When I was about 13 years old I remember sitting on the couch with my dad in the basement having one of those life-talks. The kind that involved me rolling my eyes, and my loving father, persevering to try to reach me. After some discussion, he left the room and returned with an article. He told me he wanted me to read it and then like a school girl – to write it out.
At first, I thought it was so silly, yet, in the exercise of writing it out, I started to hear what he was trying to say to me to help me. I still have a copy of the “As If Principle”, handwritten and stashed in my journal in the most perfect penmanship I could muster. This is what has given me the guts to do anything gutsy.
The essence of the article is to act “as if” you already are and eventually you will become just that. It’s kind of a fake-it-till-you-make it concept. When I apply this, it’s how I get through a lot of what I do, with not only my music, but in my church callings, mothering, etc. My skills are limited in so many ways, but because I try, I feel that the Lord magnifies my efforts – “as if” I am more – and this gives me courage to keep trying. It can work for all of us, and I think the more we adopt the “as if principle”, the more than we remove limits and live with faith.
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Where much is given, much is required.” I like what Bonnie Oscarson said: “Where much is required MUCH MORE will be given.” Faith in this principle is what gives fuel to DO what is required — to act as if we already have all the skills, knowledge and abilities to do so. We can aspire. We can try. The Lord will help us. We are promised eternal potential. We are promised all that He has. We will be guided as we seek His help.
Lastly, I believe that as we move forward with faith, the Lord will provide what we lack. We need not worry so much. As we move steady on ‘as if’ we have it all together, we will grow into the responsibilities placed on our shoulders. Having a positive mindset and walking by faith are the keys to success and what is required to endure.
Download a typed copy of “The As If Principle“.