The Invisible Obstacle
by Jeannette Maw

We've studied this deliberate creation stuff long enough to know what our obvious hang-ups are to getting what we want: limiting beliefs, lack of vision, focusing on what we don't want, etc.

But there's a more deceptive obstacle to our success that many of us don't see. It may sound obvious once I point it out (I also wrote about it recently), but the fact is lots of folks immerse themselves in this obstacle without realizing it holds them back from getting what they want.

I'm talking about action. Making things happen; figuring it out; taking action steps to accomplish our goal. Very often the thing we do to manifest our dreams is what keeps it from happening!

Story after story of this abounds in my own life as well as my clients'. I'm sure you've got a couple of your own examples, too.

Last week a top producer for a well known international development company told me his company president vehemently insisted that after a big event he conduct in depth follow up interviews with 75 people in the next 48 hours. I haven't done the math to know whether that's even possible, but I'm positive that task would do me in.

My client had the same reaction. The mere thought made him want to collapse in bed, but he is the top producer, after all, and doesn't want to put a kink in his success. Or fall out of good graces with higher ups.

So he's gearing up for phone calls he doesn't really want to or have time to make, because that's what it takes to be successful. Right?

Maybe not.

Here's what we know: we get what vibrate. That's how our world works. So if we dive into action that feels inspired and exciting and fun, we're likely a vibrational match to the fabulous end results we hope to achieve.

But if we dive into action that feels like work, struggle, effort, "supposed to" or "should do" - then we're not likely vibrating a happy ending. (Unless my happy ending involves more work, struggle and effort - which I guarantee mine doesn't.)

How many of us, though, when we see the task or goal ahead, jump right into action - figuring out what it'll take to make it happen?

When we get fired, is our first knee jerk reaction to manage the emotions and get to a feel good vibration? Or is it to feel a sense of panic as we tell folks about our unlucky situation and update our resume, network for leads, read the classifieds, etc?

When we experience a medical challenge, do we remember to relax and hold our desired end result in mind before we start researching treatments, making appointments, and purchasing medications?

Some do. And we'd each be well-served to count ourselves in that category! Because taking action without managing the energy is a fool's path. (Trust me, I know it well.)

Which is why I'm such a fan of goofing off. For me, goofing off is feel good energy. It's relaxed, light, peaceful and fun. Very opposite of the energy I often engage in to "make something happen." Action only serves when it feels good to engage in it, so anything that doesn't feel good actually hinders progress.

Not everyone feels good goofing off, but I suspect that's because of the limiting beliefs we may harbor about it. Without those beliefs, I think you'll find the vibe of relaxation and peace much aligned to your dream come true.

And if you've forgotten how to goof off, or maybe never even have - read Tips & Tricks below for a handy way to line up with what you've been wanting.

Tips & Tricks: Getting Over Action

The gift of goofing off won't serve you if you don't believe it will. So I wouldn't recommend goofing off until you understand the power it holds. Just remember that we get what we vibrate, so doing anything that feels good will serve us - especially if your beliefs are in alignment.

Having said that, I checked in with my favorite goof off experts for their tips on how to get started:

Tim (age 7) says the best way to goof off is put a silly hat on and talk to your dog.
Carol (age 9) recommends a big box of crayons and lots of scrap paper, best done while your little sister sleeps.
Darrel (age 6) goofs off best when he's not wearing clothes.
Janice (age 8) spins tales to her imaginary guests while serving imaginary tea.
Martha (45) prefers sparkly pens and ski vacations for her goof off time.
Renata (34) goofs off best at the beach with her chocolate labs and chocolate in her pocket.

Building snowmen, wearing fun sunglasses, fuzzy colored socks, taking vitamins from a Pez, listening to favorite music, stretching out in the sun, long dog walks (my favorite!), breakfast at the local cafe, reading at the bookstore, taking a hot bath with a sweetie, window shopping, calling friends out of the blue, skipping rocks at the lake, surfing online, feeding carrots to the neighbor's horse, making cookies for friends, good old fashioned daydreaming, and going to a matinee are some of the other suggestions I heard.

If you're being responsible, working, or productive, you are not properly goofing off. If you are not enjoying your goof off time, you are not properly goofing off, either. It might take some pratice, especially if you are a hard worker who habitually gets things done.

Whatever you do, don't keep at it, as that's the anti-definition of goofing off. Give up, relax and enjoy, and you'll soon be a goof off expert, too. :)

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