Do not try and bend the spoon. That’s impossible. Instead… only try to realize the truth. There is no spoon. Then you’ll see, that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself. – From the movie, The Matrix

The process of giving life to an idea, of finding freedom and forging new paths, is so incredibly fragile that the slightest shift causes that potentiality to retreat into the shadows. The precious thoughts that spark a beginning are so easily dismissed and compromised one often wonders how new ideas find a foothold. It requires patience, determination, and a willingness to walk into the unknown. And most of all, it requires faith and commitment.

If you have dipped your toe in the water only to be met with resistance or indifference, do not retreat too soon. Do not turn back, resist, or merely try and bend the spoon. It will only serve to frustrate you more. Remind yourself just how fragile new beginnings are, be open to the experience, look within and evolve based on the challenges you must face.

At its most basic level, I see two core components that are essential for anyone looking to do something that honors their core truth – an initial step forward and a commitment to the path once you’ve taken the first steps.

First and foremost, give your ideas and desires space to exist. Create a shift in energy by allowing them to be. Many people mistake this step as THE step. They courageously take that first small step forward and watch to see what happens. Perhaps the most critical step of all is your commitment to the journey. This does not mean you are unwavering in your ideas and beliefs. It means you commit to moving forward while being open to change.

Here are just a few examples of what these two steps look like:

• Sending out an ad or putting your shingle on an office door announcing you are open for business is a first step.
• Building relationships, finding ways to add unexpected value to your market, and creating long lasting growth is an example of commitment and pushing through early challenges.

• Launching a new workshop is an example of taking a first step.
• Learning from the launch experience (successes & failures) to create an even better experience in the future is an example of committing to the journey.

• Starting a Blog and writing your first blog post is an example of taking a first step.
• Committing to writing posts on your blog each week for three years is an example of staying on the path.

Where are you at with your own process?