Sometimes — one might even argue “always” — wisdom and truth are found in the most basic statements.
One of the simplest, yet most empowering comments I have heard is from Dr. Sue Morter. Aside from being a powerhouse speaker, she’s extremely inspirational, a dynamo on the stage, and outstandingly wise.
“So, what did liberating life-altering observation did she lay pass unto you?” You ask, breathless with anticipation.
“It’s difficult until it isn’t.”
“Huh? That’s it?”
Yep; five words; seven if you don’t count contractions. But, consider the message in that unvarnished declaration. Most of what we want for ourselves is really not difficult to obtain. We possess the tools (or know where to get them) and we know what we desire; all we have to do is go get it. The hitch in the giddy up is how we assemble the plan, making it complex and complicated. We smother it with all makeup of parameters to which we really cannot — or do not want to — abide. We spend so much energy building the golden pathway that we’re too exhausted to walk upon it.
As case in point, how ‘bout we look at losing weight?
(Wow, who would think I’d choose that as an example?) The bottom line of weight loss is brilliantly clear: Eat less; move more. Period. No pills, no programs, no late-night TV promises. See? That’s not difficult, is it? If I regularly shut my mouth a few minutes earlier and move my feet a couple of steps further, the pounds “magically” falls away. We all know that. Yet, because we’re in such a hurry to “get there,” we go overboard in the implementation and develop barriers to actually achieving what we want.
Boldly, I stand tall, placing my fists upon my hips, puffing out my chest, and proclaiming to anyone who cares (and many who don’t). “I am now on a diet! (Insert trumpets…) Therefore, until I lose 30 pounds, I shall not be able to go with my friends, family, or business associates to any eating establishment. While imprisoned in my barren, spartan, kitchen, I will consume only unprocessed, all-natural, organic, high-fiber, sugar-free, mostly tasteless, foodstuffs. Furthermore, I will rise two hours earlier each and every day and spend that time meditating, journaling, and exercising. I have calculated that this plan will shall allow me to lose three pounds a week, which I will do this day forth until I have achieved my goals.” After my pronouncement, I twirl spectacularly on my heels, place nose firmly in the air and stomp dramatically into my self-established sensory-deprivation chamber, where I shall remain in exclusion until I have achieved a smaller waistline.
Hey Tinkerbell, can we put down the fairy-wand and step out from fantasy-land for a moment?
What began as extremely unfussy and obtainable intention — eating better and moving more — has erupted into a full-scale mega-production requiring learning how to cook differently, shopping with new eyes, rearranging schedules, altering relationships, and devising self-inflicting intimidating goals. Building such blockades makes the procedure ridiculously difficult and horribly unpleasant.
After ramming one’s head against the wall enough, we will look for doors, finally “letting go” and releasing as unproductive the artificial rules and limiting beliefs; which allows us to get down to basics. We find something we will actually do and take one small, simple, easy, baby step; which we repeat until we get actually get what we want.
It was difficult. Then it wasn’t. It is up to each of us to determine when we want that to change.
Note: Sue Morter was interviewed by Scott. To download a copy of her interview, follow this link. To read an article she wrote for this website, follow this link.
