During the 1960s Civil Rights movement in the U.S., one man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood out as the visionary for freedoms granted to black Americans. His mission was so powerful that it created a movement and legacy that have lasted and permeated into universal rights for all humanity.

After reflecting on Dr. King’s life, these are five main takeaways that can be applied to become a successful mission-driven business and visionary:

1. Having a “Dream” and Vision: Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a dream” speech lays out his desire for a world where freedom “rings” and we are empathetic toward our neighbor. Creating change started with his dream–a vision–which translated to a mission so clear Dr. King would not stop until it was fulfilled.

2. Taking Action with Determination: The Civil Rights movement didn’t happen overnight and certainly did not prevail after Dr. King gave just a few speeches. It took many years of sweat, toil, pain and relentless action–a series of small steps forward toward his Mission, which led to something much greater over time.

3. Courage to face fears and take risks: Just the thought of Dr. King delivering his speeches and leading marches in some of the most discriminatory parts of the country causes chills. He was walking a very dangerous path; yet it is in facing our greatest fears that we find our inner strength to overcome them and find the right path to our Mission.

4. Finding a support system: Although Dr. King was an inspiring and powerful leader, he knew he couldn’t pull off his Mission alone. This unified dream, sense of community and strength in numbers propelled the movement forward and fueled Dr. King’s efforts even when he was down.

5. Persistence to pursue one’s Mission despite obstacles: Certainly Dr. King faced self-doubt and insecurity throughout the pursuit of civil rights. He and his supporters faced much worse: criticism, death threats, persecution, imprisonment, assault and ultimately death. But his faith and persistence to fulfill his Mission was so strong that he was willing to die attaining it. The unified Mission was so powerful that it continued to inspire and motivate change and progress even after death. Are you willing to die for your Mission?

Hopefully we can remember these same lessons whenever we feel ourselves challenged and facing our own struggles, or want to quit before living our Mission. When our dream is so strong, there is no way we can turn back.

*What’s your mission? Do you need help turning your mission into a message shared with the world? Email us to set up a complimentary brand strategy call to discuss your mission and brand at alexandra@missionbasedbranding.com.

Are you willing to take risks to move forward?

[Note: Before I forget, my next 4-Week Accelerated Coaching Program starts in a few weeks...are you ready for BIG transformation results in your career? Achieve your dream biz goal in just weeks, space is limited so check it out now! Here's to your success! ~Alex]

"Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can be explored only by those willing to take risks."
~Mark Rothko

I must have taken my own article a couple of weeks ago on passing the Terror Barrier to heart, because last night I had a dream where I had to pass such a challenge. 

From what little I remember in my dream, I was rock climbing on some cliff and suddenly got paralyzed in fear to move forward. I was in a secure position but was afraid that if I advanced I might fall. But what would happen if I didn't move? I'd stay on the same rock forever; or if I moved backward I may end up slipping and falling. In the dream I acknowledged that I had reached my terror barrier and just needed to keep going. So that's what I did.

What we often don't realize is Fear continues to appear in our lives as long as we are growing and taking risks. As we explore new opportunities “into an unknown world,” we will always be faced with new challenges or obstacles. Placing ourselves in positions outside our comfort zone can create fear; but these can also create wonderful opportunities for growth.

Take a look at your own life. If you are going through life without fear, it means you’re not sufficiently driving yourself. Ask yourself, is your life full of adventure? Are you challenging yourself constantly? Are you willing to take risks or is your life too safe?

In my case, I used to fear public speaking to the point that my whole body would sweat and I’d lose concentration during any presentation. I also greatly feared flying in planes, even though I've traveled all over the world. But I did it anyway! Every once in a while the fear continues to creep up, but I know it's just me hitting my terror barrier. The challenge is to keep going even though I am afraid.

Someone once told me that your biggest fears might just be what you are meant to overcome in life. In many cases, living with this fear blocks you from finding your purpose. Overcoming this fear and taking action may unlock greatness and potential you never thought possible!
 

When I look at my own life, I know this is true! My fears of public speaking and flying had unknowingly been restraining me from carrying out part of my Masterpiece Purpose and succeeding! These experiences have each brought me wonderfully, enriching experiences. I now know never to allow the terror barrier to get in the way of my purpose and goals.

So, take a look at yourself. What action or "risk" do you have to take to move toward your goals? If you're coming up with excuses, procrastinating or even getting sick, then you know you're hitting your terror barrier. Remember it's just an imaginary wall, and with courage you can push passed it!

This article is derived from Ch. 7 on Overcoming Fears and Taking Risks from the success program Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM). This e-book program presents 12 strategies for success and is designed to motivate you to increase your productivity, reach your goals and ultimately fulfill your purpose and lead a Masterpiece life!

For more FREE tips and strategies and to get instant access to the "12 Secrets to Success Strategies"
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Moving Beyond the Terror Barrier to our Dreams

[Note: Before I forget, my next 4-Week Accelerated Coaching Program starts in a few weeks...are you ready for BIG transformation results in your career? Achieve your dream biz goal in just weeks, space is limited so check it out now! Here's to your success! ~Alex] 

I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do.

~Georgia O’Keefe

Reflect on this quote for a moment. What a powerful message from a female artist who succeeded in a man’s world!

Fear is always in our path. Fear is a feeling or emotion one gets from the presence or imminence of any danger, according to TheFreeDictionary.com. The danger may be a real threat or perceived threat; in our lives, many times it stems from a challenge we are facing.

All people, no matter how confident they are, confront fear in one form or another. We mistakenly believe that successful people have no fears. In actuality, they do have fears but are courageous enough to move past them.

Throughout your life, you will continuously experience fear. I recently listened to an audio recording by Bob Proctor (bobproctor.com) where he talked about how we constantly hit the “terror barrier” at certain points when we want to grow or advance in our lives. The “terror barrier” is both when you are excited and terrified at the same time.

Moving past the “terror barrier” can give you amazing success beyond what you ever imagined. But many times when we hit the “terror barrier”, instead of pushing forward, we sulk back into our comfort zone accepting the same results we’ve been getting all along. To become your best, highest self, your challenge is to move beyond the fear and the “terror barrier” and reach for your dreams anyway.  

In my case, one of the biggest risks I have taken was leaving my corporate job to start my own business. There was no certainty that I was going to succeed. I was terrified! I finally decided that fulfilling my Masterpiece Purpose was more important than any risk I was taking. In fact, my fears turned into a “Must Win Big” mentality. 

Instead of worrying about the risks, I concentrated on success and continued to take small steps forward. Since then I’ve done phenomenal things I never imagined possible, including writing a book, Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM).

Look at your life and examine in what areas you have been hitting the “terror barrier.” Are you stepping up to the challenge or playing it safe? Imagine the possibilities if you looked your challenge in the eye and just went for it?

This article is derived from Ch. 7 on Overcoming Fears and Taking Risks from the success program Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM). This e-book program presents 12 strategies for success and is designed to motivate you to increase your productivity, reach your goals and ultimately fulfill your purpose and lead a Masterpiece life!

For more FREE tips and strategies and to get instant access to the "12 Secrets to Success Strategies"
video with more great insight from Sculpt Your Life From Sketch to Masterpiece(TM), sign up now:

Enter Your Name:
Enter your Email: