The Secret to a Win-Win Life
As a child, I was close to my Norwegian great grand-father, whom I called “Papa,” not knowing he had any other name. I would ask for his advice on how to handle problems, and after his comments, he’d often say, “Remember Jill, victory or Valhalla!” I interpreted this to mean “victory or death,” since Valhalla is Viking heaven.
Being so young and unable to appreciate the subtleties of language, I missed the deeper meaning of this phrase. According to Norse mythology, Valhalla is a paradise reserved for soldiers who die in battle with their swords in their hands. My great-grandfather was actually telling me to either succeed or go out in a blaze of glory, with both outcomes being honorable. His philosophy was that I should do my best, but even if I failed, my reward would still be great. Of course, he never mentioned the third option, the one I came up with myself and admittedly chose quite often: give up on the problem, go sit on the couch with a bag of chips, and sulk.
If you have a goal in life—something you care about and want to pursue—there is exactly ZERO glory in thinking about it but never even trying to attain it because it’s too difficult, you don’t know how, or you’re scared of uncertainty. I think about this in terms of leaving a well-paying job/career you’re doing but don’t like or are bored with, to venture into something different and new. You might succeed or you might fail spectacularly, but it’s a win either way because you are certain to gain experience and knowledge, and possibly money and greater life satisfaction.
I’m not saying, “Go quit your job and join the circus.” But at the very least, you can make a commitment to edging toward that thing you’ve always wanted to try. In fact, start now…today, when you finish reading this blog. Take at least one small step toward your goal, and another tomorrow, and another the day after that. By the end of the month, you will be stunned by how much closer you are to your objective and how much happier you feel about yourself and your life.
Do it now! In 30 days, let me know how it went. Remember Victory or Valhalla!!
Jill K Thomas CHT
Soul Connect Hypnotherapy
760-803-2841
www.Soulconnecthypnotherapy.com
Author of the books “Tales from the Trance” & “Feed your Real Hunger”