In the late 80s, my three friends and I participated in one of Anthony Robbins 5-day seminars on empowerment that included walking barefoot across burning coals. When we arrived that evening, the first sight we saw was fire trucks and medical teams (on call in case of any emergencies). You can imagine what was going through our minds!

For the next five hours (with about 500 people) we experienced numerous exercises in preparation for the fire walk. We focused our mental states to imagine the burning coals were “cool moss.” I admit that I felt some fear. Could I do it? Would I be safe? Would I get burned?

Of course no one HAD to do it. As I watched all of my friends successfully do their walk, I just had to go next. I wasn’t going to be the only one who bailed! We were mentally prepared to imagine (and believe) that, as we walked, the ground beneath our feet was cool moss. Big gulps. Ready, get set….now walk. “Cool moss, cool moss.” I took my first step and kept going until I reached the end. Guess what? No burns. It was an amazing experience.

I’ve looked back over that evening many times to remind myself those things that seem threatening or overwhelmingly difficult CAN BE OVERCOME with the right mindset, support, and resources.

What I’m emphasizing is that things that appear or seem too big to manage might be easier to overcome than you might think. Watch that illusion piece. You know - perception can be a tricky thing. You can see things as problems or opportunities.

Over the next five days, I heard Tony use the phrase, “If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” He’s been quoted for that phrase. When I heard him say those words, they really struck a chord in me. I have never forgotten them.

Here’s why that quote has become a 'powerfull' mantra for me. Whenever I feel passionate about something or when I feel driven to do something and some resistance or fear pops up, I remember that quote. It helps me bust through roadblocks.

When the need/desire to move becomes greater than the resistance to stay stuck we can move mountains. I call this “tipping the scale.” Many people will push through things that are uncomfortable when the pain of holding on to something becomes so unbearable that they are willing to do whatever it takes to make the pain go away. Pain is a pretty 'powerfull' motivator.

That weekend was a metaphor for me - overcoming the illusion of MOUNTAINS that are really mole hills. (That’s one of the reasons I use that tag line in my products!) Now, I pay attention to those times when I have a burning desire to take action in the face uncertainty or fear.

I just remember, “If you can’t, you must. If you must, you can.” While pain is a 'powerfull' motivator for change - passion and burning desire is much more pleasurable!

Cool moss……

Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives from a wide range of industries to have greater career success and personal happiness in their life. She is also the host of a weekly internet-based show called Powerfull Living Radio. Visit: www.powerfull-living.biz to learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products, and programs. Sign up for her monthly ezine, free fear ecourse, and blog. Contact her for speaking engagements and customized leadership programs for your company or organization - lorraine@powerfull-living.biz.