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The fear of failure can freeze us in our current place in life. Doubt can rob us of the future we ache to achieve. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking the risk required to succeed can be very daunting. Here are 4 tips that can help.

1. Clarify the best possible outcome and resolve to achieve it. What is the best that can happen? Creating a clear image of success in your mind will greatly increase your ability What does it look like and feel like? What would a typical day in that future state be? How must you change to make it real?

2. Take the path that is aligned with your purpose and passion. It should not feel like work. Align your actions in areas of strengths that provide you energy. Excitement about the future should fuel you, not drain you. This requires a clear understanding of your purpose, and your reasons for wanting a different future.

3. Enjoy the intermediate failures that help you adjust your path. Don’t let the small failures create a roadblock. Enjoy the fact that you found something that didn’t work. Challenge yourself to find an adjustment that keeps you in your energized zone.

4. Find others to support you on your journey. Nothing great is ever done alone. You will need support. Do your supporters have a clear understanding of your goals? Keep them informed. Ask for help when you need it. Teach them, train them, draw from their energy also.

I hope you are ready to get out of your comfort zone. Success lies outside of it. We must be able to step forward. If you are struggling to get started, I can offer you a chance to jump start your future with a coach. A complimentary coaching session will let you experience the power of the process.

We are preparing to celebrate Independence Day in the United States this week. Each year, I find myself reflecting on how the United States was created, and the overwhelming challenges that faced the colonies and the colonists. Ultimately, they created the structure of our government, and defeated the British for independence, two colossal accomplishments!

As I reflect on the transformation, I am impacted by two thoughts.

First, the collective desire for change greatly outweighed the challenges faced. Whenever we face an obstacle, our desire to get past it must be greater than the difficulty itself.

In 1775, there were about 2.5 million people in America. They lived from Maine to Georgia. Uniting these people, agreeing on the need for revolution, and designing a new government required the grand vision that our early leaders provided. John Adams went to great lengths to tell younger Americans that his generation was no better than theirs. But no one can argue that the early American leaders had courage, intellect, foresight, and persistence. Traits we would be happy to possess ourselves.

Second, the transition of power early in our government was an example that has lasted throughout the history of the United States. This is in sharp contrast to countries ruled by dictators and kings throughout history. John Maxwell highlights the shift of power at the end of George Washington’s presidency in his article, A Historic Transition.

This fourth of July, I encourage you to reflect on all the people that have gone before you and made your life better. There are many to respect and honor.

For 50 years, John Maxwell has read, filed, thought, and wrote about leadership. He has become the number one expert on leadership because he has followed that discipline every single day. What have you studied during your life? Are you a lifelong learner of something?

One definition of study is “the pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research”. And according to Wikipedia, lifelong learning is the “ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated” pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.

Life long learners can be divided into two categories. One group focus their studies on a particular subject or a few subjects over a long period of time. The other group consists of people who like to learn new and different things. Their attention is drawn in many disparate directions.

Lifelong learners in the first group have three traits:

1. Passion. They have a passion for their chosen subject. Their area of expertise continues to intrigue and challenge them.

2. Intentionality. No one grows by accident. Lifelong learners intentionally seek opportunities to continue their learning.

3. Daily Discipline. Lifelong learners are prepared and disciplined to study every day, even if it is as short as 10 minutes.

Lifelong learners typically continue learning not just for themselves, but also for others. They tend to share their knowledge and expertise. They sense a link between their subject and society.

What category are you in? What are you studying today?

Additional resources:

15 Steps to Cultivate Lifelong Learning, by Scott H. Young.

Learn, A Minute with Maxwell.

As a person, we share with family, friends, and others because we care. Sharing builds friendship, trust, and respect. But within the business world, we are more reluctant to share. That is why Elon Musk’s announcement that allows other automakers to use Tesla’s patents for free has been a shock to many.

Here are three reasons why businesses should consider sharing more:

1. Free to Premium – This business model works. You see it at the end of the aisle in a grocery store. A sales person hands out a tasty sample, right next to the shelf full of the product. You see it everywhere online. Businesses have a free level of their service that entices people to try it. Then when they are comfortable and understand their need for the service, they are willing to upgrade to the premium level. What are you offering for free to expand your influence?

2. Abundance Not Scarcity – All businesses would like more customers. We develop strategies to reach people that are not aware of our product or service. Rarely do we consider working with our competitors. However, collaboration and increased awareness can expand a market. Working with your competitors will improve your business, and possibly improve your entire industry. You will generate increased awareness within the market place from the combined efforts of you and your competitors. As the entire market grows, it becomes a win-win for everyone involved. Do you talk with others that have the same mission as yourself?

3. Bigger Thinking – Sharing what you have, frees you to think about what is next. Elon Musk shared Tesla’s patents because he knows Tesla needs to continue to innovate and create. If you only protect what you have, then imagining a different future becomes difficult. Thinking big unleashes your potential. Sharing what you have creates a huge incentive to think big, and develop faster than your competitors. What can you give away that will release you to create your next thing?

Sharing as a person builds character. Sharing as a company can accomplish the same. Is there someone you know that can benefit from this article? Share it with them.