A good friend recently lent me an audio file of It’s Not About the Money by Bob Proctor*. Driving to and from my speaking engagement in Natick, MA last week afforded me quality and quantity listening time. I heard the entire book on that expedition–about 5-6 hours worth of unapologetic discourse on business and personal success. I am altered by the process of having listened to his empowering words.

What’s top of the list for memorability this time through was the substance behind a thought I’ve heard often before: Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy? In this context, he was referring to keeping your vision front and center and letting go of the nit-picky details that often bog us down–me in particular.

Recently, for instance, I had written down a time to dial into a conference call for a program I’m beginning. I had checked the details several times and did so once again before dialing in for the actual session. Not only was there no one on the line, but there was also an annoying recording that said, “There is no call scheduled for this time. Please call back at another time.” BUT I HAD PROOF!

I called someone else on the roster for verification. She, too, had had the same experience. I was getting pretty puffed up at this point in my righteousness. I called the instructor who said the call was scheduled for 30 minutes later. BUT I HAD PROOF!

So, what did I really want from this? Certainly not to make anyone wrong. Definitely not to get off on the wrong foot with this group I’ve been so looking forward to working with. It was another lesson in my getting over the need to be right and moving towards what I do want. In this case, to be a part of a community I admire and to become more effective in creating exactly how that community operates.

Since hearing Bob Proctor’s message, I’ve been aware of how often I see righteousness separating me and my clients from what we really want to achieve in our lives. I’m great at spotting it since I’ve been an A+ righteousness champion for most of my life. My intention moving forward is to keep my vision front and center and not be distracted by the daily indignities that every business owner faces on the way to her dreams.

Yes, I’d love red carpet treatment 24/7, but if its absence is  going to interfere with my getting what I really want, I’ll let go of it for the bigger prize.

*Many of you may recognize his name for his contributions to The Secret.

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