The topic of process

“A person starts to live when he can live outside himself.”- Albert Einstein

Late last year I was in the local corner shop and a complete stranger struck up a conversation with me by accurately guessing my nationality (as well as my city of origin – which was pretty impressive), after chattering about the last rugby season, he came out with; “I’d really like to go to South Africa someday but you know....” and he trailed off awkwardly, leaving me an open field for opinion.

People who know me know that I never hold back when I have something to say and so the next thing that tumbled out of my mouth and into this stranger’s ear went as follows; “You have probably wanted to go to South Africa for a while now and even on minimum wage you can safely put aside a little every month and by now you could have been living the dream rather than standing here telling me about it.” Talk about a roundhouse kick up the ass, he appreciated it though and praised me for my honesty. This memory brings me directly into the arms of the topic of this post which is; the difference between thinking, planning, talking and doing.

This is by no means limited to only travelling, it is in fact related to every single decision we make whether monumental or not. Something else that I think should be known before I go on is that NOTHING just falls into your lap, if you want something you have to make sacrifices in order to secure it. Whether that is quitting smoking so that you can afford a new hobby or slowing down your social life so that you can save for an airline ticket. If you want something intensely enough and you’re not just all talk, you will make it happen regardless of circumstances.

Thinking; “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs

Dreaming about ideas that cross your mind is wonderful. It gives you an opportunity to toy with several options without commitment. However, thinking is only the petrol station.

Planning; “But the delights of solitude don't only consist of dreaming. Next in enjoyment, I think, comes planning.” - Anna Neagle

The glorious process of getting actively involved, doing research, becoming besties with google and imagining what it would be like. However, planning is only the fuel pumps.

Talking; “Talking isn't doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds.” – William Shakespeare

Ah! This is my favourite when making a change. You get so awakened with vigorous zest you tell everyone your plans. Sharing them and getting congratulated on the size of your balls. However, talking is only the petrol in your tank.

Doing; “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

The real challenge comes when after talking your balls to melon size, you have to actually keep them from deflating and go forth in your adventures (whatever they may be, I’m serious, moving house might be one person’s adventure whilst trekking across Africa might be another person’s adventure – they all require balls). This step is the ignition and we all know you won’t move a centimetre without the keys.

In all honesty no one cares about what you choose to do with your life, if they care for you they care for your financial security and your happiness. If you choose to do sky diving as an adventure, they will be excited for you and will want to see photographs and hear stories but when it comes down to it, it won’t change their life and they’ll probably only casually reference it if someone else expresses an interest...”oh sky diving! A few of my friends did that...said it was amazing!”...and that will more than likely be it.

Don’t talk yourself up if you know when push comes to shove you won’t go through with it, the only person you will disappoint is yourself. There is nothing worse than being disappointed in yourself. Nobody can lift you from that hole and the amount of strength you will need is phenomenal. Do what you can to follow your dreams but don’t follow stars you can’t see.

Having dreams opens the universe to us. It gives us breath and stimulates our ambitions, desires and abilities. Absolutely anything is possible. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, the flood of pride when you get there is so mind-blowing it cannot be sufficiently described in mere words. In the world we live in and the challenges we have, believing in yourself isn’t always easy, but without believing in yourself, you will never have the power to push your boundaries and have adventures that will make you grow into a better person. Do it, and if you’re scared, well...just man the fuck up mate.