When to Break the Chain

You are in control

Photo by Kai Pilger on Unsplash

The ONE Thing

It is said that to be successful you must pick one thing and focus on it.

Keep The ONE Thing the priority. And Don't break the chain!

These are well known achievement phrases that are promoted by successful people.

For over two years, I have been writing about success and dream building. During this time I chose to put aside a couple of long term projects. It bothers me to see my other projects become so stagnant.

So what do I do? Keep publishing weekly or work on my other projects for a while? I can't do both (I've tried).

Here's what I did, and why.

What I Did

I asked myself, "What truly is my ONE thing?" This gave me clarity to make a decision.

Somehow this idea of "don't break the chain" popularized by many self-help success book writing celebrities got stuck in my head, and I believed it.

One of the great things about leading yourself is that you experiment with ideas and gain experience. Like any tool, we need to learn when, and when not, to use it.

"Don't break the chain" is a motivational strategy but it is not a law. It's a tool, to be used when you need it.

I "broke the chain" and stopped publishing my newsletter on a weekly basis.

With my new freedom I focused on my other projects and tried some new ideas.

Why

Here is why I chose to suspend publishing weekly after two years.

1. I experienced pain. Pain is a message, and messages should not be ignored. Some pain must be endured, some pain should not. It takes wisdom to know the difference. For over two years it didn't bother me to neglect my other projects. But then it became painful. It bothered me. This pain caused me to reevaluate where I focus my attention and verify my goals. That is always a good practice.

2. I accomplished my goal. Writing weekly has taught me about consistency, planning, creativity, and many other things. I learned I can do it. I did it. Goal accomplished.

3. I have done well at focusing on ONE thing. I have written over 100 articles, written three booklets, and have several more booklets I'm working on. I have invested 1700 hours in the study of success principles and following your dreams. I focused on ONE thing, the most important thing at the time.

4. I needed the freedom to test out some of my ideas on my other projects. I can't do this on the side. It's too draining. I need access to my best energy.

5. I stayed true to my purpose, which is "To pursue my potential to the best of my ability with faith and diligence." I would not be true to my purpose if I ignored my other talents.

My purpose and dream have not changed. What has changed is where I channel my best energy.

Finally

There are many voices that say "this is the way," but the best voice to listen to is your own. Listen to your intuition, your experience, your emotions.

Once you decide on a purpose and choose a dream to make real, it is much easier to trust your instincts and experience.

I am the master of my goals. My goals aren't the master of me. A master knows when to apply the rules and when the rules don't apply.

Lead yourself. Make your own decisions. Take action. Own the outcome. Learn. Refine.

To your success!

James Wilder

You don't have to read 100+ articles on James on Success. Just read the books.

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Follow your dreams.