Do we already have all the information?

We frequently have everything we need to succeed, but we’re often so preoccupied we miss crucial information that would make our lives much easier.

I had this experience the other day. While at the grocery store, I saw a beautiful photo in a food magazine and immediately decided to make the recipe for dinner. After I purchased the ingredients, I drove home and got ready.

As I prepared my space, I skimmed the directions and started cooking. By the time I realized the mistake I’d made it was too late!

I rarely read directions. They often feel like a waste of time, especially when there are pictures involved. This day was no different. As I glanced over the images and captions in the recipe, I assumed I was supposed to place the meat in the herbed olive oil before I cooked it.

In actuality, I was supposed to cook the meat first and then place it in the herbs and oil for added flavor.

So there I stood with a slab of raw, oily meat that had to be cooked. Now what?

If only I had read the directions more carefully, I could have easily avoided my error.

This experience gave me pause for reflection:

Have you ever been really frustrated with a situation or confused about how to do something, only to realize later that you had from the very beginning explicit directions and everything you needed to succeed?

I notice people doing this all the time. People constantly contact me, sometimes stressed out and feeling panicky, for information I’ve already given them. I imagine I’ve done this many times, too.

I’ve noticed that people often have the information they need to succeed in business, but dismiss it as irrelevant.

Here are some ways you can start to connect with the information you already have, information that will make growing your lifework much easier:

• Listen to and trust the little voice that whispers in your mind. It’s often Spirit guiding you to exactly what you need. (Of course, you need to know the difference between this voice and your inner critic…!)

• Notice your emotions and the sensations you have in your body. Your body speaks volumes about what is “right” and “wrong” for you. Trust your senses to tell you the truth.

• Pay attention to who you meet, what you hear, what you see, etc. I imagine you’re aware of the concept of meaningful coincidences. Follow the clues.

• Read directions and emails take note of important information. They aren’t a waste of time if they give you the exact thing you need to succeed.