Knocking Down the School of Hard Knocks

"I always do things the hard way." I could not believe my ears when these words came out of my own mouth while I was talking to someone recently about a project I was working on. After I mentally said "Cancel that, cancel that," I realized that it was time to get down to the bottom of this belief that was certainly not how I want to live my life.

The first thing I noticed is that working "hard" is not only a way of acting; it is also a way of being. It is as if there is a club with card-carrying members who are inordinately proud of the fact that they work harder, work longer and work faster than everyone else. These hard-working members push and shove and overcome hardship in order to achieve the outcome that they want. But what if there is a shorter, easier way? Would they be willing to shed their do-or-die persona long enough to slow down and look for it?

Then there is the "price you have to pay." That hefty price very often includes long, tedious hours; missing out on family time; not going on vacations; and being unable to enjoy the things you would really rather be doing. But like Goldilocks deliberating over her porridge, how can you tell if the price is too high, too low or just right?

And what about the old "I've learned everything I know on my own—through the 'School of Hard Knocks.'" In other words, knowledge and expertise are acquired through heartbreaking failures, humiliating mistakes and hard decisions. Do you really need a master's degree from the University of Adversity to achieve the life of your dreams?

All of these questions are easily answered when you shed a little light on them; when you let them bask in the illumination of imagination, insight and intuition and then take inspired action. Let your imagination do the walking when you are facing a challenge. Spend some time in solitude and silence and visualize the outcome the way you would like it to be; and if you don't know what that is, imagine the best possible solution for all involved. Then be open to the insightful knowledge and intuitive knowings that will guide you to take just the right steps to what you want.

Why do we always assume that the price tag for what we long for is too high and out of reach? Just think, the cost could merely be a contemplative walk on the beach, where the solution to a challenge suddenly "pops" into your head. Or when you're taking a shower after spending a fun-filled day with the kids, and a new way to finance your business presents itself to you. Or as you are joyfully engaged in a hobby that you love and you get an idea for a fantastic new product using your current inventory of parts and materials. Insight is an inside job, but you don't always have to be meditating like a monk to get it.

And, yes, everyone makes mistakes and experiences failures from time to time, but it's how we see those events that make all the difference between giving up and dreaming on. It's in the contrasts that we can fine-tune our heart's desires. How can you know what you truly want if you haven't explored it in your mind—your imagination—from all angles? The trick is not to dwell on what you do not want, just acknowledge it, and keep your spirits up and your vibrations high and go on to benefit from the insight and intuition that will assist you in allowing your dreams to come true.

And don't forget, when it comes to hard knocks, school's out when you let the light—imagination, insight and intuition—in.