If you are a regular reader of my blogs and newsletter, you realize I love to study the characteristics of the eagle. We have carved wooden eagles and bronze eagles around our property to remind us of the traits that make eagles great.
In both the Hebrew and Christian faiths the eagle represents the flight of the soul to heaven. It is the symbol of faith – the connection with the seen and the unseen — the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. With any growth or change, there comes the inevitable time when a step of faith is required.
In the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark – The Last Crusade, Harrison Ford comes to the impassable chasm. It was clear he had followed the path to get to this point – and yet the goal was on the other side. No one could jump across that chasm. His code book said, “Only in the leap from the lion’s head will he prove his worth.” With heart pounding and sweat beads breaking out all over his body, he closed his eyes to numb the uncertainty and still stepped out. He knew he was on the right path, but a bold “step of faith” was required in order for him to continue. And if you remember the movie, at that moment of stepping out into what he could not see, the path appeared. In every worthwhile personal or business venture, there comes the time of that required step of faith. Even when you’ve done all you can the road ahead may not be totally clear. Real success blends faith and reason.
(Check out the 2 minute clip to be reminded of the power of faith.)
Don’t get caught in indecision or uncertainty. If you need a new plan in your life, go through these steps:
- State the situation clearly
- Read, Study, and Get the advice and opinions of other people
- List the alternatives
- Choose the best one
- ACT
Year ago, at a very tough time in my own life, I read Dale Carnegie’s book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” The basic premise is “What’s the worst that could happen?” I had to start with that thought, take action and move forward. Selling a product I had never known before I moved into the top ranks of the national organization within 4 months. I stepped out because I had done all I could do and had no other good option.
Expect success; eliminate fear. Fear of failure paralyzes action. Confidence is learned by taking specific action. To think confidently, act confidently. Plan to win – prepare to win – expect to win.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Tim. 1:7