Ever get caught up playing the "blame game?" You know the one. Usually it starts by explaining how someone else is responsible for your life's disappointments or troubles. Then you point out how you are being pulled in directions you don't want to go, and it's just not fair!

This exercise can be seductive and provide a twisted sense of comfort, as you distance yourself from the cause of your chaos. Of course, this is only a facade. And, strangely, the way to reclaim true control of your life is to deliberately make yourself uncomfortable. You must lean forward in a direction of your choosing.

We are midway through a five part series, learning to live Off Balance On Purpose (OBOP). OBOP is not only a philosophy for living, but also a repeating process with five steps. If you are just joining the series or would like to refresh your memory about the previous editions, click the active links. The five steps are:

1. Own Your Reality
2. Seek Your Purpose
3. Lean Forward
4. Leverage Your Resources
5. Follow Through

Remember that this process is one that you can apply to answer life's BIG questions, such as "Why am I here?", "What should I be doing with my life?", or"How can I reclaim my confidence and motivation?"

But OBOP is also a day-to-day, moment-to-moment approach to utilize your time and keep your focus on the next positive steps you can take. With practice and repetition, you will develop the habit of quickly assessing Off Balance situations and choosing Purposeful action.

Step Three: Lean Forward

Once you take ownership of your reality and can identify even a glimmer of purpose, then it is time to take step three. You are ready to lean forward and make yourself uncomfortable.

It is up to you to initiate action.

If you have seen my live presentations, you know I am fond of explaining this concept from the top of a six foot tall unicycle. It's a great metaphor for life because, in order to make forward progress on a unicycle, you must literally start falling toward your face.

This is uncomfortable. The sensation of plunging into the great unknown with nothing to hold onto can be unnerving, to say the least. But throwing yourself off balance is necessary in order to move forward. The same is true for life. There is no such thing as standing still. You are either moving forward or backward. Your choice. And, the degree to which you accept control and initiate change is directly related to your growth potential.

This is why leaning forward can also be thrilling. When you lean forward, you experience what it truly means to live. Your emotions will peak with the rush of new challenges and the promise of an improved version of you. While leaning forward, you also gain an enhanced desire to follow through. After all, you will then have no choice but to start pedaling!

Into Action

1. Adjust your posture. As you sit down and read this, lean forward, like a child watching the circus form the "edge of your seat." Come on, just do it, and feel the sensation that comes with your new posture. Remember this feeling, because this is how I want you to approach life - with curiosity, with wonder, and with excitement. Experience the richness of life's miracles and an unfolding, engaging, entertaining extravaganza.

2. Say "yes" to the next challenge. What new commitment will make you comfortably uncomfortable? In other words, you are a touch nervous and apprehensive, but you sense that you are ready, and you know that this step will ultimately bring you closer to your purpose. Perhaps you will decide to enroll in an interesting class, request new responsibilities at work, or up the stakes in a significant relationship. Verbalize your intentions to a trusted friend or mentor. Then take action.

3. Get lean. You can also initiate positive change by saying "no." End old routines and behaviors that are holding you back. Stop activities that are incongruent with your purpose. Distance yourself from negative people who unwittingly suck your energy and offer nothing but doubts.

You've heard it said: "If you want something done, give it to a busy person." That may be because busy people are already leaning forward. As Einstein proved with his theory of relativity, objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Objects at rest tend to stay at rest. I believe that applies to people, too. So, take a deep breath, lean forward, and go!

As always, I invite you to share your insights and questions with me. I promise I will respond personally. We are, after all, going through this process together. Next month we are going to "Leverage Your Resources" to sustain your forward momentum and increase the certainty of your success!

Until then, live boldly with purpose!

With encouragement always,

Dan

Need some help finding your purpose? This book will help!

Click here for more information and a special offer for Action Mail Subscribers.

Success in Action

The Direct Path to your Higher Potential

by Dan Thurmon

Action Press, Hardcover, 272 pages