I remember when I was working full-time in my corporate job and had been launching my business on the side during the nights & weekends. When I decided that the time was right to make the leap, you better believe that major resistance came up and all the excuses and rationalizations for why I shouldn’t pursue my dreams came to the surface.

One day in particular comes to mind as I remember sitting in my car at a stoplight and saying to myself: “What if you quit and this isn’t a success?, What if you really aren’t any good at what you do and people are going to find out? What if you aren’t cut out for this entrepreneurship thing and you fail?, What if…” You get the point. Then, I remember, all of a sudden a gentle, quiet and very wise voice said: “Brenda, what if it does work out?”

I remember feeling jolted at that moment and thinking to myself: “Where did that voice come from?” At the time I knew I had a very wise part of me that lands in my gut – that tells me very succinct and wise answers that truly had my best interests at heart. Today I refer to her as my Wise Self with a capital “S” and know that’s where my Truth is – and she’s available anytime I need answers, insight or simply peace of mind.

I’d like to say the rest is history and listening to my Wise Self was the only confirmation I needed. It should have been but it wasn’t and that’s okay because I purposely looked for signs from the Universe to validate my decision and I got them. There were so many including:

*a horoscope that said: Consider changing your career to a life coach (no kidding!)
*an affirmation card that said: Courage: Take the leap. Your courage will see you through.
*Seeing a license plate the day before I was to give notice with the name "Cheryl" on it after I had been coached by Cheryl Richardson who had encouraged me to follow my dreams

These were mini-miracles to me that confirmed no matter what, I’m supported. Now of course there were very practical things I considered when making the leap to entrepreneurship – ensuing I had money in the bank, clients and a plan for transition. With all that in place I believe the Universe said Okay Girl, you’re ready – go for it!

The point of all this is the two word “What If” are very powerful. They can build you up with tremendous hope and vision – or they can tear you down and keep you stifled and stuck. Wherever you are on the path – in whatever area you may feel stuck - try using these two words to help you see things from a different perspective. And I recommend using “what if” from all perspectives – positive and negative so you can really see all the possibility and then all the fear and even reality of what you are dealing with.