How many of you know the name David Shore? Unless you're a huge fan of the television show "House", the name may not mean anything. And even if you are a fan, it still may not mean anything.
I came across David Shore's name while reading an article in a magazine. The caption of the article is what caught my eye:
"A former Toronto lawyer created one of TV's hottest shows, House. Now this Emmy Award-winning scriptwriter tells how he made it in Hollywood"
I remember my first thought. It was something like: Wow, I didn't know a Canadian was behind that show.
And then curiosity got to me. I wanted to know how a Canadian lawyer got to Hollywood and made it big, so I read the article.
What made David Shore's story even more interesting is that he did not start in life wanting to be in Hollywood, writing scripts for an award-winning show. He actually went to law school, became a successful lawyer in Toronto and then discovered his passion. The coolest thing about this: he was 31 years when he decided to move to L.A. and try his luck.
Some people would call it luck. I call it: focus, passion, taking "calculated risks", AND doing what it takes to make it happen.
And that's the issue I have with the movie The Secret and the Law of Attraction.
Now don't get me wrong. I absolutely believe in the Law of Attraction. I use it myself and "share the secret" with everyone I can. But where it fails to make an impact on people is the "action" part. So many people have a passion but are afraid that they may fail and so they never take that one step that might make it happen for them.
One never knows whether one's dream will come true. David Shore calls his decision "a really dumb move that worked out very well". But David Shore didn't just say good bye to his clients, pack his belongings and move his family across a continent, hoping it would all work out (although I'm sure there was a healthy dose of hopeful prayers). What he did before is what I call all "those action steps that get you started towards your dream". He attended a summer camp for writers, performed stand-up comedy in Toronto and then wrote a lot of "free scripts" that he sent to agents in Hollywood to show them what he was capable of.
How many of us are willing to take these small steps, one at a time so we can move toward our dream? We often stop ourselves even before we start. And we have become really good at justifying why we have to wait, why we can't start. So even if you apply the visioning, the gratitude, the detachment steps of the Law of Attraction, if you miss on the action step, you'll be waiting a long time for your desire to happen.
So how do you get going? Not knowing where to start is one of the most consistent excuses I hear from people.
Once you've done your vision board or written your vision of what your desire looks like, your next step is to "break down the elephant". Write down every possible step you can think of. Ask yourself: what is the first step I could take to make my desire happen? Is there a step before that? Write down everything that comes to your mind until you can't think of anything else. Don't worry yet about how these steps will happen; just worry about the "what you have to do", not "how will you do it".
Look for the low hanging fruit; the few steps that are easy to take. This will allow you to feel in control and will give you a sense of accomplishment. Keep your ears, eyes, mind and heart open for any opportunities that may come your way that will support your desire. This is called synchronistic events.
As for the "how am I going to do it"? There is really only one way. Just do it!
Don't worry about step number 10 when you are only at step 1. Jack Canfield uses a brilliant analogy: When you drive your car at night you can only see 200 feet ahead of you, yet you know you will reach your destination. The same metaphor applies to reaching your dreams and goals.
David Shore did not let the "naysayers" discourage him. He forged ahead with his list of what he needed to do and he also most likely faced his fear and did it anyway!
So what are you waiting for?
