Too often we wait and wait and wait for permission — to speak, to act, to grow. When we adopt the perspective of “As if,” we act as if we have already realized where we are headed. Instead of sitting around waiting for success to come, we use our imagination to become the authors of our destiny. We can cut through the static to envision what we want, determining a path of how to get there.

It is easy to get caught up in trivialities that sap energy. “As if” compels us to stay laser-focused on what we want and where we are headed. The literature — and mother — tells us that we get what we think about (feel free to roll your eyes!). But whether we want to admit it or not, there’s a bigger energy force on our side. Living out the practice of “As if” means tapping into the positive energy of gratitude and moving away from situations and people that are negative.

You may encounter times when you are compelled to stay in place even if it may not be the best fit for you. If you can hold you steady in a development space, even in such a circumstance, you can assure that you can continue to grow even when frustrated. And you don’t need anyone to give you permission to become amazing.

Are you living out what you envision yourself to be?