"I advise you to say your dream is possible and then overcome all inconveniences, ignore all the hassles and take a running leap through the hoop, even if it is in flames. "
~ Les Brown ~
Question : Have you decided to follow your dreams? If you're uncertain or have doubt then read on ...
The Boiling Frog Syndrome
I know. I know. Not another frog story! But listen up. I promise you'll gain some insight into where this is all leading.
This anecdote is based on nineteenth century experiments during which frogs would stay in heated water provided said water was heated at a very slow rate. The original 1872 experiment was conducted by A. Heinzmann and this was corroborated in 1875 by Fratscher. The validity of the experiments is disputed. The experiment went something like this. If one were to put a frog in boiling water, it will jump out. However, if the frog were to be put in cold water and then the water was gradually heated, the danger would have gone unnoticed by the frog and it would eventually be boiled alive. Ouch!
How does this anecdote compare to real life situations? Let me give you an example. More often than not, we talk ourselves out of doing things. The rationale is unimportant. It results in us staying in a situation which just worsens over time. We try to shut out this result by pacifying ourselves with (weak) excuses. Sometimes even logic doesn't justify this course of action. Now, a word of advice on taking that leap of faith. Make a decision and stick with it.
The First Step of the D-I-A-M-O-N-D Standard
A bit of repetition will do nicely here - the first step is - make the decision.
You cannot expect to achieve new goals or move beyond your present circumstances unless you change."
~ Les Brown ~
Which brings me to the first step of the D-I-A-M-O-N-D standard.
D = DECIDE that you want to change or make changes.
Ask yourself. Are you happy with your present circumstances? If your personal situation, job or relationship is starting to infect your mind. Your body. Your spirit. Then the the time has come to evaluate. Making decisions, especially life-changing ones, are SCARY. FEAR reigns and you go through the best case scenarios, the worst case scenarios and you can even start to shake in your boots. Then GUILT starts to rear its ugly head and with a deafening voice says "Are you crazy? Are you doing the right thing for your family?" INSECURITY starts to whine, "What if you fail? What will they think of you?"
So. How do you know if you are making the right decision? This quote sums it up "We can try to avoid making choices by doing nothing, but even that is a decision."
Do you still feel hesitant about taking that leap of faith?
Living with Purpose
Let's use the Biggest Loser competition. It's a great example of courage, passion, desire and determination. I have nothing but admiration for the contestants who so willingly take that leap of faith and follow their hearts, their true desires. In the process, they have to abandon their loved ones for the duration of the competition. It is Inspirational ... their sacrifice, passion, hard work and determination.
What I learnt from watching the series:
- To follow one's true purpose
- That Anything is Possible, if you want it badly enough.
- It is not about Winning ... it is about trying, doing your very best and never giving up.
Oprah puts things into perspective when she says "As you become more clear about who you really are, you'll be better able to decide what is best for you – the first time around".
To end ... Don't ever doubt your ability.
Take that leap of faith!
I welcome your feedback and/or story. Be it success or failure. Use the comment box or send me an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Don't forget to include your permission to share it with my readers. Please be aware that all comments are moderated and may take a few days.
About the Author: Xen (The X Factor) Angelides is the founder of X-Factor Human Performance Systems. Xen Angelides is a Business Development Consultant, a proven veteran of the fitness industry, an accomplished educator and professional speaker. As a certified results coach and master practitioner of neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and neurological re-patterning, Xen has helped many individuals transform their thinking and performance. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or like his Facebook Fan Page.
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Comments (2)
First you throw frogs into a deep pit. Then you boil them alive. I suspect the next stage is you cook their thighs with garlic. Xen, you have been exposed to too much French influence, you should try to boil some bananas instead…
"Are you doing the right thing for your family?" has always been a tough one for me and sometimes had me boiling for a couple of years.
Great post sequence, love your work way down under.
Nicolas, of course ... I believe the Swiss Maestro influence. At our banana convention recently, it was not recommended to boil them. lol. Thank you for the feedback my good friend. It is always a tough one when it comes to that question. Stay in Spirit and may the frogs be with you. Xen