For All to Hear and See

I had a tremendous experience this past weekend. I was initiated into the Catholic Church.

The Easter Vigil service was one I'd never experienced before... adults being baptized, confirmed and initiated into the church. It was amazing to be part of the baptism especially. Men and women standing in a baptismal font getting literally drenched. And all of us having just completed a six month journey of philosophy, catechism, and discussion about what it means to be Catholic.

I wonder what has people do things like this?

What is it that has a grown adult step under the enormous pitcher to get soaked? In front of all their friends and family. To be publicly identified as "one of those people." To enter an organization that's potentially a target for both admiration and very likely, criticism.

So let's take this out of the religious realm for a moment. What would have anyone publicly profess a belief or opinion?

Here are a few ideas:

1. Taking action on a vow


2. Being held accountable to that vow


3. Requesting support in the journey that vow generates

There are many varieties of "vows" we make. In my business, I often refer to something called a "declaration"... a statement to bring a desired future into existence. Some other examples of vows or declarations are: marriage, a new client, an educational degree, a business partner, a new business, sales results, etc. All of these begin as thoughts or desires and often become declarations.

And often times, they never materialize. Here's one reason why:

Consider that many vows or declarations never materialize (or work out) because they're never made public. We say to ourselves, "I'll earn $20,000 more this year." "I'll get 10 new clients this quarter." "I'll find a great person to date this month." Good stuff, right?

Then it never happens.

Had I just said to myself, "I'll become Catholic this year", it's likely I'd have gone to mass a bunch of times, perhaps read some stuff on the Catechism (instruction of the Catholic Church), and eventually stop being involved.

Why would it happen that way? Because this process of becoming Catholic was challenging, difficult and confronting. There's stuff the Catholic Church believes that I am still in process about. There are beliefs, philosophies and structures that are new, confusing and (in my opinion) questionable. Throughout this process, I argued, got upset and frustrated, and more than once said "this isn't worth it." The predictable thing for me to do in this situation was to quit.

And I didn't. Because this journey is one I'm totally committed to take and one that, for me, has a pot of gold in the end. So I got confirmed and initiated on Saturday evening.

I overcame what was predictable for one reason: I made a public declaration when I began this process and I made another public declaration on Saturday evening.

By making this public declaration, I garnered the support of the church community, other non-Catholic Christians who have been through this process, and the church itself. For this is only the beginning of a life-long journey... one that will bring much joy AND frustration and challenge.

So whether it's religion, spirituality, business, relationships, community, or any other future, practice making public declarations. Declarations that are heard and witnessed by individuals and communities who are committed to supporting you in reaching that goal, that future, and that dream.

If it would support you, you can also give me a call and just declare.

Happy Declarations,

-Coach Preston