First Step Wisdom From A Very Special Episode Of The Shaun Proulx Show:
“Everything happens when you decide (to take a first step).
And once you decide the universe arranges itself in alignment with that decision.”
– Oprah Winfrey
“There is a psychological shift that occurs when your brain knows you mean it.”
– Tony Robbins
“You have to take that first step when there’s no good reason.”
– Bryant McGill
On a special episode of The Shaun Proulx Show I finally said two words to my guest Oprah Winfrey I have wanted to say for over a decade: thank you.
Years back she inspired me to take a first step towards the life of my dreams when I heard on Oprah: “When you take a step towards the Universe, the Universe takes nine towards you”.
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Those words rang through me as truth, they gave me the courage to leave a career that was lucrative but not purposeful – and here I am. I live a life of abundance and prosperity and joy – and teach others how to do the same for themselves.
It doesn’t get better than that.
My (small, simple) first step after hearing those words on Oprah was to audaciously and boldly dream (on paper) about what I could do – including drawing a stick figure of myself holding a microphone that said The Shaun Proulx Show on it. Having made that reality, I ask this of you:
What first step will You take towards making Your fondest dream come true?
Take my #FirstStepChallenge. In the comments section below, share your story and the first step you are taking towards creating the life of your dreams. Put it in writing, share it with the world, state it, own it, let your first step inspire others.
And, by doing so, you’ll automatically entered in a draw for a copy of Tony Robbins‘ new book, Money: Master The Game. Plus you’ll also automatically qualify to join my team and I when our next Shaun Proulx Paradise Plane takes off.
For a bonus double-entry, share the #FirstStepChallenge on Twitter by clicking the bird below:
Good luck to you – and here’s to the power of a first step!
I have always wanted to learn how to surf. There is something so liberating and challenging about conquering the ocean so about a month ago I signed up for surf lessons and my goal is to be surfing in Hawaii in a year’s time.
Andria this one’s so amazing. I have always wanted to get to Hawaii – not sure about surfing – but… Hawaii! Thanks for starting off the #FirstStepChallenge and good luck!
When I moved close to the lake I wanted to start running for peace of mind & exercise. 2 weekends ago I took my first step and went for my first run. #SimpleSteps #FirstStepChallenge
Hi Trevor, I’m behind on my running myself and YOU just inspired me to take those New Balance Zante Fresh Foams that have been waiting patiently for me by the front door and get outside now that the weather is decent. Thank you and good luck!
I am an actor. Over the years I have taken many steps towards being successful in these dreams, many of them have come into fruition however, my dreams continue to grow and change. I dream of being front and center not only in film and television but on Broadway and West End stages. This summer my fiance and i are going to travel to London, UK on vacation – we are going to airbnb a place and spend a week pretending like we live there with hopes to move there for one year (to start) in the near future. I feel drawn to the theatre world the UK has to offer over that of Toronto’s smaller industry and i feel like big things will happen there. First step – a week in London. #SimpleSteps #FirstStepChallenge
I triple love this one. London is my favourite city and I always admire anyone who dares to be an actor. First step: a week in London? Not a bad one at all. Good luck on all counts John!
Happy New Day Shaun. A first step for me occurred was when I was putting the finishing touches my latest book and I wanted to add a cover quote from somebody whom I truly admire. The book is an important way for me to add positivity to this journey, so I decided to approach the person who most embodies what I am trying to convey.
With some synchronicity, and a dose of gratitude, faith and intention, I was able to add the Dalai Lama’s words of endorsement to the front cover. It all started with that first step – the decision to go for it.
Happy Day Karl. As someone in a similar line of work to you I understand how might have felt intimidating or bigger than to ask the Dalai Lama for an endorsement – but have come to know that it is typically the most successful, enlightened, wise people who are most willing to help anyone who asks. Congratulations on your book!
Shaun, thank you for the response and for the positive outlook you bring to this journey. Namaste.
I am a writer. After losing both of my parents within 3 weeks of each other, my voice quieted. I continued to write internally…but fell into grief molasses finding it hard to move, hard to write, hard to breathe. So, as I begin moving and reaching up and finding my spirit…I am taking this first step…not the “first” first…but another first for myself…into a newness, into a new space and into my space. First step is enjoying this show and letting the hour of conversation soak into my spirit. Then…opening up and writing about it…
My late father was a gifted writer who passed when I was 17. It is my strongest knowing – though it took me until just 18 months ago to get it – that he has been flowing through me as pure positive energy every time I write, speak, anything to do with communication. I guarantee your parents want you to embrace your voice and I guarantee when you allow it you will discover it is infused with all the love they feel for you – and that it will be your most powerful voice ever.
I have taken first steps all of my life. It has lead me to live a wonderful life. I have met so many amazing people. I have been blessed. Six months ago I lost my Mom. That rocked my world. I forgot to take the first step. I needed to take another first step as a woman without her Mom in this world. Listening to you and Bryant, Oprah & Tony today I realized that today I needed to take another first step. Today I will smile at everyone I meet. I will hope that I can honour my Mom by making others happy. Bryant McGill’s story was so inspiring. Oprah has always taught us to live authentically. Today I am reminded that I do not need to ask others what I should be doing right now. I got it. Thanks Shaun. xoxo Liz
That left me with a lump in my throat. What a way to honour your mother. Thank you for sharing this Liz!
Create my corporate exit strategy so I can follow my passion for entrepreneurship & philanthropy. This conversation was incredible.
I’m so glad you found it of value! Good luck and thanks for taking the #FirstStepChallenge!
I am a photographer and currently working on my 2nd photography book in my first documentary titled, I Am More Than My Hair Baldl and Beautiful Me. I was a bit hesitant to produce the documentary because I have never worked on a film before. Despite mhesitation I decided to shake off the doubt and move forward. I want to eventually enter I Am More Than My Hair documentary in film festivals…and win of course. So my #firststepchallenge is to enter my documentary trailer for a screening with Docs In Progress, here in Montgomery County MD. I just received an email that it was accepted and my first screening will take place on May 11th. I have a lot to learn and I’m so happy that I took the first step. And my journey continues.
Here’s how I know you can do this: Many years ago a friend had an idea to produce a documentary about how the fashion community came together in Toronto where I live to fight HIV/AIDS with an event called Fashion Cares because it was the event’s 20th anniversary. He had never made a documentary and I sure had not. But we were SO excited and inspired and enthused by the idea and we let our passion take over. We pitched it to a potential producing partner who pitched it to a TV network who gave us the funding we needed and we made the project. My friend and I co-produced and co-wrote / edited this labour of love, it still is one of the highlights of my life… and it won a bunch of awards which was the cherry. I repeat: I knew nothing about nothing about making a documentary: http://www.decaids.tv/Trailer.html
Hi Shaun I didn’t get a notice so I’m just seeing this. Thank you so much for that inspiration. How amazing is that!!! This is exactly how i feel…I’m allowing my passion to take over. I didn’t think about it i just wanted to do it and from person experience in gave birth to I Am More Than My Hair. Then reality hit when i realized the expense to produce a film not to mention another photo book. But I put it out there in the Universe, stay focused and simply have fun. I’m really enjoying this journey. Thank you so much for your inspiration. I look forward to taking a look at your link. Such an amazing cause!
PS: http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi674628633/
Hi Shaun today’s show on the power of taking first steps really inspired me. I reflected after the show and realized that I have been playing it safe in some areas with a business idea I have. I have a day off coming up in a week from work. My first step – registering the business name and my blog on my day off! #SimpleSteps #FirstStepChallenge
That’s an awesome day off! You were such a joy to be with Sunday, thank you for coming to our party at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto. Please keep us posted on what I know will be a great success for you. #FirstStepChallenge!
My first step…I signed up for the O course Thrive. I will design the life I want so I can be a role model for my children and make all my dreams come true. #firststepchallenge
That’s wonderful Janelle. I love the work Arianna Huffington does. I had a great conversation on my show with a future dad who wasn’t believing in his ability to be financially responsible for his new family, and the #ThoughtRevolution question I asked him was: What kind of father do you want to be? One who sets an example for his kids about worrying or one who sets an example about believing in your true empowerment. Designing your life and making your dreams come true is, I think, the best gift you can give your kids. Kudos.
I’m doing a few things – I’m taking culinary arts then I’m taking urban agriculture then I’m getting my yoga certification and I’m finally dipping my toe into real estate and finally buying shares in a couple of companies that I LOVE and should have a long time ago. For what you ask – to live in Belize!!!!
Careful you don’t trip on all those first steps! (A bit of #FirstStepChallenge humour there.) When you live in Belize can I visit? Congrats – totally recognize the ambition in you, Tracy.
I’m good – and yes you can come to Belize!!! LOL
I took my first steps – to finally be a finisher – when I sent an email to the SPS team outlining how I was going to find ways to beat cancer – beat my adhd – beat my writers block and beat my negative self talk to the finish line.
Those first steps – to say it -write it – have given me the momentum to keep going. I got up and out of bed. Won the war that is showering and dressing and posted two stories on my blog. Small steps to some. Great strides for me.
I will live and I will write.
Thanks Shaun – Nada and the rest of your awesome team.
Kelly
Really happy to read this post. Love this one. Thanks Kelly.
I stumbled upon this challenge of yours today while looking for inspiration to do just this. Wow, the universe guided me straight to you and I want to tell you even if I never meet you, speak to you or even get a response this article and all the comments below have inspired me. Today I take the first step towards financial freedom and a meaningful existence.