It’s true that many people keep an inspiration close to their hearts, but don’t take the steps necessary to follow through to a conclusion.

Why don’t people take those steps?

• Life gets in the way
• Other people say it can’t be done
• It’s too difficult to raise the capital
• Fear of failure
• Dislike of change
• The dream would take too many weeks, months or years to accomplish.
• People like me don’t do things like that
• I’m not smart enough
• The vision is too big, and therefore too frightening to think about
• The vision is too small, and therefore not worth it

Any of these things can be reasons for not following a passion.

But remember, every single one of the above reasons grows wobbly legs when looking at what others have achieved, even against seemingly impossible odds.

Getting help when needed

Some people have vision, but not a grasp on the practicalities of realising the vision– and become discouraged.

Some people are great at details and tasks, but have trouble gaining a view of the big picture.

If this is you, you can:

• ask yourself what you need to do to take things to the next step
• gain advice on taking things further
• partner with those people who have the abilities to propel your vision further
• do nothing, but repeat often “I’d really like to do that!”

All of these are valid choices, but of course the last one is unlikely to be satisfying in any way!

Cate Bolt and Project 18.

Many Australian business women who use Twitter will be familiar with Cate Bolt, a business owner and mother of a large family who is currently engaged in promoting and raising funds for a vision close to her heart. We published an article on Cate and her vision, project 18, in August.

This month, Cate was interviewed at Cherry Magazine. Cate continues to take matters on with both hands, forging new paths and inspiring a team of volunteers and professionals who can help bring Project 18 to fulfilment.

It’s this kind of passion that gets things done.

Sometime (probably often) passion comes to ‘push’.

It’s not easy to keep pushing yourself when things seem hopeless or when obstacles loom too large– or when you’re just plain exhausted!

That’s when surrounding yourself with like-minded people and supporters can help you through.

If you’re not following your heart, what are you following?

Image credit: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1014014