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Moxie on Monday

Moxie on Monday: How to Break Through Resistance, Part Two

How betting on yourself can pay off in a big way

By Catherine Grace O’Connell December 9, 2024

A hiker with moxie on Monday ascends a wooden path on a grassy hillside overlooking a secluded beach, with cliffs in the background under a clear sky.
Photo by Clément Proust / Pexels

You might be thinking, What in the world is a Moxie Menu? And do I really believe in “Universal Waiters” (as in the world is ready to take your dreams) as I recently wrote?

Stay with me.

Resistance can make us feel small. Some days, resistance can feel like Mount Rainier, insurmountably looming above us. But that’s just a disguise. Resistance can be your very best friend and personal guide. It’s the ultimate compass pointing you straight toward the very things that will change your life. So how do you bust through it?

You make a Moxie Menu.

It’s your list of five bold, wildly uncomfortable, perhaps seemingly impossible actions you commit to taking every month. Yes, uncomfortable, and sometimes, terrifying. That’s because if it doesn’t scare you, it won’t challenge you to change yourself.

When you sit down to make your very own Moxie Menu, be sure the actions you choose stretch your limits. They should feel like a bold leap. No baby steps here! Moxie means we are diving headfirst into the deep end of life. Lastly, and most importantly, you must be willing to follow through. Think of your personal menu as a commitment to the universe. When you follow through on your commitments, the beautiful response is the wind firmly at your back.

Let’s get real. Resistance doesn’t go quietly. It’s not called resistance for nothing. Be prepared, as it will toss every excuse your way. “You’re not ready. That’s too much. You’ll fail. Stay in your own lane! Who do you think you are?” Do not listen! Resistance is simply fear dressed up in a business suit. Remember that dreams don’t happen in comfort zones.

What if, instead of listening, you acted? What if you sent that email, made that call, or asked for that introduction? What if you finally bet on yourself?

Here’s how it works:

Write Your Moxie Menu.
Make a list of five things you’ve always wanted but felt were out of reach or that you just weren’t capable of. Don’t be afraid to think big — wildly, ridiculously big. You know, the  stuff that makes your heart race.

Take Bold Action.
Choose one at a time and do something about it. Send the email. Slide into the DMs. Pick up the phone. Whatever it takes, believe in yourself and take the leap.

Rinse and Repeat.
Keep on keeping on! Resistance is like a muscle — the more you work it, the stronger you get. The more you tackle it head on, the stronger your willpower will become.

Here’s why it matters: the only thing standing between you and your dreams is your comfort zone and your ego telling you to play small. We aren’t here to play small. We are here to be all in on this crazy game called life. You are a dream maker, and a Moxie Menu is your steppingstone to making magic happen.

Want to write your memoir? What about skydiving or traveling the world? Always wanted to act in a play? How about doing a TED talk? Want to step into a life you only dreamed about? You can, I promise. The universe loves rewarding courage. And you, my friend, now loaded up with oodles of Moxie, are as courageous as they come.

So, are you ready? Grab a pen. Dream big! Make your list — the ultimate Moxie Menu. Take that leap. The life you’ve always wanted isn’t out of reach — it’s just waiting for you to reach for it. Here’s the truth: change doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you decide to leap, even when your knees are shaking. Especially when your knees are shaking.

You miss every shot you don’t take.

Your Moxie Menu is your invitation to dream bigger, push harder, and live bolder. So, what’s stopping you? Take your shot. It’s your move, Moxie Maker.

About Moxie on Monday

Catherine Grace O’Connell is chief executive cat-alyst of her female-focused digital media agency MODLife Media and an expert on becoming ageless in mind, body, and spirit. She has more than 30 years of study and experience in natural wellness, mindfulness, meditation and fitness. She is also the founder of Ageless In Seattle, a heart-centered community for women of all ages. You can follow her on her website CatherineGraceO, Instagram @catherinegraceo, and Tiktok @catherinegraceo

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