Life on Cruise Control - No More!

Welcome to 2010 - a new year and a new decade. Today, I resolve to become laser- focused on my personal vision of success and encourage you to do the same. It is my intention to inspire others to embrace their potential and in order to do so, I must live authentically, in alignment with my life’s purpose. I am making connections for success with people who have found the courage to stop living life on Cruise Control. This new decade can also mark the beginning of a new life – one that is designed by you, grounded in your personal values, and fashioned with deliberate intent – this new beginning is possible if you shift gears and take back control.

This is not a feat for the faint-hearted. It requires determination, commitment and passion. It can be hard work at times. Alternately, it is easy to drive through live on Cruise Control, keeping the same pace, staying in your designated lane. It is comfortable to know the route ahead of you is predictable and familiar. There’s no risk to maintain the status quo and accept the ‘same old, same old’ as being good enough. For many people, this sense of security gives them peace; others experience it as boredom. Sometimes, people experience a discontent but they are not quite sure what it is. They are seeking fulfillment and often cover it up with addictions to work, alcohols, gambling, or sex. In doing so, they become even less aware of their true potential and the life of possibility that awaits them.

The ‘danger’ of Cruise Control is that you are never fully aware of what is passing you by. You give over control of your journey. You don’t really ‘feel’ the road. I, myself, drove this way for many years. On a cross-province trip about five years ago, I realized that my mind was so bent on the destination (the time I would arrive, the route I would take, the cost of gas) that I failed to enjoy the beauty of the trip. Ours is a beautiful province and I had never taken the time to simply appreciate it. With this wisdom came the knowing that I was living my life this way, too. Goal-oriented to a fault, I was focused on the outcome at all times, on achievement and reward. I was successful in the eyes of many but what I lacked was happiness. I covered up that lack for a while, pretending to be someone that I was not, deflecting focus from myself to others whose needs I put ahead of my own. When I was clearly exhausted and my spirit significantly beaten down, I got real with myself and stopped living life on Cruise Control.

I knew that in order for me to experience true fulfillment, I had to make some deliberate choices that would bring my life in alignment with my personal values. I have been on this journey for several years now and the results have been remarkable. No more life on Cruise Control for me. Sometimes, I veer off course, arrive later than expected, and even break down. But, more often, my journey takes me to places that are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. I am grateful to have chosen to experience life in possibility, enjoy the ride, and embrace my potential. This life comes with risks. Take a risk! Take a leap of faith for 2010! I have. Lesson Learned.

Visit my website http://www.embracingpotential.com