crossing the threshold to success

Apr 4

bali surf and exposed reef by desiree east

Threshold - noun

a strip of wood, metal, or stone forming the bottom of a doorway and crossed in entering a house or room.
a point of entry or beginning.
the beginning of an airport runway on which an aircraft is attempting to land.
the magnitude or intensity that must be exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon, result, or condition to occur or be manifested.
he maximum level of radiation or a concentration of a substance considered to be acceptable or safe.
a limit below which a stimulus causes no reaction.

I immediately thought of this photo of How I Brought in the Balinese New Year in 2012.

As surfers, we have this hungry anticipation for playing in the ocean's waves like you wouldn't believe. Our hearts' start to pump, and our eyes start to dilate, as we scan the horizon for energetic lumps of salty goodness forming into the perfect platform for gliding to freedom.

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD IN LIFE AND BUSINESS

And at this point in my life, it very much reminds me of the anticipation of building my dream business. One of my online colleagues and surfer friend, Srini Rao of The Unmistakable Creative Podcast (formerly BlogcastFM), happens to use surfing as a metaphor for life and business quite often, which I love. In fact, one of his biggest dreams of hosting a live, yet most intimate event is happening, as I type these words. Check it out: The Instigator Experience. Go Srini!

If you've been following me for the last couple of years you already know that I am also at the threshold of bringing my dreams to light as a creative entrepreneur. And it really does feel like I'm about to paddle out into some of the biggest waves I've ever paddled out into. The courage and confidence that I've gained in the last few years, especially in putting myself out there --- no holds barred --- has been incredibly thrilling, scary, exciting, humbling, liberating and freeing.

All while trying to be as focused and grounded as possible.

Very much like paddling out into the ocean, I feel like I'm on the verge of having the best surf session in my life, with many more waves to come, in all different sizes, shapes, and forms. And I definitely feel like there is more to come on the horizon.

HERE'S THE THING: Experiences like this just don't fall into our laps. It takes knowing and identifying what you really desire in life. And, just like learning how to surf and getting used to an environment you may not be used to, it takes knowledge and practice. AND, more importantly, to cross that threshold, you must surround yourself with support, so that you're not doing it alone.

3 SIMPLE TIPS TO CROSS THE THRESHOLD:

1. IDENTIFY YOUR TRUE DESIRES.

Is what you are about to do truly in alignment with your higher calling/purpose/soul's work? If yes, then fantastic, you'll be happier knowing you're on the right path. If not, change course.

2. BECOME AN EXPERT.

To cross the threshold, educate yourself and take action by practicing the thing that you want to become. The more knowledge you have, the more comfortable you'll be.

3. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LIKE-MINDED SOULS.

Once you cross the threshold, connect with other people who have the same values and who are doing the same things that you doing, for support, accountability, and sharing challenges and celebrating successes. Having a sense of love, safety and belonging (our three basic human needs) makes a world of a difference.

WHEN YOU HAVE ALL OF THESE PIECES IN PLACE, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE, AND YOU WILL BE READY TO RIDE THE MOST EXHILARATING WAVE OF YOUR LIFE. READY TO JUMP IN?

WHAT DO YOU THINK IT TAKES TO CROSS OVER THE THRESHOLD, WHEN IT COMES TO CERTAIN AREAS OF YOUR LIFE? PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.