Q: I have always wanted to own my own business and I have experience in the business that I want to start. But I have seen so many others fail including those who seem to have a business background. Please don't tell me that I am my own worst enemy, I've heard that enough from my wife. How can I get past being doubtful about the possibilities of success? Thanks, A.J.

We wouldn't be human if we didn't have doubts. Having doubts about some things keeps us on our toes. It's the very thing that makes us double check to be certain that the doors are locked and the fire on the stove is out before we crawl into bed at night. So, doubt can keep harm at bay.

On the other hand, there is the doubt that can defeat us and stir feelings of apprehension about our abilities and attack our self-confidence. This kind of doubt can be handled by having a strong sense of purpose. We have to use our will to defeat it. Perseverance, determination, and faith in self are fueled by our sense of purpose; our purpose is the reason why we do what we do.

What is your purpose? Why did you get out of bed this morning? Was it, because you have a job that's expecting you? Was it because you had to help get the kids off to school? Maybe you were forced out of bed by a full bladder, or dog badly in need of its morning walk.

Any of the above reasons is certainly a motivating factor in getting out of bed, but what was the greater reason that caused you to rise and start another day? What do you feel an unending commitment to and a great passion for? Your ultimate purpose is that special something that is born of your determination and commitment. Figuring out, knowing, and living by your ultimate purpose will help you to overcome doubt and meet your goals in life.

Your purpose is your catalyst -that substance that increases the rate at which a chemical reaction takes place. Let's look at the chemical makeup of water, H2O. If we were to combine two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, one would think that the result would be water. Not so! Something has to be added to the mix in order to produce that result. In the case of H2O, the catalyst is some form of energy, that is, a spark of fire, compression of hot air, or a charge of electricity is necessary in order for the hydrogen and oxygen to produce water.

You say that you have the skills related to your business venture and you seem to have the desire - now you should add the catalyst; the fire that will make it all flow for you. And that fire is found in your purpose. Your ultimate purpose can be anything from wanting to retire rich to wanting to do something great for humankind.

To help you to identify your purpose ask yourself, what in life is worth busting my tail for? What in this life is worth making a commitment from my heart to be responsible for? Once you identify your purpose, take the next step. Embrace it and make it your life's work. Whatever it is it must be strong enough to be a motivator and a destroyer of all self-doubt.

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