What is your bridge made of?

You know that elusive goal you have?

The one that would make you feel really good if you reached it?
The one that you have been trying to reach for who knows how long?

What is the gap between where you are now and that goal?

I am not just talking about the tangible results either, I am actually talking about the character gaps.  

​We all have values that we practice everyday. I call them my essence values. Values that are just a part of who we are, and to go against those values would take a lot of effort.

On the other side, we have our aspired values. Values that we have to put effort into making happen. Values that aren’t always natural. Values that we have to really commit to being present.

When there is a gap between our current reality and our goals, it’s usually because there is a gap in our values. There is a gap between what we are practicing every day and what we aspire to practice every day.

Let’s take exercise or fitness as an example.

Many of us want to shed a few pounds, or at least be fitter, but many of us don’t get there.  

Why? Because there is a gap between our practiced values and our aspired values.  

In order to shed those pounds or become fitter, we need to embrace values that aren’t natural for us. We have to value discipline, hard-work, and long-term results, over comfort, ease, and instant gratification.

What about starting a business?

If you want to be truly successful in your business endeavors, you may have to step out of your comfort zone and embrace values that you might not normally practice. Things like courage, creativity, and community.

What about dating and/or falling in love?
What about deciding to go back to school?
What about quitting a job you hate?
What about getting a promotion?
What about leaving an unfulfilling relationship?
What about moving to a new city or country?
What about learning a new language?
What about remodeling your house or apartment?

No matter what you are looking to do or achieve, there is a value or a set of values that you need to embrace in order to reach it. Some of those values may be natural, and some may not.

So, let me ask you again, what is the gap between where you are now and what you truly desire?
What values do you need to aspire to and embrace in order to reach that goal?
How can you keep those values present and mindful every day?

If it helps, you can think of it like a wide canyon or crevasse that you want to cross. In order to get to the other side, you need to build a bridge. That bridge is a set of values. 

What kind of bridge are you going to build? 
What material are you going to use?

It's Your Life. Live It Boldly.