Burntham Rewind: Cut the Rope!

Originally posted on 6/23/11

"Our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives.”
Jose Teixeira

Imagine you are in a sail boat on a beautifully sunny and windy day. You pull away from shore with your sails open and the wind is blowing hard in the perfect direction. You set sail and begin cruising along very swiftly. The wind is blowing in your hair, the salty air is kissing your lips and skin, and the cool breeze keeps you at a perfect temperature on an otherwise warm sunny day. The thrill of the ride is exhilarating and relaxing. As you pull further and further away from shore you suddenly realize there is a large rope that is tied to the boat and on the other end is a giant anchor. You realize that soon the rope will become taut and you will be unable to go any further. Held back by the anchor you notice your ride will soon end and you will be unable to fully enjoy the open water and the blissful ride unless you cut the rope.

Often in our lives we are like the sailboat. We are full of potential and can do, be, and accomplish so much yet we have a rope that holds us back. For each of us our rope may be different. For some of us it may be a lack of confidence or fear, or maybe laziness, or other bad habits. Regardless of what it may be this rope limits our progress and our ability to fully enjoy the ride.

As leaders and as people we must cut the ropes that hold us back. We can’t afford to be held in place by them. We must overcome our lack of confidence, or our laziness, or fear, or whatever bad habit that may be inhibiting us from fully enjoying the open water and taking full advantage of the good winds and beautiful day. If we decide not to cut the rope, we will one day look back on our ride and realize we missed out, that we could have experienced so much more, and that the rides potential was wasted.

What are the ropes in our lives that are not allowing us to reach our potential and enjoy all life has in store for us?! We can’t hesitate, we must do it now! We must cut the rope!