I remember a case where a young entrepreneur was taking an exceptionally long time to decide whether to start a new business that excited him, or not, because his mind told him that he wouldn’t succeed. After a conversation we had, he decided to start business because he felt this was his path. He didn’t succeed; in fact, results were pretty awful at first.

I was surprised a year later when I received a kind letter from him thanking me for time I had spent with him. He wrote that he has been a changed man since then and that he is enjoying what he is doing for first time in his life. He wasn’t doing well, financially, in beginning, but gradually he built a firm foundation and is now earning well.

“If I hadn’t made choice and taken that first step,” he added, “I wouldn’t have known that work exists that can bring in both money and pleasure. My first financial failure was a small price to pay for such awareness. More importantly, it enabled me to identify fear that had been present in all my business and personal decisions in past. Today, I laugh at limits I was living under then. Now, I’m happy to meet new challenges and I have been succeeding in everything I do lately.”

In 1991 my partner and I started construction of a large corporate building. We put all of our savings into this project. During that time there was a war in Slovenia and alarms signaling a bomb attack often interrupted our work. People asked me several times if there was any point in continuing construction while war lasted – what if building was destroyed? We decided to continue with our project. Had we stopped construction then, maybe that building wouldn’t have been finished until today, if ever. However, by following our own instincts and remaining true to our vision, that building has been serving purpose it was intended for, for more than ten years.

Is it worth it to miss an opportunity? Think.

If making a decision appears too difficult, take a piece of paper, divide it in half and write out pros and cons. More often than not, “against” side is filled with “circumstantial objections,” like “a lack of self-confidence,” or “I don't have enough money or time.” The substance of these objections cannot compare to reasons “for” doing something.

Most of your reasons for not doing something are probably based on weak excuses. If you are afraid of doing something, your mind will find a way to make sure that you don't do it, will even stand in your way and prevent you from doing something that it perceives you do not want. Be sure to address all your fears first and then take that piece of paper in your hands once again.

Chase your fears away and consciously decide to take a chance in life. Trust me, it's usually well worth trouble!

Of course, decision (as always in life) is still yours.

“I can do that”, woman thought. The next day she put on her best clothes, practiced what she would say and marched up to Safia.

“Safia, I have discovered these fine gems that will bring more people to your stall.” Here she displayed some of most spectacular stones on a piece of black velvet she had, rocking them gently to catch light.

Safia pick one up and held it to sun. “See how smooth, almost magical they are”, said woman. “You can set them in gold rings, string them into prayer beads, or simply roll them in your hand. They’ll bring a good price and attract a new clientele for you.”

Safia saw immediately these would sell well. “I’ll give you 100 ringas for each stone”, she offered.

“Safia, I will rent this section of your stall”, countered woman pointing to a spot next to sweetmeats. “I’ll give you 10 spas a month plus 10% of my profits. This way you do what you do best, selling foods, while I give my full attention to these jewels. We will both make more sales.”

Safia could see woman wasn’t going to budge on this. It was either let her sell stones or she would go elsewhere. “All right”, sighed Safia.

The woman set up her display immediately. Safia told all her customers of her new wares. Curious they came over to see. The woman, by watching Safia, learned how to sell. She was a success and both Safia and her thrived. And from that day forward, woman trusted herself. She knew she was worthy, valuable, and good enough. She grew in confidence and stature. Her demeanour changed. She had an aura about her that attracted people. She became as we all do, what she thought she was.

©2002 AliceSteinbart