Jennifer Cohen - Bigger, Better, Bolder: Live the Life You Want, Not the Life You Get

NO MATTER HOW YOUVE SPENT the last few years, whether you were able to work from home, were still in school, struggled finding employment, or headed to your in-person job each day, there is no denying that the global pandemic was one hell of a wake-up call, and the alarm still seems to be going off. The world changed forever, and the old clich proved true: turns out life really is short. But as we settle into what now passes for normal, how many people will go back to settling for what they have, even if its not enough? And how many will listen to that little voice that urges them to go after what they really want?

After everything weve been through, why settle for what you can get, instead of chasing what you truly want?

Ask yourself: What do you want most in life? And why dont you have it?

Im going to help you answer those questions, and then Im going to show you how to go after what you want, with a promise that you will eventually get it if you follow my lead. And if you dont get exactly that one thing? Well, you may wind up with something much bettermaybe something that you never even knew existed.

Before we dive deeper, for the purposes of this discussion lets focus on the meaning of want and things. Im not referring to a burning desire for a flashy car or an indulgence like a luxe vacation. If thats what youre after, put this book down and pick up your credit card, because theres always someone ready to take your money. This may be a book about getting what you want, but its not a book about getting all the material things and money that you desire. This isnt a get-rich-quick book. Its a make-your- life -rich book.

When I ask what things you want, Im referring to those intangibles that enrich our lives, like new and interesting experiences, satisfying relationships, and the ability to become who we believe we are meant to be. Im talking about the things you want right now and others youve yet to discover. A bigger, better, bolder life is filled with rich experiencesand zero regrets.

Why dont we chase what we desire most? Its because were stuck in the good-enough trap. At some point we start to live our lives by default, taking whatever we can get. We get used to a so-so state of affairs, whether were talking personal or professional, because its good enough. Its OK. Itll do. Besides, if I ask for something better, if I try to change this, if I go for what I really want, it might not happen. I could lose what I already have. So, what I have in front of me, it will do. Its good enough.

The good enough mindset is fueled by fear and self-doubtby thinking that youll fail if you reach for something you really want, that youll be rejected, that someone will tell you no, that its just too hard to pull off. So yeah, its easier to take what you can get and avoid the disappointment and humiliation of missing your target. Thats why you dont act. But not taking those chancesnot asking, not trying, not deciding to go for itis going to cost you, because settling for good enough never leads to something better.

Good enough is how we wind up with relationships that sputter out or grow toxic. Good enough is why we stay in crappy jobs that dont pay us what were worth. Good enough is why we let our physical health go and our spirits sink. Good enough is why we dont take action to get what we want, and why we are content to remain complacent with what we have.

Screw good enough. Thats no way to go through this one life were given. Instead of good, go for better. Instead of what you get, go for bigger. Instead of fearing failure, be boldand then be bolder.

When you become bold, good things start to happen. Then better things start to happen. You break free from whats holding you back, you arent afraid to fail, and you learn from every shot you take, even when you miss the target especially when you miss the target. And you definitely bust out of the good enough trap.