There is a Secret Step that no one really wants to talk about when it comes to achieving goals.
This Secret Step must be taken and applies to you whether your goal is losing weight, completing a college degree, having a successful relationship, dropping your substance addiction, or lifting more weight at the gym.
There's a good reason this Secret Step is a secret; it's scary. It's petrifying, actually.
It's simplicity is dumbfounding.
And you won't be the same person afterwards.
Here it is:
Once you know what is it you most desire, you must let go of the struggle.
Letting go of the struggle is hard, because it's usually the only life we know.
Letting go of the struggle means no longer telling the story of why losing weight is so hard, why its so hard to get good grades, why its so hard to get him to listen to you, why its so hard to totally quit, why its so hard to make gains.
And what's left?
Often, nothing.
Crickets.
When we quit telling ourselves about why things are hard and complicated and this that and the other thing, there is not a lot left to say, is there?
The SECRET STEP is retraining your Self to tell a different story about how IT IS POSSIBLE.
Not only is it possible, but you are in the process of doing it RIGHT NOW.
I'm not saying this is EASY. Hell no.
Let's face it... it's uncomfortable to lose weight, it's tedious to study, it's scary to be vulnerable in front of others, it hurts to quit using, and it takes a lot of time and effort to build your body.
When you decide to after a goal you MUST release the struggle. It will be the main thing standing between you and your success.
All the other details are figureoutable.
All those rappers singing about going from ghetto to stardom?
All those authors writing books about their 100-pound weight loss journey?
All those folks with PhD's teaching the next generation about theory and science?
THEY ALL LET GO OF THE STRUGGLE and did the WORK instead.
Here's the thing; when you decide to start telling a new story there are often people and places that will no longer be present in your narrative.
Sometimes releasing the struggle also means releasing toxic people, toxic places, and things that took up your precious time.
Which means you will experience:
White Space.
Vacancy.
Silence.
A Gap.
New People.
New Places.
Empty drawers.
Fresh Starts.
Screeching halts in progress and days which are filled with bliss.
Letting go of the struggle means BEING OPEN TO RECEIVING that which you say you want.
(This is also a scary proposition for people with low self esteem or who feel on some level that they actually aren't worthy of success. But, that's another blog.)
Ready for Bottom Line?
Step 1: Determine what you actually want.
Step 2: Come up with a plan to get there.
SECRET STEP: Listen to all your excuses about why it's going to be a huge struggle, so hard, oh my God what did I get myself into, I can't quit on my own, I don't have time, can't afford it, blah blah blah. Return to Step 1. Do you still want it? If no, we are done here. If yes, return to Step 2. Is it a solid plan? If no, revise it. If yes, then let go of the struggle and move to step 3.
Step 3: Implement the plan.
Step 4: Achieve the goal and set the next one.
I dare you to go through your day today repeating to yourself
"I am releasing this struggle" -- and see what happens.
I double dog dare you.
Comment here about your biggest WIN.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.