I am stoked with that and can honestly see it happening as long as I remain realistic.
If you want to know how good of a painter you'll be, then start with a single brush-stroke. You might be able to tell if you'll be the next Picasso, or not. Picasso didn't even know he was Picasso when, in poverty and desperation, he was burning his own paintings to keep his Parisian apartment heated.
Visualizing the goal will program your brain and motivate you internally. It will also lead you down certain paths and as you ask various questions along the way, it will draw in the people needed to help you complete your goal. You are also setting the stage for what is to come, and when you hit a wall along the way—which is a given—you'll be ready.
Tomorrow in part three: Show Up Every Day.