Do you know that we all have cancer? At least the potential for cancer happening right now in your body! (Not trying being an alarmist, but read more here – Cancer, mutations and the facts of life) Heck, that fact alone might start you down the path to resignation… but let me take a moment to have you consider that Resignation is also something that we all have and that it is not just “one thing”… it is a long spectrum of “things” that can most easily be divided into four areas.
The first three are easy to understand:
Stage 1) Complacency – I’ll get to it tomorrow! It’s not “that” important… is it? – Perhaps at this stage, if someone were to ask you if you were resigned, you would be offended and question their sanity. You are just taking a break! Don’t we deserve a break sometimes?!?
Stage 2) Resignation – It clear… It (whatever that “It” is for you) is probably never going to happen. When others try and encourage you… you just shake your head and try and explain why they are wrong. There’s not turning back. You are Resigned.
Stage 3) Cynical – Perhaps you thought this was just a form of being “mean.” Instead, perhaps it’s just a mechanism to defend yourself from the level of resignation you feel. When someone approaches you and suggests is could be “another way,” you laugh at them… you make fun of them for being so ridiculous… Dreamers!
Look at these three images. Can you match them to the stages above?
But wait, you might say. Aren’t their four images here?!? (Give your answer and explanation in the “Comments” box).
Yep… which one describes the ultimate level of Resignation? When people who approach you with an idea of how something could be done… how you might try something different and you’re just confounded. It doesn’t make sense… And not because it wouldn’t work, but why would you need to change what’s happening?!? Your just confused that they’re even suggesting something and most often they walk away shaking their head.
Do you know what I call this DEEP, DARK stage of Resignation… When “that’s just the way it is” and how could it ever be any different?!?
Stage 4) Normal.
Things have been this way for so long, it’s just assumed that is the way it will always be. If you’ve ever said “It is what it is,” you might have just declared “normal” to the world.
When I first encountered this idea, I realize all the areas of my life that had slipped into the realm. I stopped. Assessed. Said “No More!” (and then… like almost every human… I forgot).
Today is that day. Take some time to really look at your life. Is is the Dream you want? Then maybe you’ve let some “normalcy” slip into your life. (If you can’t see any, as a friend…a good one… they’ll help you out)
Go be AWESOME! (This is Josh Feuerstein)
I have been many times in all 4 of the stages of the resignation you talk about in your excellent blog. Knowing I have the choice of saying “No” to accepting “that’s the way it is” and give up and that I can say “Yes” to the possibility of my dreams, is so empowering. It takes being in action Now (“Carpe Diem/Seize the Day “and having the faith that I can do it with God directing my path. I loved your friend’s You Tube video on “AWESOME”. You are Awesome and so am I.