All of us deal with patterns of behavior or results that we and others may feel are undesirable.
It could be how we communicate with a difficult co-worker or vendor.
It could be how we seem to continually misunderstand a loved one or a friend.
It could be a test of life that we continually seem to fail every time it comes around.
Here are 10 keys on how to break negative cycles:
1) Realize that everyone deals with setbacks.
You are not alone. You are special, unique, and gifted. However, you are not so special, unique, and gifted that you are exempt from failure, setbacks or challenges. Setbacks are some of life’s greatest reality checks. Stay level headed and don’t panic. Realize that making mistakes, learning new methods of success, and trying to figure out how to break negative patterns are a part of being human. You will not only survive, but thrive if you persist.
2) Realize that you don’t have all of the answers.
There seems to be a wonderful feeling that feeds the human ego when we can say, “I did that all by myself. I figured that out on my own.” The truth is we need the help of other people more than we sometimes realize. For example, did you teach yourself how to walk as an infant? Did you catch yourself when you fell or did someone assist you? How about reading? Did you teach yourself how to read or did someone help you? Even if per chance you did teach yourself to read, did you write the book that you taught yourself to read from or did someone else write it? My point is we need the help of others when trying to achieve our goals. Working together with others on major and minor tasks often gets them done faster and with less effort. Even if you do feel you have everything covered, there are other people that can see your blind spots. They may see something that you don’t see and what they see can make all the difference in the world. Realize that others may have answers, skills, and resources that may be able to accelerate your progress; challenge yourself to reach out to them.
3) Previous successes can be deceptive.
Sometimes when we have had a string of victories, we can subconsciously think that we are invincible. As though, we will emerge from every battle unscathed and without any effort. There are times when world-class athletes enter “the zone”, and everything seems to flow like an unimpeded river, no problems or hiccups. However, the truth is no one really lives in the zone. You and I will not always have a perpetual string of mountain top experiences or emotions. If we did, we would never grow. When a string of successes is snapped, when we have a challenge in our personal or professional life, it causes us to pause. It causes us to retrace our steps, to recalibrate, and reconsider our actions and our strategy; improvement is often the result. Don’t take past victories for granted. Realize that you are very gifted but you are not invincible. Prepare for your goals like a world-class athlete, and you will bounce back from setbacks, and experience more success.
4) Learn the lesson and forget the details.
When we realize that we are human and that we are fallible, we can position ourselves for uncommon growth. Even though a setback or a glitch or an unsuccessful attempt may cause us to feel discouraged or dejected, it does not have to derail our progress. Feelings are fed by our thoughts. If you want to change how you feel, just change your thoughts. Instead of focusing on how embarrassed you feel, focus on what the results have revealed. The results may show us that we have some room to improve in how we execute the task. Maybe we were not as focused as we could have been or maybe we can improve in how we communicate. Maybe we need to improve our leadership skills, or simply learn how to ask for help. Whatever the occurrence, the main point is to learn the lesson, apply it, and go on with your life.
5) Relapses are no match for comebacks.
You may have slipped back into an old negative behavior; you may have dropped the ball on a major project, big deal! Get over the mistake, and get over yourself. People are not thinking about you as much as you think they are. Even if they are, what difference does that make to you, and what you need to do? Relapses, backsliding, or whatever you want to call it is no match for your next action. You may have gained 5 or 10lbs, so what! What are you going to do now? Your comeback is waiting on you. A relapse is virtually irrelevant when you start focusing on your comeback. What’s even more important is the fact that you recognized that you relapsed! This is called progress, whether you know it or not. To be aware of something that previously went unnoticed is progress. At least now you can do something about it. Get back on the path to your comeback immediately, no matter what the setback has been. Relapses are no match for comebacks.
6) Expose negative cycles before they expose you.
When you notice you are doing something that is derailing your success, get some help. It can be a major issue or a minor issue. Squash problems when they are the size of acorns, that way they don’t have a chance to grow into a forest. Pull your problem out of the darkness and into the light of someone that can help you. Negative cycles gain strength when they remain a secret. When we try to keep a problem a secret it eventually brings itself out for all to see. This happens with major corporations, small businesses, celebrities, and average Joes. You don’t have to tell everybody, but share your problem with a trusted friend, coach, business partner, family member, or co-worker. There are also resources through employers or professionals that you can access via the internet that are completely confidential. Find someone to tell. When people keep things in they often explode like a bomb or they sink like a rock. Whether it is personal or professional, don’t let your problem take you down.
7) Never share your problem with someone incapable of solving it.
One of my mentors has helped to drill this thought into my head. No matter what your problem is there is someone who has been through what you are presently experiencing. Regardless of your income or background, someone has walked where you have walked, find them. Don’t share things with people that you cannot trust. They may damage your reputation or misjudge you. Find someone who has proven themselves trustworthy and someone that can help you with your specific challenge. There are obviously some things you would not share with your 5 year old child that you will share with your 55 year old trusted friend. Be wise, but don’t be afraid to share what you’re going through with someone that can help you. Never be too proud to talk about it out loud, in the right environment. Taking this action can transform your life, your business, and your family.
8) Stop believing a lie.
Just because you have failed, experienced a setback, disappointed yourself or someone else, it doesn’t mean that you are a “failure.” What it means is that you are human. Stop accepting the labels that other people try to place on you or even the ones that you place on yourself. Refuse to attach additional baggage to what happened. Whatever it was, it just happened. It’s over now. Take ownership and resolve to do better next time. Put systems and accountability in place to insure that success has a greater chance of happening next time. But don’t make up some story that you are an idiot, stupid, incapable, doomed to be like this for life or whatever story you or someone else has contrived. The truth is today is your life. Decide what you want to create today. Forgive yourself and others; repair what you can, and don’t worry about the rest. Your past is no match for your future, but you are the only one that can initiate your next success. Decide to break the negative cycles, no matter what they are and no matter how many times they occur. Decide to never give up. Don’t give up, get up!
9) Get to the root.
Don’t just remove the rotten apple from the bushel; find the rotten tree that it came from. All of us have certain negative results or behaviors that resurface from time to time. It may be due to negligence, or allowing ourselves to get distracted, or a whole host of other reasons. The key is to find the root of the problem. If you or your landscaper does not remove the weeds in your garden from the root, they will reemerge, and possibly come back even stronger with other friends. What is the root of your problem? Is it a lack of discipline? Is it a lack of knowledge? Is it a refusal to address the “white elephant” in the room? Is it your ego? Always remember that your ego is your enemy. Confront your enemy. Author Roberts Liardon says, “Only what you confront will change; what you refuse to confront will remain the same.”
10) Give it time.
After you have been derailed, give yourself a little time to be realigned. When you experience a setback you should focus immediately on making a comeback. However, even though you are on the road of your comeback, it may take you a little while to get your bearings. It may take you a little while to fix your alignment after you have hit a virtual pothole. Your alignment may include your feelings, emotions, strategy, mentality, resources, etc. Also, give yourself some time to get it right. Your challenge or pattern or negative results may not go away over night. However, you can track your progress. Any step forward is a step of progress. No matter how small the change, change is still change. Progress should be acknowledged and celebrated. Don’t wait for someone else, acknowledge your own improvements. Celebrate your own success. Give yourself time to change. This is also known has having patience. Be patient with yourself. Be patient with others who are trying to change. Developing patience builds inner strength just like lifting weights builds muscle. If you have dealt with a negative cycle for an extended period of time, then it will probably take some time before you see the complete transformation. The process of change can be very exciting, but you must give it some time.
I encourage you to apply the above keys and break the negative cycles in your life, business, family, or career.
Question: Why do you believe people repeat negative cycles or slip into old failure habits? What do you believe is the key to breaking a negative cycle?
I look forward to reading your response!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
2/16/10
3 Ways to Break Negativity
When you experience something that you label negative, how does it make you feel?
When you make a mistake or if someone “tells you off”, do you have a sinking feeling inside?
When you or someone else does not produce the results that you were expecting, how do you react?
The fact is most of us have a negative response internally, to a negative occurrence that took place externally. It is the basic stimulus response modality. Something happens, positive or negative, and we have a reaction, positive or negative. It seems pretty simple. The problem is when our own negative responses are causing problems in our lives, families, businesses, or careers.
The difference maker is that we actually can control our own reactions. We don’t have to respond the way that we feel, especially when we feel like responding negatively.
When you hear that a key client is upset and is considering doing business with your competitor, you don’t have to “lose it.” Calm down, settle yourself. Instead of getting upset, examine the situation, look and see what opportunities are at your disposal. This may be a wonderful opportunity to turn this disgruntled client into a raving fan, by simply asking a few questions and addressing a few problems. It could have been a huge misunderstanding or the client could have just been having a horrible day. Maybe the client heard some negative news and they were taking it out on you! That is the stimulus response modality. It happens all the time. You may never know what the root problem is with a client, coworker, family member, or a particular situation; unless you take the high road, stay positive, and are bold enough to ask.
We must understand that problems are not pervasive. In other words, just because you have a problem in one area of your life, it does not mean that it has to take over your entire life.
I know of one person that explained some of the tremendous problems that they were facing in their professional life. The problems they outlined would have made most people’s head spin. However, this person did not have one bit of indigestion and did not lose one bit of sleep. They were operating in total peace and serenity. Why? They learned to compartmentalize their life. Problems in one area of your life do not have to destroy the other areas of your life. Put systems in place that help you to deal with problems, and establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life.
E-mail does not have to ruin your day. Put a system in place. I respond to e-mail once a day, i.e., before 10:00am or after 4:00pm every day. Or whatever will work best for you, but whatever you do, create a system that will reduce the stress and keep you from getting negative. Delete the negative aspects of your life. Maintain a ruthless focus on staying positive. Don’t let negativity creep up on you. When it does, deal with it tactfully and effectively, and keep moving forward. Always operate from a position of strength, never weakness. Stay upbeat and expect even negative occurrences to turn for your good. Keep a smile on your face, walk with a purpose, and project the confidence that is resident on the inside of you. Negativity has a way of raining on your parade. However, you have enough positivity and sunshine in you to evaporate every drop of negativity.
Many things come out in the wash. Some things are not worth the time that you worry about them. Why? Because some things just don’t matter. You cannot control people, their attitudes, actions, or opinions. What you can control is how you process what happens to you and how you choose to respond. That is where your power lies. Your attitude is your choice; no one can take that away from you.
At the end of every day, make sure to archive all of the positive occurrences, put a plan in place to deal with pertinent opportunities, and choose to delete all of the negatives. You will be able to start the next day with a clean slate, fresh energy, and a plan that will accelerate positive results.
The next time you experience something negative ask yourself the following questions:
1) What thought am I choosing to believe that is causing me to feel uneasy?
Most fears are caused by a thought. Worry is a thought. It is obsessively thinking in the negative. Find the negative thought, identify it, and get rid of it. Just because 500 other people lost their job doesn’t mean that you will lose yours. And even if you did lose your job, you will not only survive, you will thrive. But only If you get your mind right; you actually have the power to create whatever you want. Find the negative thought that is messing you up and choose to replace it with a positive thought. You will feel more at ease when you do this.
2) What is good about this?
Always ask yourself what is the benefit of this situation. What good things can I pull from this experience? If you stay with this question, if you stay positive and persistent the answers that you arrive at will astound you. Maybe it’s good that you did not get that client that you felt you had to have, because 3 months down the road you heard how they made your competitor miserable with their unreasonable and incessant requests. That company that you felt you just had to work for went “belly up” the year after they turned you down for a position. Are you upset that you did not get that job now? Always ask yourself, “What is good about this?”
3) Is it true?
Everything you hear is not necessarily true. Every criticism that is hurled at you is not necessarily appropriate or applicable. You can deal with negatives more effectively if you examine to see if they are true, and if they even apply to you. There are crooked people in the world. There are dishonest people in every profession that you can name under the sun. However, there are also good people everywhere you look, and there are people full of integrity in every profession that you interface with in your daily life. You just have to find them. Don’t lump everyone into one category. Don’t let people put a label on you that does not apply to you. Never forget, you don’t have to agree with everything that is said to you. And you don’t have to get upset over anything if you don’t want to. It’s all in how you choose to respond. Just ask yourself, “Is it true?” If it is true then you can deal with it appropriately; if it’s not true then keep on keepin’ on!
A question for you: Why do you believe some people allow negativity to stop them?
I look forward to reading your response!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
When you make a mistake or if someone “tells you off”, do you have a sinking feeling inside?
When you or someone else does not produce the results that you were expecting, how do you react?
The fact is most of us have a negative response internally, to a negative occurrence that took place externally. It is the basic stimulus response modality. Something happens, positive or negative, and we have a reaction, positive or negative. It seems pretty simple. The problem is when our own negative responses are causing problems in our lives, families, businesses, or careers.
The difference maker is that we actually can control our own reactions. We don’t have to respond the way that we feel, especially when we feel like responding negatively.
When you hear that a key client is upset and is considering doing business with your competitor, you don’t have to “lose it.” Calm down, settle yourself. Instead of getting upset, examine the situation, look and see what opportunities are at your disposal. This may be a wonderful opportunity to turn this disgruntled client into a raving fan, by simply asking a few questions and addressing a few problems. It could have been a huge misunderstanding or the client could have just been having a horrible day. Maybe the client heard some negative news and they were taking it out on you! That is the stimulus response modality. It happens all the time. You may never know what the root problem is with a client, coworker, family member, or a particular situation; unless you take the high road, stay positive, and are bold enough to ask.
We must understand that problems are not pervasive. In other words, just because you have a problem in one area of your life, it does not mean that it has to take over your entire life.
I know of one person that explained some of the tremendous problems that they were facing in their professional life. The problems they outlined would have made most people’s head spin. However, this person did not have one bit of indigestion and did not lose one bit of sleep. They were operating in total peace and serenity. Why? They learned to compartmentalize their life. Problems in one area of your life do not have to destroy the other areas of your life. Put systems in place that help you to deal with problems, and establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life.
E-mail does not have to ruin your day. Put a system in place. I respond to e-mail once a day, i.e., before 10:00am or after 4:00pm every day. Or whatever will work best for you, but whatever you do, create a system that will reduce the stress and keep you from getting negative. Delete the negative aspects of your life. Maintain a ruthless focus on staying positive. Don’t let negativity creep up on you. When it does, deal with it tactfully and effectively, and keep moving forward. Always operate from a position of strength, never weakness. Stay upbeat and expect even negative occurrences to turn for your good. Keep a smile on your face, walk with a purpose, and project the confidence that is resident on the inside of you. Negativity has a way of raining on your parade. However, you have enough positivity and sunshine in you to evaporate every drop of negativity.
Many things come out in the wash. Some things are not worth the time that you worry about them. Why? Because some things just don’t matter. You cannot control people, their attitudes, actions, or opinions. What you can control is how you process what happens to you and how you choose to respond. That is where your power lies. Your attitude is your choice; no one can take that away from you.
At the end of every day, make sure to archive all of the positive occurrences, put a plan in place to deal with pertinent opportunities, and choose to delete all of the negatives. You will be able to start the next day with a clean slate, fresh energy, and a plan that will accelerate positive results.
The next time you experience something negative ask yourself the following questions:
1) What thought am I choosing to believe that is causing me to feel uneasy?
Most fears are caused by a thought. Worry is a thought. It is obsessively thinking in the negative. Find the negative thought, identify it, and get rid of it. Just because 500 other people lost their job doesn’t mean that you will lose yours. And even if you did lose your job, you will not only survive, you will thrive. But only If you get your mind right; you actually have the power to create whatever you want. Find the negative thought that is messing you up and choose to replace it with a positive thought. You will feel more at ease when you do this.
2) What is good about this?
Always ask yourself what is the benefit of this situation. What good things can I pull from this experience? If you stay with this question, if you stay positive and persistent the answers that you arrive at will astound you. Maybe it’s good that you did not get that client that you felt you had to have, because 3 months down the road you heard how they made your competitor miserable with their unreasonable and incessant requests. That company that you felt you just had to work for went “belly up” the year after they turned you down for a position. Are you upset that you did not get that job now? Always ask yourself, “What is good about this?”
3) Is it true?
Everything you hear is not necessarily true. Every criticism that is hurled at you is not necessarily appropriate or applicable. You can deal with negatives more effectively if you examine to see if they are true, and if they even apply to you. There are crooked people in the world. There are dishonest people in every profession that you can name under the sun. However, there are also good people everywhere you look, and there are people full of integrity in every profession that you interface with in your daily life. You just have to find them. Don’t lump everyone into one category. Don’t let people put a label on you that does not apply to you. Never forget, you don’t have to agree with everything that is said to you. And you don’t have to get upset over anything if you don’t want to. It’s all in how you choose to respond. Just ask yourself, “Is it true?” If it is true then you can deal with it appropriately; if it’s not true then keep on keepin’ on!
A question for you: Why do you believe some people allow negativity to stop them?
I look forward to reading your response!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
2/14/10
It Only Takes 5 Minutes
Instead of thinking about finishing the entire project; just try to do it for 5 minutes.
I use this as a tool to get any project started or to keep it moving.
I am currently writing another book. I can actually write for 2 – 3 hours or more at a time every day if I want to. I love writing. But writing is still challenging. Anything worth having or doing is a challenge. World champion athletes love the results that their efforts bring and may even enjoy their preparations and rigorous workouts. However, getting into their daily routine is still a challenge. Even though it is something that they are good at, it’s still a challenge.
For me the task of creating a book seems a lot easier and more fun to handle if I think about it as a game. A game of 5 minutes a day, that’s it. Just 5 minutes.
The funny thing is that when you commit to do something for 5 minutes, in all likelihood you will end up doing the project for a lot longer. This mental game is a way of tricking yourself into doing something and enjoying the entire process at the same time. I start for 5 minutes. I get into a zone before I know it. When I look up from typing on my laptop I smile and say to myself, “Wow! Where did the time go?”
What daunting task are you dreading? What project is trying to stare you down? Don’t think about trying to do it all at once. If you need to clean your home or apartment, do laundry, write a business proposal, review some case files, or whatever. Just take 5 minutes right now and get it started. Don’t worry about trying to finish the whole thing. Don’t worry about how big the task is and don’t fret about high pressure deadlines. Those pressures are usually created in your mind anyway. How does that image or pressure in your mind serve you?
You don’t have to feel strong and super confident. Start low and move slow. You will eventually rise higher and catch fire. The project will soar to completion before you know it.
Just try it for 5 minutes!
Question: What methods work best for you when trying to start a "tough" or "dreaded" task?
I look forward to reading your response!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
I use this as a tool to get any project started or to keep it moving.
I am currently writing another book. I can actually write for 2 – 3 hours or more at a time every day if I want to. I love writing. But writing is still challenging. Anything worth having or doing is a challenge. World champion athletes love the results that their efforts bring and may even enjoy their preparations and rigorous workouts. However, getting into their daily routine is still a challenge. Even though it is something that they are good at, it’s still a challenge.
For me the task of creating a book seems a lot easier and more fun to handle if I think about it as a game. A game of 5 minutes a day, that’s it. Just 5 minutes.
The funny thing is that when you commit to do something for 5 minutes, in all likelihood you will end up doing the project for a lot longer. This mental game is a way of tricking yourself into doing something and enjoying the entire process at the same time. I start for 5 minutes. I get into a zone before I know it. When I look up from typing on my laptop I smile and say to myself, “Wow! Where did the time go?”
What daunting task are you dreading? What project is trying to stare you down? Don’t think about trying to do it all at once. If you need to clean your home or apartment, do laundry, write a business proposal, review some case files, or whatever. Just take 5 minutes right now and get it started. Don’t worry about trying to finish the whole thing. Don’t worry about how big the task is and don’t fret about high pressure deadlines. Those pressures are usually created in your mind anyway. How does that image or pressure in your mind serve you?
You don’t have to feel strong and super confident. Start low and move slow. You will eventually rise higher and catch fire. The project will soar to completion before you know it.
Just try it for 5 minutes!
Question: What methods work best for you when trying to start a "tough" or "dreaded" task?
I look forward to reading your response!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
2/12/10
5 Reasons to Get Started Right Now
Like Shaq says in his commercial, Are you on demand or are you on delay?
When it comes to your dream, goal, project, or passion, what are you waiting for?
What’s really holding you back from launching that new business venture? What’s stopping you from starting that new fitness routine? When are you going to take that vacation? When are you going to write that book? When are you going to apply for that job, or start that new career? When are you going resign from that position, or organization that you know you should have left 3 years ago? When are you going to confront that situation that needs to be addressed?
“Only what you confront will change. What you refuse to confront will remain the same.”–Roberts Liardon
What’s the delay? The demand is evident. You’re tired of the status quo. The passion for the new venture is about to leap out of your chest! What are you waiting for? Your passion is your permission. You’ve drawn up plans and edited those plans 800 times. It’s time to implement the plan.
Make a decision. Put your plan in place. Take an action.
Get ready to enter a new race. Follow your true passion. It’s your time to be free. You’re going to feel like a 10 ton weight has fallen off of your shoulders. But first, you must get started.
Consider these 5 keys when you are launching any new endeavor:
1) Start badly.
Don’t worry about how you’re going to finish the entire project. Don’t worry about being flawless. Just get started. Your initial attempts don’t have to be perfect. Author, Steve Chandler says, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” What this means is you are going to make some mistakes in anything you do, but don’t let that stop you! Don’t worry, you’re not going to settle for mediocrity; because you’re passion for excellence is too strong. This is why you consistently succeed against the odds. So just get started, even if your initial results are less than desirable. Most authors will tell you that their first drafts were terrible; I know mine were. But the end result was wonderful. It would not have happened if I didn’t at least start badly. Start badly if you have to, but just make sure you get started. Excellence will rise through your persistence.
2) Put your time in.
Author, Malcolm Gladwell shares in his book, The Outliers, that anyone who has achieved world-class success in virtually any area, i.e., sports, business, technology, career, etc., has had at least 10,000 hours of practice. He cites business tycoon, Bill Gates. He shares that Gates really is not much different from you. It’s just that he started computer programming when he was in about the 7th grade. He had access to a computer lab that just happened to have the highest level of computer technology in the world at that time. The only difference is, once Gates started computer programming around the 7th grade, he never stopped! No wonder he dropped out of college. He was a world-class computer programming expert (10,000 hours of high level experience) by the time he was around 18 or 19 years of age! For most of us, 10,000 hours of practice equates to 10 years of experience in developing a certain skill. That’s why you should get started, and never stop. If you are an author or want to be one, start writing and don’t stop. If you want to be in the best physical shape of your life, get in the gym and be consistent. If you want to get a higher degree, persevere through the required academic process. No matter how tough it gets, if it’s your passion; hang in there. Never be discouraged at your results, they will improve over time. The key is to get started. How many hours have you logged when it comes to your dream, goal, or skill? Be determined to put your time in.
3) There is no “perfect time”.
If you are waiting on “perfect conditions” before you get started, then chances are you never will. Avid golfers know that no matter how “clear” the day looks, there is always some challenge that factors in to how they will execute each golf shot that day. I have never seen one golfer walk off the tee box and say, “Nope, I’m not going to hit that shot, I’m not going to play today, it’s too windy.” No, just like the avid golfer, you make adjustments. You make decisions, and you take the required actions. You may not have every piece of information that you want, but you probably have enough information to make an educated decision. Once you make your decision, it’s time to take an action. It’s time to execute the shot. Follow your “gut”. Don’t wait for the “perfect time”. The “perfect time” is when you decide to make it happen; it’s when you decide to take action.
4) Someone is waiting on you.
Do you realize that if you don’t get started, if you don’t follow your passion, that you could be robbing someone of an answer to their problem? You’ve got the answer to a question that they’ve asked for a lifetime, but your holding on to the answer by not creating. Someone is waiting to read the book that may change their life or business. Have you written it yet? Someone wants to pay you for the knowledge and skills that you possess. Have you created the business yet? There is an opportunity, or a connection with your name on it. It’s just waiting for you to grab it. Someone is waiting on your encouragement and feedback. Have you given it to them? Who is it that may be waiting on you? Go ahead and do what only you can do. Someone is waiting on you to help set them free.
5) Do the thing.
Nike says, “Just do it.” But some of us just don’t get it. Steve Chandler says, “It’s the doing of the thing that gets it done.” The way to become anything is to do the thing. If you want to be a coach or a consultant, just get started. Go help somebody. Whatever you want to become, just start where you are. Start with the opportunities that are in your life right now. Don’t wait for a “big break”. Stop taking a break and go motivate. First, motivate yourself, and then go motivate someone else. This works in any area, i.e., career, academics, fitness, business, cooking, relationships, or breaking bad habits. It works for anything. All you have to do is, do the thing.
Take the above keys and insert them into the ignition of your new endeavor. Start the engine of internal motivation. Shift the gears out of park, and into drive, and then accelerate. You will feel a tremendous sense of fulfillment, begin to build up on the inside. Measurable results will begin to ramp up on the outside. All because, you challenged yourself to just get started.
Question: What do you think really holds people back from following their true passion?
Let me hear back from you.
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
When it comes to your dream, goal, project, or passion, what are you waiting for?
What’s really holding you back from launching that new business venture? What’s stopping you from starting that new fitness routine? When are you going to take that vacation? When are you going to write that book? When are you going to apply for that job, or start that new career? When are you going resign from that position, or organization that you know you should have left 3 years ago? When are you going to confront that situation that needs to be addressed?
“Only what you confront will change. What you refuse to confront will remain the same.”–Roberts Liardon
What’s the delay? The demand is evident. You’re tired of the status quo. The passion for the new venture is about to leap out of your chest! What are you waiting for? Your passion is your permission. You’ve drawn up plans and edited those plans 800 times. It’s time to implement the plan.
Make a decision. Put your plan in place. Take an action.
Get ready to enter a new race. Follow your true passion. It’s your time to be free. You’re going to feel like a 10 ton weight has fallen off of your shoulders. But first, you must get started.
Consider these 5 keys when you are launching any new endeavor:
1) Start badly.
Don’t worry about how you’re going to finish the entire project. Don’t worry about being flawless. Just get started. Your initial attempts don’t have to be perfect. Author, Steve Chandler says, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” What this means is you are going to make some mistakes in anything you do, but don’t let that stop you! Don’t worry, you’re not going to settle for mediocrity; because you’re passion for excellence is too strong. This is why you consistently succeed against the odds. So just get started, even if your initial results are less than desirable. Most authors will tell you that their first drafts were terrible; I know mine were. But the end result was wonderful. It would not have happened if I didn’t at least start badly. Start badly if you have to, but just make sure you get started. Excellence will rise through your persistence.
2) Put your time in.
Author, Malcolm Gladwell shares in his book, The Outliers, that anyone who has achieved world-class success in virtually any area, i.e., sports, business, technology, career, etc., has had at least 10,000 hours of practice. He cites business tycoon, Bill Gates. He shares that Gates really is not much different from you. It’s just that he started computer programming when he was in about the 7th grade. He had access to a computer lab that just happened to have the highest level of computer technology in the world at that time. The only difference is, once Gates started computer programming around the 7th grade, he never stopped! No wonder he dropped out of college. He was a world-class computer programming expert (10,000 hours of high level experience) by the time he was around 18 or 19 years of age! For most of us, 10,000 hours of practice equates to 10 years of experience in developing a certain skill. That’s why you should get started, and never stop. If you are an author or want to be one, start writing and don’t stop. If you want to be in the best physical shape of your life, get in the gym and be consistent. If you want to get a higher degree, persevere through the required academic process. No matter how tough it gets, if it’s your passion; hang in there. Never be discouraged at your results, they will improve over time. The key is to get started. How many hours have you logged when it comes to your dream, goal, or skill? Be determined to put your time in.
3) There is no “perfect time”.
If you are waiting on “perfect conditions” before you get started, then chances are you never will. Avid golfers know that no matter how “clear” the day looks, there is always some challenge that factors in to how they will execute each golf shot that day. I have never seen one golfer walk off the tee box and say, “Nope, I’m not going to hit that shot, I’m not going to play today, it’s too windy.” No, just like the avid golfer, you make adjustments. You make decisions, and you take the required actions. You may not have every piece of information that you want, but you probably have enough information to make an educated decision. Once you make your decision, it’s time to take an action. It’s time to execute the shot. Follow your “gut”. Don’t wait for the “perfect time”. The “perfect time” is when you decide to make it happen; it’s when you decide to take action.
4) Someone is waiting on you.
Do you realize that if you don’t get started, if you don’t follow your passion, that you could be robbing someone of an answer to their problem? You’ve got the answer to a question that they’ve asked for a lifetime, but your holding on to the answer by not creating. Someone is waiting to read the book that may change their life or business. Have you written it yet? Someone wants to pay you for the knowledge and skills that you possess. Have you created the business yet? There is an opportunity, or a connection with your name on it. It’s just waiting for you to grab it. Someone is waiting on your encouragement and feedback. Have you given it to them? Who is it that may be waiting on you? Go ahead and do what only you can do. Someone is waiting on you to help set them free.
5) Do the thing.
Nike says, “Just do it.” But some of us just don’t get it. Steve Chandler says, “It’s the doing of the thing that gets it done.” The way to become anything is to do the thing. If you want to be a coach or a consultant, just get started. Go help somebody. Whatever you want to become, just start where you are. Start with the opportunities that are in your life right now. Don’t wait for a “big break”. Stop taking a break and go motivate. First, motivate yourself, and then go motivate someone else. This works in any area, i.e., career, academics, fitness, business, cooking, relationships, or breaking bad habits. It works for anything. All you have to do is, do the thing.
Take the above keys and insert them into the ignition of your new endeavor. Start the engine of internal motivation. Shift the gears out of park, and into drive, and then accelerate. You will feel a tremendous sense of fulfillment, begin to build up on the inside. Measurable results will begin to ramp up on the outside. All because, you challenged yourself to just get started.
Question: What do you think really holds people back from following their true passion?
Let me hear back from you.
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
2/7/10
7 Reasons Why You Should Set High Expectations
No matter what difficult situation you have been dealing with and no matter for how long, you should always have high expectations for yourself and any endeavor you are involved in.
Expectation is an intense anticipation of a particular outcome.
You should always have corresponding actions that say you are expecting to see high yield results.
“Never say something about yourself that you do not sincerely want to be true.” –Brian Tracy
Do not think or say things that you do not really want to happen. If you don’t want to lose a particular account, then don’t say, “I guess I’m going to lose that long standing client. I guess there is nothing I can do about it.” If you don’t really want to lose the client, then get enthusiastic about creating a plan to keep them. If you eventually do lose the client after executing a plan to keep them, then at least you did your best. But don’t ever enter a competition or embark on a project without the expectation of winning. Without the expectation to win, you are automatically planning to lose.
Don’t fight battles that don’t have rewards.
You are highly gifted and valuable; you don’t have time and resources to waste. Choose your battles and projects wisely, and expect to succeed when you begin and end them.
Champions expect to win. I like how baseball superstar Derek Jeter says it, “I wouldn’t want to play for a team that wasn’t expected to win.”
Even if you fall back occasionally, don’t let that stop you. Get back up and start right where you left off. You are human, that means you make mistakes like the rest of us. However, humans also have the unique ability to correct mistakes. It is called the power to make a decision. Your life, business, or career will often follow the path of your decisions.
One of the most powerful decisions you can make on a daily basis is what you choose to expect for the efforts you put into a project. Expect to win. It has been said by world champion athletes that 2nd place is 1st loser. Even though we should not take this too seriously, and even though losing doesn’t make us less of a human; we should never go into a situation expecting to lose. Your body language is even different when you don’t believe you will perform well at something. When you have ultimate confidence that you will achieve a good result, everyone knows it. Even without you saying a word, people can see it.
If you are expecting to lose weight or get in shape, you should expect to succeed.
If you are trying to break a bad habit or an addiction, you should expect it to be broken.
If you are starting a new job, career, or business you should expect to be highly successful.
Put plans in place to help you succeed. Solicit the support of people who can help you, and involve people that are smarter and more successful than you. This helps to keep expectations high.
Never expect to lose, expect for difficult situations to work out for your good.
No matter how long you have been challenged in an area regarding your personal or professional life, expect for the tide to turn in your favor starting today!
Here are 7 reasons why you should always set high expectations:
1) Expectations are magnetic.
It’s amazing what happens when you have a definite purpose in mind. When you are clear on what you want and can articulate what you need in 30 seconds or less, the resources and support that you need, will flood into your life.
2) Expectations provide guidance.
Your expectations actually carve out a path that you will likely follow. Expectations are like a tour guide. A successful tour guide will lead you in the right direction and help you enjoy the ride immensely. A bad tour guide will fail to get you to your destination, and the ride will be absolutely miserable. Set high expectations that will serve as good tour guides, accelerating you toward your desired destination.
3) Expectations build motivation.
You will seldom exceed your own expectations, especially if your expectations are too low to start with. You don’t pursue goals that don’t mean anything to you. Do something about that today. If you have a goal that is not high enough to move you to action, then raise the stakes by setting a new goal. Raise the level of your expectations, and you will raise the level of your motivation.
4) Expectations fuel productive action.
You are more likely to follow through on a commitment if there is something at stake. If a key client is expecting you to deliver on a promise, then you are more likely to make it happen at a high level. Conversely, if you are considering the time and effort it will take for you to complete a trivial activity; you are less likely to follow through. High expectations will fuel productive actions that bring a big return on your investment.
5) Expectations provide clarity.
Setting low expectations is like trying to drive on a foggy day; you can’t see very far. Having low expectations for yourself or others leaves room for confusion and mediocre results. Having high expectations for yourself, a family member, an employee, or a vendor is like driving on a clear sunny day; you can see how to get to the goal very easily. High expectations clears the fog, providing a beacon of light for the pathway to accelerated results.
6) Expectations increase your success rate.
Expectations determine what targets that you hit. One way to set expectations is by what you continually say and visualize. If expectations are low, then no goals or low goals is what you will hit. Set high expectations for reaching worthy goals, and you will be more pleased with your results. High expectations help to increase your success rate.
7) Expectations are transformational.
You can transform a person, family, career, or business by setting high expectations. People will usually rise or fall to the level of expectations that are set for them. There are countless stories of people who had meager beginnings. But because someone believed in them, they were able to transform their life and change their world. You can do the same for yourself and those in your circle of influence. Transform lives by setting high expectations.
Use the above 7 reasons to set high expectations to help raise the level of your game!
What’s your answer to the following question?:
Why do you believe people often set their expectations so low?
Let me hear back from you!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
Expectation is an intense anticipation of a particular outcome.
You should always have corresponding actions that say you are expecting to see high yield results.
“Never say something about yourself that you do not sincerely want to be true.” –Brian Tracy
Do not think or say things that you do not really want to happen. If you don’t want to lose a particular account, then don’t say, “I guess I’m going to lose that long standing client. I guess there is nothing I can do about it.” If you don’t really want to lose the client, then get enthusiastic about creating a plan to keep them. If you eventually do lose the client after executing a plan to keep them, then at least you did your best. But don’t ever enter a competition or embark on a project without the expectation of winning. Without the expectation to win, you are automatically planning to lose.
Don’t fight battles that don’t have rewards.
You are highly gifted and valuable; you don’t have time and resources to waste. Choose your battles and projects wisely, and expect to succeed when you begin and end them.
Champions expect to win. I like how baseball superstar Derek Jeter says it, “I wouldn’t want to play for a team that wasn’t expected to win.”
Even if you fall back occasionally, don’t let that stop you. Get back up and start right where you left off. You are human, that means you make mistakes like the rest of us. However, humans also have the unique ability to correct mistakes. It is called the power to make a decision. Your life, business, or career will often follow the path of your decisions.
One of the most powerful decisions you can make on a daily basis is what you choose to expect for the efforts you put into a project. Expect to win. It has been said by world champion athletes that 2nd place is 1st loser. Even though we should not take this too seriously, and even though losing doesn’t make us less of a human; we should never go into a situation expecting to lose. Your body language is even different when you don’t believe you will perform well at something. When you have ultimate confidence that you will achieve a good result, everyone knows it. Even without you saying a word, people can see it.
If you are expecting to lose weight or get in shape, you should expect to succeed.
If you are trying to break a bad habit or an addiction, you should expect it to be broken.
If you are starting a new job, career, or business you should expect to be highly successful.
Put plans in place to help you succeed. Solicit the support of people who can help you, and involve people that are smarter and more successful than you. This helps to keep expectations high.
Never expect to lose, expect for difficult situations to work out for your good.
No matter how long you have been challenged in an area regarding your personal or professional life, expect for the tide to turn in your favor starting today!
Here are 7 reasons why you should always set high expectations:
1) Expectations are magnetic.
It’s amazing what happens when you have a definite purpose in mind. When you are clear on what you want and can articulate what you need in 30 seconds or less, the resources and support that you need, will flood into your life.
2) Expectations provide guidance.
Your expectations actually carve out a path that you will likely follow. Expectations are like a tour guide. A successful tour guide will lead you in the right direction and help you enjoy the ride immensely. A bad tour guide will fail to get you to your destination, and the ride will be absolutely miserable. Set high expectations that will serve as good tour guides, accelerating you toward your desired destination.
3) Expectations build motivation.
You will seldom exceed your own expectations, especially if your expectations are too low to start with. You don’t pursue goals that don’t mean anything to you. Do something about that today. If you have a goal that is not high enough to move you to action, then raise the stakes by setting a new goal. Raise the level of your expectations, and you will raise the level of your motivation.
4) Expectations fuel productive action.
You are more likely to follow through on a commitment if there is something at stake. If a key client is expecting you to deliver on a promise, then you are more likely to make it happen at a high level. Conversely, if you are considering the time and effort it will take for you to complete a trivial activity; you are less likely to follow through. High expectations will fuel productive actions that bring a big return on your investment.
5) Expectations provide clarity.
Setting low expectations is like trying to drive on a foggy day; you can’t see very far. Having low expectations for yourself or others leaves room for confusion and mediocre results. Having high expectations for yourself, a family member, an employee, or a vendor is like driving on a clear sunny day; you can see how to get to the goal very easily. High expectations clears the fog, providing a beacon of light for the pathway to accelerated results.
6) Expectations increase your success rate.
Expectations determine what targets that you hit. One way to set expectations is by what you continually say and visualize. If expectations are low, then no goals or low goals is what you will hit. Set high expectations for reaching worthy goals, and you will be more pleased with your results. High expectations help to increase your success rate.
7) Expectations are transformational.
You can transform a person, family, career, or business by setting high expectations. People will usually rise or fall to the level of expectations that are set for them. There are countless stories of people who had meager beginnings. But because someone believed in them, they were able to transform their life and change their world. You can do the same for yourself and those in your circle of influence. Transform lives by setting high expectations.
Use the above 7 reasons to set high expectations to help raise the level of your game!
What’s your answer to the following question?:
Why do you believe people often set their expectations so low?
Let me hear back from you!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
P.S. To inquire about Craig's book, "Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny", his coaching packages, or to have him speak at your event, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
P.P.S. Follow Craig on these following social media sites:
Twitter: @CRAIGLSANDERS http://bit.ly/5rMQy5
Facebook: http://bit.ly/8DHOzU
Linkedin: http://bit.ly/5kLw5F
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
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