Building a Dream on "What If?" with Jim Palmer

If you asked yourself, “What if?” how would you answer? Where would your imagination take you? Jim Palmer asked that question and started looking at his life. He looked closely at the sand, flowing freely through an hourglass and knew it would eventually run out. That’s when he started asking “What if?” of his own life. His answer led to him selling his home and living on a thirty-foot boat.

Exploring hypothetical scenarios through “What if?” questions can help us determine different possibilities and potential outcomes when asking, “What’s next?” even if they seem outlandish at first. After selling their home, Jim and his wife made plans to live on a boat for a year. His wife left her high-pressure job to do so. One year grew into five years, traveling 12,000 miles. They traded practical and predictable for adventure and excitement. Their plan worked, though they had plenty of challenges to overcome. Now back on dry land, he has authored a number of books that are widely read, and his coaching business has expanded. Using a bit of his story, we cover five steps to help answer the question, “What if?”

One: Define What Holds You Back

Resistance to change is a big part of what holds people back. Change and transition is hard and even fearful for many. Asking “What if?” can bring thoughts like, “What if I run out of money?” or “What if I completely fail?” Fear of the unknown can be a deterrent – it’s nice to know what lies around the next corner. Many people are more comfortable with the familiar, even if it’s not in their best interest.

Lack of confidence, doubting skills, knowledge or talents is another large hinderance. Negative self-talk and self-doubt are huge factors for many. In the children’s book,  There’s a Monster Under My Bed, Simon shines a flashlight under his bed to discover what is hiding there, even though he was scared. Sometimes we have to do the same—shine a flashlight on what is lurking in our thoughts and holding us back! Once it is defined, we can overcome it.

Two: Explore the Possibilities

During the shutdowns of the past years, many figured out that their work was not location-dependent—and they liked it! There were those that made the decision that working remotely was more suitable for the lifestyle they desired. The numbers are confirming this. According to WFH Research, a data-collection project, six times more work was happening remotely in January 2023 than in January 2019.  After asking “What if?” broadening your perspective by exploring different possibilities for work can expose one to new ideas, experiences and perspectives. This process of exploring possibilities is also a prompt to exploring creativity. (Read more here...)

Three: What Do you Want Your Life to Look Like?

Sometimes a wake-up call is what it takes to shake one up. Some face a health crisis such as cancer, a career change or even boredom. Many speak about creating a bigger impact, especially at the halftime of life, but to do so may take making a lifestyle change. Reflecting on core values and beliefs is a huge part of creating a clear vision of a future. In Stop Circling, I wrote a full chapter on core values included in the appendix. I noted two different value areas to consider: faith and character. Both are important elements in creating and living a purpose-filled life.

Four: Create a Plan

After reviewing values as well as possibilities, it’s time to prioritize goals and actions that are most important. These should be closely aligned with a clearly defined purpose. It’s important to be clear. When traveling, no one wants to get on an airplane with no destination in mind. For a flight to be as smooth as possible and arrive at a determined destination, a specific flight plan is needed. A plan may require adjustments and change but the basic goal should be in place, even with rerouting.

Five: Overcome Challenges and Say "Yes!"

Challenges will come—that is certain. However, as each challenge is clearly defined, it’s possible to brainstorm potential solutions. Even if a plan has been created, outline specific backup options to create the anticipated outcome. The book Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg, PhD talks about creating very small habits or steps that will eventually lead to a large change. The same principle of taking small steps is true of goals. Create very small mini-goals to make a change and to achieve a larger goal. (FREE: Goal Setting Worksheets)

Overcoming challenges takes time, effort and persistence, but also builds resilience and adaptability. This leads to a boost in confidence and self-esteem. Who knows, as you start building your dream, you may be more willing to take on new and additional challenges in the future! But you have to first say “Yes!”

Articles:

Tiny Habits as a way of Life with Linda Fogg Phillips

Five Principles for Intentional Living and Purpose at Halftime

Dream a Little Dream: Define Your Dream Job and Schedule

Books:

The Summit: Journey to Hero Mountain

Stop Circling: Steps to Escape Endless Roundabouts

Women at Halftime: Principles for Producing Your Successful Second Half

Listen to this episode and get the full article & experience here - including other resources!

About the Guest

Captain Jim is the founder of the Dream Business Academy, a live business building seminar, and Dream Business Mastermind and Coaching Program. he is a video marketer and podcaster who has taught thousands of entrepreneurs both virtually and one-on-one in his mastermind and coaching programs. He's written and published seven books about marketing and business building strategies and has started and grown multiple six figure businesses.

The Host

DEBORAH JOHNSON, M.A. has 25+ years working as an entertainer, composer, producer, author and speaker. Her keynote, "The Hero Inside" stirs audiences to not settle for merely playing as an accompanist to their dreams. Rather, it is to call upon everything they have inside to be soloist & center stage in pursuing & accomplishing their dreams and potential. This can include pursuing a new avenue or expanding on a current area of business, especially at mid-career or the halftime of life. Get more free downloads & links at: DJWorks. Websites: DeborahJohnsonSpeaker.com; GoalsForYourLife.com; DJWorksMusic.com