Tamara Shimmin

How could I have missed it?

We talked about this in Mindset Mastery. I’d seen Leslie Householder’s Visual Aid That Changed Everything. I’d read The Jackrabbit Factor and Portal to Genius. I was literally dreaming about rabbits—and still didn’t recognize it.

I owed nearly $6,000 in taxes due April 18 and was praying for a way to pay it without going into debt. On top of that, I wanted to become a facilitator for Leslie’s courses—which required another $6,000. So where was I going to find $12,000 in a hurry?

About six months earlier, I had purchased a course to learn how to run a marketing business. The material was completely disorganized, and I couldn’t figure out how to apply it. I thought maybe I’d try again—but after another attempt, I was still stuck. Then I came across a different company with a $5,000 course that seemed way more helpful.

After a lot of thought, prayer, and trusting that this might be my answer, I decided to take a leap. I used the $2,000 I’d saved for taxes to pay for the new course and planned to owe the rest.

I dove into the material, full of hope—and then hit a wall. I pivoted… and hit another wall. And another. I had never felt this kind of emotional resistance before. It was like being a little kid trying to learn a grown-up concept. It didn’t make sense. I knew I was smart. But I was in tears almost daily.

Maybe I had made the wrong decision. Maybe this wasn’t inspired at all. Maybe I was supposed to quit.

I wrote in my journal:

“I can’t tell if the barrier I am running into for my marketing business is the Spirit telling me it’s the wrong path or if it’s the emotional barrier I need to break through to get to where I’m supposed to be.”

I listed every possible fear that could’ve been blocking me. In the end, I concluded: the business didn’t align with my long-term vision. I was only chasing it to make a quick $12,000. So I quit.

Immediately, I felt relief. No more tears. Less stress. I shifted gears and enrolled in sales school for facilitator training. Maybe that would bring the financial breakthrough.

But in my next journal entry, I wrote:

“Was this a terror barrier?”

I couldn’t stop thinking about the marketing business. For a week, I wrestled: was this a terror barrier that had just taken me out—or had the Spirit truly told me to walk away?

I went back to Mindset Mastery and asked the questions Leslie teaches:

• Did I set an intention and become emotional about it?
  Yes—I wrote down our tax amount due and got deeply emotional about it being paid.

• Did it feel like a good idea consciously?
  Yes—my husband and I discussed it and agreed it made sense.

• Did it feel good in my heart?
  Yes—I had prayed and felt peace about starting the agency.

• Did I take action?
  Yes—even though I hesitated at first, I paid the money and started the course.

So what happened?

My faith was tested.
I hit a terror barrier. And this time, it won.

April 18th came and went. The money didn’t come through. I’m now making payments to the IRS and Visa. But in hindsight, something has become much clearer:

There’s a distinct difference between a warning from the Spirit and a terror barrier meant to test your growth.

I’ve felt that warning before—like when my (now) husband was considering a job overseas before we got married. When I prayed, I felt a dark, heavy pressure in my chest. It was a clear no. Another time, I tried to book a flight to visit my sister. That same heavy feeling told me to wait. Both times, I listened.

But the terror barrier feels different. It shows up after the warm, peaceful confirmation. It’s full of fear, doubt, and mental chaos—but only after I’ve already felt the “yes” and taken the leap.

This marketing agency experience was the most intense terror barrier I’ve ever faced. And I believe I was closer than ever to breaking through. The opportunity is still there. And this time, I will start again—aware of the battle, and ready to face the fear.

The terror barrier may have won before—but it won’t win in the end.

Learn to recognize how the Spirit speaks to you.
When the battle begins, you’ll know what you’re up against.
Keep moving forward in faith—
your success is just on the other side.

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•   To discover how to start choosing more effectively now, read The Jackrabbit Factor (FREE!)  
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