Living Beyond “What If?”
Release the Limits and Realize Your Dreams
Book Edition Details
Summary
"Living Beyond “What If?” (2021) is an empathetic handbook to realizing your dreams by overcoming self-imposed limitations, procrastination, and fear. Sharing intimate anecdotes and a step-by-step guide, it helps readers find their life's purpose, defeat present-bias syndrome, and jump confidently towards success."
Introduction
Are you living the life you've always dreamed of? This simple question stops most people in their tracks. When posed to audiences worldwide, only 10 percent raise their hands confidently, while 90 percent admit they would live differently if given another chance. The gap between our dreams and reality often widens not because of external circumstances, but because of the internal limitations we place on ourselves. Fear, procrastination, and endless "what if" questions create invisible barriers that keep us trapped in mediocrity. Yet within each of us lies the power to break free from these self-imposed constraints and step boldly into the life we've always imagined. The journey from limitation to liberation requires courage, but the destination promises a transformed existence where dreams become tangible reality.
Release Self-Imposed Limitations and Fears
Self-imposed limitations are the invisible chains that bind us to a life smaller than our potential. These mental barriers often disguise themselves as practical concerns or reasonable caution, but they systematically erode our capacity to dream and achieve greatness. The author's journey began with childhood dreams that seemed limitless until life delivered harsh reality checks. At thirteen, she nearly drowned when pushed into a pool, creating a paralyzing fear of deep water that lasted decades. During college years, a devastating car accident left her unconscious and broken, while a bank robbery experience put a gun to her head, leaving lasting trauma. Each incident carved deeper fears into her psyche, transforming an optimistic dreamer into someone who questioned every possibility. Years later, she confronted her fear of deep water during a Caribbean vacation with fellow speakers. Despite initial terror, she agreed to ride a WaveRunner with friends, knowing she wore a life jacket. When the vehicle capsized, throwing her into deep ocean waters, her learned response kicked in. Instead of panicking like in childhood, she remembered safety instructions, stayed calm, and allowed the life vest to bring her to surface. This moment became a turning point, proving that fears could be conquered through preparation and courage. The key to overcoming limitations lies in systematic confrontation. First, identify your specific fears by writing them down honestly. Second, trace their origins to understand when and how they developed. Third, gather information and tools that empower you to face these fears safely. Fourth, take calculated risks with proper support systems in place. Fifth, celebrate small victories to build momentum for larger challenges. Remember that courage isn't the absence of fear but action despite fear. Every limitation you release creates space for new possibilities to emerge and flourish in your life.
Discover Your Purpose and Build Life Plan
Purpose serves as your internal compass, guiding decisions and providing meaning that transcends daily routines. Without clear purpose, life becomes a series of disconnected experiences rather than a coherent journey toward fulfillment and significance. The author spent years setting New Year's resolutions that consistently failed, achieving only eight percent success like most people. Her breakthrough came during an annual retreat to the Caribbean, where she shifted from generic resolutions to crafting a comprehensive life plan anchored in purpose. This ritual involved three days of decompression, followed by honest assessment of the previous year's achievements and failures, then deliberate planning aligned with her deeper calling. Working with mentor Les Brown, she discovered her purpose: to train, coach, teach, and empower others with knowledge and strategies that help them envision larger possibilities for their lives. This clarity transformed her approach to goal-setting from scattered wishes to strategic actions. Her life plan encompassed five categories: career, health, relationships, finances, and spirituality, each containing specific, measurable objectives tied to her overarching mission. To develop your life plan, begin with honest self-assessment of your current position across all life areas. Identify your core values and non-negotiable principles that will guide decision-making. Write a clear purpose statement that captures why you exist and what unique contribution you bring to the world. Create long-term vision goals for ten, five, and three years, then break these into annual, quarterly, and monthly action steps. Make your plan a living document that evolves with your growth and changing circumstances. Regular review and adjustment ensure continued alignment between your daily actions and ultimate aspirations. Your purpose isn't just about personal fulfillment; it's about becoming the person others need you to be and making your unique mark on the world.
Take Calculated Risks and Jump Forward
Taking calculated risks means acting with courage while maintaining wisdom about potential consequences. It requires moving beyond the paralysis of over-analysis into the realm of informed action where dreams transform into reality. Dr. Katrina Esau exemplified analysis paralysis, spending nearly two years following the author's work before formalizing their mentor-mentee relationship. Despite holding a doctorate degree, twenty years of professional experience, and multiple certifications, she remained paralyzed by fear of entrepreneurship. Her biggest terror centered on financial security—what if she couldn't provide for her family? This fear kept her trapped in corporate employment despite yearning for greater purpose and impact. Under mentorship, Dr. Katrina learned to address her fears systematically. She created detailed lists of worst-case scenarios alongside practical solutions for each. For financial fears, she planned to save six months of expenses before making any transition. She started small, taking a writing course that led to publishing both a book and journal within six weeks. These initial successes built confidence for bigger jumps: launching an online academy, negotiating job promotions, and developing multiple income streams. To take calculated risks effectively, first document your fears and create specific mitigation strategies. Second, start with smaller risks that build confidence and provide learning opportunities. Third, maintain financial cushions and support systems before making major transitions. Fourth, set clear success metrics and timelines for your ventures. Fifth, surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can provide guidance during uncertain periods. Remember that the biggest risk often lies in not taking any risks at all. Comfort zones may feel safe, but they're where dreams go to die through neglect and delay. When you jump toward your dreams with proper preparation, you don't fall—you discover you had wings all along, waiting for the courage to use them.
Build Empowering Relationships for Success
Relationships form the currency of modern success, providing resources, opportunities, and support that amplify individual efforts. The quality of your relationships directly correlates with the quality of your life and the speed at which you achieve your goals. The author's relationship with Les Brown began through chance encounter on a cruise ship elevator. What started as recognition from a previous conference evolved into life-changing mentorship when he invited her to attend his speaker training workshop. This single relationship opened doors to global speaking opportunities, book publishing guidance, and access to high-level professional networks that would have taken decades to build independently. Under Les Brown's mentorship, she earned designation as one of his Platinum Speakers, traveling internationally and gaining exposure to success models that transformed her mindset. Their relationship exemplified mutual benefit—she gained wisdom and opportunities while he gained a dedicated protégé who embodied his teachings. This partnership lasted five years and continues to yield dividends through ongoing support and advocacy. Building empowering relationships requires intentional strategy and genuine investment. First, assess your current network for diversity in backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Second, attend industry events and conferences where you can meet like-minded professionals. Third, provide value to others before seeking benefits for yourself. Fourth, maintain consistent communication and follow-through on commitments. Fifth, leverage social media platforms to connect with thought leaders and industry experts globally. Focus on quality over quantity in relationship building. A smaller network of engaged, supportive contacts provides more value than hundreds of superficial connections. Remember that relationships require nurturing and reciprocity. The most powerful networks emerge when everyone contributes to collective success rather than simply seeking personal gain.
Summary
Living beyond "what if" requires releasing the mental limitations that keep dreams imprisoned and taking deliberate action toward the life you've always imagined. As the author learned through decades of transformation, "You cannot conquer what you aren't willing to confront." The journey from limitation to liberation involves facing fears head-on, discovering your unique purpose, building strategic life plans, taking calculated risks, and surrounding yourself with empowering relationships. The path isn't easy, but the payoffs far exceed the temporary discomfort of growth. Every limitation you release creates space for new possibilities, every risk you take builds confidence for larger leaps, and every empowering relationship amplifies your potential for impact. Your dreams aren't just figments of imagination—they're blueprints for the life waiting on the other side of your comfort zone. Start today by choosing one area where you've been asking "what if" and transform that question into "what now." The life you've always dreamed of living is not only possible, it's waiting for you to claim it.
By Shirley J. Davis
