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
2/14/10
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
1/31/10
7 Keys to Breaking Any Fear
One of the most common impediments to achieving any goal in life, business, or career is fear.
Fear often causes a gnawing feeling in your gut. It can make your insides feel like they have been scratched by sand paper.
Fear causes many to walk in a lack of confidence. They may take steps toward achieving a goal but their steps are unsure.
Every human on the planet experiences fear. Whether, it is regarding your health, your family, your money, or a major decision that you must make. Fear is a challenge that we all face.
Where does this uneasy feeling of fear come from? How can we blast passed it every time we face it?
Fear often comes from a thought. Fears are often fueled by something your thinking. Fears are kept alive by your speaking. The more you think of something, the more likely you are to speak about it. The more you speak about something, the more life you give it. This works in the positive and the negative. Fear feeds off of negative thoughts and words. People often fear because of a negative experience that they or someone they know has had in the past. They think about the negative experience that they have had or heard about, and it causes a reaction.
Your thoughts cause physical and emotional responses. That’s why some people’s palms get sweaty when they get ready to give a public talk. That’s why even some professional athletes get a queasy stomach before a big game.
If I told you to close your eyes and imagine you were in a peaceful, quiet room with a table and a chair and a tall clear glass of cold water. You would probably be feeling pretty calm right now. Staying with this same imaginary scenario, what if I told you that in the room next to you there is a hungry lion that hasn’t eaten for three days? How do you feel now? Also, I forgot to mention that the lion I was referring to in the next room was toothless, declawed, and is actually a documentary playing on cable TV. Now how do you feel?
This is what happens when you break your fears down. You see how ridiculous and powerless they are to hinder or harm you.
Here are some keys that you can use to break fear the next time you are faced with it:
1) You can control fear by controlling your thoughts.
Just because you failed before does not mean you will fail again. Who cares if you had an unsuccessful attempt before? That was just practice. That was then. This is now. The chance of failing again is no reason to be afraid of trying again. Your mind will process whatever you put in it, positive or negative. Stop re-playing failure scenarios in your mind and start pre-playing images of you succeeding at a certain task. If you find a thought difficult to control, then speak out loud to yourself a positive affirmation until the positive thought is ingrained. For example, I will lose 10 lbs by this date… or I’m going to do an excellent job on that presentation next week.
2) Fear retreats when you take action.
If you act in spite of how you feel, then you will see how little power fear has. One of the most effective ways to break intimidation is to take bold action. You stop fear in its tracks, when you take huge loads of action. Fear may seem to hinder you, but the truth is it cannot stop you; unless you allow it. Fears are like flies. They can bother you but they can’t stop you.
3) What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Ask yourself these questions: What’s the worst thing that can happen to me, if I do or don’t take action? What’s the best thing that can happen to me, if I do or don’t take action? Examine your answers to these questions and you will likely be filled with the courage for whatever appropriate action you decide to take.
4) Dismantle the thought.
Since most fears come from something you are thinking, break the thought down. Ask yourself, what or who am I afraid of? Why? Sit in a quiet place with a pad and a pen or your laptop and get to the bottom of this “fear” that has seemingly immobilized you. Finding solutions to your problems on paper dismantles and destroys the thought that was fueling the fear. Get the fear out in the light of day through writing or brainstorming. Dismantling the thought that fuels fear exposes it for the weakling that it is. Your fears are actually declawed and toothless lions.
5) Stop believing a lie.
“Nothing is ever as bad as it first appears.” –Mike Murdock
Fear has been described by many as the acronym, F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). After you’ve dismantled the thought that had you afraid, you will see that it was just a lie. Dread is a close relative of fear. How many times have you absolutely dreaded a particular task, only to see that you actually enjoyed it? You thought that the meeting with a particular person or organization was going to be one of the worst things you’ve ever done. After you completed the meeting, you found out it was one of the best things that you’ve ever done. Don’t let F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) hold you back. It’s just a lie.
6) Make it a game.
Since fear is a lie, do the opposite of what you fear. Perform reverse psychology on fear. For example, if you are a person who typically is afraid to speak in front of an audience, act like you love it! Act like you can’t wait to do it. Practice as much as you can. Make it a game and see how well you can outsmart fear by acting like you are an “old pro”. Act like this is no big deal for you. You’ve done this a thousand times before or at least you’re acting like you have. Prepare like an actor who is preparing for a role. Laugh, sing, and dance about it. This is nothing but a routine exercise. If you approach the dreaded task like this, you will increase your chances for a positive outcome.
7) The thing you fear usually never happens.
Since the things you worry, fret, and fear about usually never happen anyway. Why in the world would you want to obsess over them? Someone said worry and fear is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere. The energy you spend fearing can be more effectively used taking positive action on achieving a goal. List all of the positive things you could be doing to shift your cause forward instead of wasting time being stuck in the gear of fear.
The voice of fear tries to get the attention of both champions and losers. Champions ignore the voice of fear; losers listen to it.
Use the above 7 keys to break any fear in your life.
What’s your answer to the following question?:
Why do you believe people allow fear to stop them from reaching their goals?
I look forward to reading your responses!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks!,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
I also talk about dealing with fear in my book, “Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny”.
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
Fear often causes a gnawing feeling in your gut. It can make your insides feel like they have been scratched by sand paper.
Fear causes many to walk in a lack of confidence. They may take steps toward achieving a goal but their steps are unsure.
Every human on the planet experiences fear. Whether, it is regarding your health, your family, your money, or a major decision that you must make. Fear is a challenge that we all face.
Where does this uneasy feeling of fear come from? How can we blast passed it every time we face it?
Fear often comes from a thought. Fears are often fueled by something your thinking. Fears are kept alive by your speaking. The more you think of something, the more likely you are to speak about it. The more you speak about something, the more life you give it. This works in the positive and the negative. Fear feeds off of negative thoughts and words. People often fear because of a negative experience that they or someone they know has had in the past. They think about the negative experience that they have had or heard about, and it causes a reaction.
Your thoughts cause physical and emotional responses. That’s why some people’s palms get sweaty when they get ready to give a public talk. That’s why even some professional athletes get a queasy stomach before a big game.
If I told you to close your eyes and imagine you were in a peaceful, quiet room with a table and a chair and a tall clear glass of cold water. You would probably be feeling pretty calm right now. Staying with this same imaginary scenario, what if I told you that in the room next to you there is a hungry lion that hasn’t eaten for three days? How do you feel now? Also, I forgot to mention that the lion I was referring to in the next room was toothless, declawed, and is actually a documentary playing on cable TV. Now how do you feel?
This is what happens when you break your fears down. You see how ridiculous and powerless they are to hinder or harm you.
Here are some keys that you can use to break fear the next time you are faced with it:
1) You can control fear by controlling your thoughts.
Just because you failed before does not mean you will fail again. Who cares if you had an unsuccessful attempt before? That was just practice. That was then. This is now. The chance of failing again is no reason to be afraid of trying again. Your mind will process whatever you put in it, positive or negative. Stop re-playing failure scenarios in your mind and start pre-playing images of you succeeding at a certain task. If you find a thought difficult to control, then speak out loud to yourself a positive affirmation until the positive thought is ingrained. For example, I will lose 10 lbs by this date… or I’m going to do an excellent job on that presentation next week.
2) Fear retreats when you take action.
If you act in spite of how you feel, then you will see how little power fear has. One of the most effective ways to break intimidation is to take bold action. You stop fear in its tracks, when you take huge loads of action. Fear may seem to hinder you, but the truth is it cannot stop you; unless you allow it. Fears are like flies. They can bother you but they can’t stop you.
3) What’s the worst thing that can happen?
Ask yourself these questions: What’s the worst thing that can happen to me, if I do or don’t take action? What’s the best thing that can happen to me, if I do or don’t take action? Examine your answers to these questions and you will likely be filled with the courage for whatever appropriate action you decide to take.
4) Dismantle the thought.
Since most fears come from something you are thinking, break the thought down. Ask yourself, what or who am I afraid of? Why? Sit in a quiet place with a pad and a pen or your laptop and get to the bottom of this “fear” that has seemingly immobilized you. Finding solutions to your problems on paper dismantles and destroys the thought that was fueling the fear. Get the fear out in the light of day through writing or brainstorming. Dismantling the thought that fuels fear exposes it for the weakling that it is. Your fears are actually declawed and toothless lions.
5) Stop believing a lie.
“Nothing is ever as bad as it first appears.” –Mike Murdock
Fear has been described by many as the acronym, F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real). After you’ve dismantled the thought that had you afraid, you will see that it was just a lie. Dread is a close relative of fear. How many times have you absolutely dreaded a particular task, only to see that you actually enjoyed it? You thought that the meeting with a particular person or organization was going to be one of the worst things you’ve ever done. After you completed the meeting, you found out it was one of the best things that you’ve ever done. Don’t let F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) hold you back. It’s just a lie.
6) Make it a game.
Since fear is a lie, do the opposite of what you fear. Perform reverse psychology on fear. For example, if you are a person who typically is afraid to speak in front of an audience, act like you love it! Act like you can’t wait to do it. Practice as much as you can. Make it a game and see how well you can outsmart fear by acting like you are an “old pro”. Act like this is no big deal for you. You’ve done this a thousand times before or at least you’re acting like you have. Prepare like an actor who is preparing for a role. Laugh, sing, and dance about it. This is nothing but a routine exercise. If you approach the dreaded task like this, you will increase your chances for a positive outcome.
7) The thing you fear usually never happens.
Since the things you worry, fret, and fear about usually never happen anyway. Why in the world would you want to obsess over them? Someone said worry and fear is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere. The energy you spend fearing can be more effectively used taking positive action on achieving a goal. List all of the positive things you could be doing to shift your cause forward instead of wasting time being stuck in the gear of fear.
The voice of fear tries to get the attention of both champions and losers. Champions ignore the voice of fear; losers listen to it.
Use the above 7 keys to break any fear in your life.
What’s your answer to the following question?:
Why do you believe people allow fear to stop them from reaching their goals?
I look forward to reading your responses!
Turn Your Setbacks into Accelerated Comebacks!,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
I also talk about dealing with fear in my book, “Keys to Manifesting Your Destiny”.
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
1/26/10
7 Keys to Setting Goals That Move You to Action
Now is the time to set your course for accelerated success. One of the challenges that many encounter on the pathway to goal attainment is a sluggish start. In the process of success, there are times when progress seems non-existent. We may even feel like our feet are stuck in “quick sand”. There are several ways to counteract this feeling of inertia.
One of the tools that we can use to break negative inertia is to “clean house” when it comes to our motives and goals. Sometimes your goals need an audit. Having too many goals can be stressful. Having goals that are too big can be discouraging. Having goals that do not mean anything to us can cause a feeling of mild depression.
One way to stir your inner fire for achievement is to take a closer look at your goals. Focus more attention on how you set goals. Be attentive to eliminating goals that are ineffective and unnecessary.
Completing this exercise will be like pouring fuel on a fire. You will experience more accomplishment. You will feel happier, lighter, and more effective. You will have more fun.
In your quest to setting goals that move you to action, consider the following keys:
1) Stop following goals that don’t motivate you.
“It’s not what a goal is that’s important; it’s what a goal does.” –Steve Chandler
This is one of the most liberating experiences you will ever have. If you realize a goal no longer moves you to action, stop following that goal! Don’t do things that you are not passionate about. Following goals that don’t motivate you can cause you to lose ground through inactivity. Some goals may have made sense at the time. But what about now? Take time to re-evaluate the goal. We must live in the “here and now”. How does the goal serve you now? If the goal does not move you, then it ceases to be a goal and becomes an obstacle. Meaningless goals are like statues in the middle of a race track. They are needless roadblocks that are hindering your progress. It’s time to put a stop to the madness. Stop following goals that don’t motivate you.
2) Set goals that have bigger rewards.
Another reason why we often experience sluggishness on the way to reaching a goal is, the reward for the goal we are pursuing is not big enough to move us to effective action.
When you set significant goals for your life, business, or career they should strike excitement inside of you. High achievers set goals that have high stakes. Your body language, vocabulary, appearance, and activity are much different when a goal has a big enough reward attached to it. Some individuals that were never serious about fitness and nutrition got real serious when a health professional told them, “If you don’t make some changes now the results could be life threatening.” In the blink of an eye, they instantly had a goal with a big enough reward. Figure out what kind of reward you really want and the goal that will help you get there will naturally emerge. Set goals that have big enough rewards to move you into action.
3) Set goals that benefit others
Virtually everyone on the planet longs to make a difference in the lives of others. Have you ever overheard someone ask another person for directions to a certain location that you were familiar with? If you were like most people, you probably couldn’t contain yourself and blurted out the answer. They were not even talking to you. It didn’t matter. Why? The desire to make a difference was so strong! Set goals that will provide solutions to someone else’s problems. When you set goals, use the desire to make a difference in the lives of others as a goal setting tool. Ask yourself, “Who will this goal benefit besides me? What could I do to have the greatest impact on others, while doing something that I really enjoy?” You can probably already feel the wheels of creativity and motivation turning inside of you. Your desire to help others will help move you to action.
4) Set goals that make you feel like all of your gifts and skills are being utilized.
The more you use the gifts you have, the more you will enjoy your life. The more goals you have that require your specific gifts, skills, and expertise, the more likely you are to have sufficient motivation to reach those goals. This is another tool that helps you filter out unnecessary goals. You can ask yourself, “If my core gifts and skills are not being used, then why am I pursuing this goal?” Set and pursue goals that use your gifts, talents, and skills and your success rate will likely increase.
5) Set goals that require the assistance of others.
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” –John C. Maxwell
When you involve others in achieving your goals there is accountability. When others are helping you, things get done faster. When others are helping you it is more fun. There are many benefits to setting goals that are so big that you cannot accomplish them on your own. This also helps others to fulfill their need to make a difference. Set goals that require others to get involved and a lack of motivation is less likely to be a problem. Motivation is contagious.
6) Decide what you want to create.
Some people have achieved so much success in their lives, businesses, and careers that they struggle with goal setting because they feel they have nothing else to accomplish. One of the best questions you can ask yourself in this situation is, “What do I want to create?” Whether you are age 9 or 109, you can draw uncommon motivation from this powerful question. Whether you have had exceptional success or exceptional failure, this question is appropriate. Creating something that has never existed before or doing something in a way that only you can do it is extremely motivating. Deciding what you want to create can move you to action.
7) Stop comparing your goals to the goals of others.
“The only reason men fail is broken focus.” –Mike Murdock
One of the most dangerous activities you can engage yourself in, is comparing your goals to someone else’s. You can feel your heart sink when you allow yourself to be distracted by what someone else is pursuing. You begin feeling like a colossal failure. This is a waste of creative energy. Stay focused on your race and your lane. It’s ok to look to others for ideas, motivation, or admiration. However, the moment you start feeling bad about your own goals because of being captivated by someone else’s, there is a problem. Simply refocus your attention on your own goals and refuse to compare yourself to others. Your goals are worthy of your full attention. If you feel you can’t focus on your goals because of someone else’s goals, then you probably need to set more compelling goals.
Use these 7 keys to setting goals that move you to action and surprise yourself with the results.
Question: Why do you think people follow goals that don’t motivate them?
I look forward to reading your answers.
I wish you uncommon success!
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
http://www.craiglsanders.com/
To inquire about Craig's coaching packages or to have Craig speak for your company or organization, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
One of the tools that we can use to break negative inertia is to “clean house” when it comes to our motives and goals. Sometimes your goals need an audit. Having too many goals can be stressful. Having goals that are too big can be discouraging. Having goals that do not mean anything to us can cause a feeling of mild depression.
One way to stir your inner fire for achievement is to take a closer look at your goals. Focus more attention on how you set goals. Be attentive to eliminating goals that are ineffective and unnecessary.
Completing this exercise will be like pouring fuel on a fire. You will experience more accomplishment. You will feel happier, lighter, and more effective. You will have more fun.
In your quest to setting goals that move you to action, consider the following keys:
1) Stop following goals that don’t motivate you.
“It’s not what a goal is that’s important; it’s what a goal does.” –Steve Chandler
This is one of the most liberating experiences you will ever have. If you realize a goal no longer moves you to action, stop following that goal! Don’t do things that you are not passionate about. Following goals that don’t motivate you can cause you to lose ground through inactivity. Some goals may have made sense at the time. But what about now? Take time to re-evaluate the goal. We must live in the “here and now”. How does the goal serve you now? If the goal does not move you, then it ceases to be a goal and becomes an obstacle. Meaningless goals are like statues in the middle of a race track. They are needless roadblocks that are hindering your progress. It’s time to put a stop to the madness. Stop following goals that don’t motivate you.
2) Set goals that have bigger rewards.
Another reason why we often experience sluggishness on the way to reaching a goal is, the reward for the goal we are pursuing is not big enough to move us to effective action.
When you set significant goals for your life, business, or career they should strike excitement inside of you. High achievers set goals that have high stakes. Your body language, vocabulary, appearance, and activity are much different when a goal has a big enough reward attached to it. Some individuals that were never serious about fitness and nutrition got real serious when a health professional told them, “If you don’t make some changes now the results could be life threatening.” In the blink of an eye, they instantly had a goal with a big enough reward. Figure out what kind of reward you really want and the goal that will help you get there will naturally emerge. Set goals that have big enough rewards to move you into action.
3) Set goals that benefit others
Virtually everyone on the planet longs to make a difference in the lives of others. Have you ever overheard someone ask another person for directions to a certain location that you were familiar with? If you were like most people, you probably couldn’t contain yourself and blurted out the answer. They were not even talking to you. It didn’t matter. Why? The desire to make a difference was so strong! Set goals that will provide solutions to someone else’s problems. When you set goals, use the desire to make a difference in the lives of others as a goal setting tool. Ask yourself, “Who will this goal benefit besides me? What could I do to have the greatest impact on others, while doing something that I really enjoy?” You can probably already feel the wheels of creativity and motivation turning inside of you. Your desire to help others will help move you to action.
4) Set goals that make you feel like all of your gifts and skills are being utilized.
The more you use the gifts you have, the more you will enjoy your life. The more goals you have that require your specific gifts, skills, and expertise, the more likely you are to have sufficient motivation to reach those goals. This is another tool that helps you filter out unnecessary goals. You can ask yourself, “If my core gifts and skills are not being used, then why am I pursuing this goal?” Set and pursue goals that use your gifts, talents, and skills and your success rate will likely increase.
5) Set goals that require the assistance of others.
“Teamwork makes the dream work.” –John C. Maxwell
When you involve others in achieving your goals there is accountability. When others are helping you, things get done faster. When others are helping you it is more fun. There are many benefits to setting goals that are so big that you cannot accomplish them on your own. This also helps others to fulfill their need to make a difference. Set goals that require others to get involved and a lack of motivation is less likely to be a problem. Motivation is contagious.
6) Decide what you want to create.
Some people have achieved so much success in their lives, businesses, and careers that they struggle with goal setting because they feel they have nothing else to accomplish. One of the best questions you can ask yourself in this situation is, “What do I want to create?” Whether you are age 9 or 109, you can draw uncommon motivation from this powerful question. Whether you have had exceptional success or exceptional failure, this question is appropriate. Creating something that has never existed before or doing something in a way that only you can do it is extremely motivating. Deciding what you want to create can move you to action.
7) Stop comparing your goals to the goals of others.
“The only reason men fail is broken focus.” –Mike Murdock
One of the most dangerous activities you can engage yourself in, is comparing your goals to someone else’s. You can feel your heart sink when you allow yourself to be distracted by what someone else is pursuing. You begin feeling like a colossal failure. This is a waste of creative energy. Stay focused on your race and your lane. It’s ok to look to others for ideas, motivation, or admiration. However, the moment you start feeling bad about your own goals because of being captivated by someone else’s, there is a problem. Simply refocus your attention on your own goals and refuse to compare yourself to others. Your goals are worthy of your full attention. If you feel you can’t focus on your goals because of someone else’s goals, then you probably need to set more compelling goals.
Use these 7 keys to setting goals that move you to action and surprise yourself with the results.
Question: Why do you think people follow goals that don’t motivate them?
I look forward to reading your answers.
I wish you uncommon success!
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
http://www.craiglsanders.com/
To inquire about Craig's coaching packages or to have Craig speak for your company or organization, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
1/18/10
7 Keys to Following Your Passion Instead of a Distraction
It’s time for you to stop doing things that you are not passionate about.
Are you following your passion or just a distraction?
If you have goals that no longer excite you then it’s time to get some new ones. Why would you do things that don’t really matter to you? Obviously, I’m not talking about things that are inherent responsibilities, i.e., being a great parent, fulfilling responsibilities to your family, employer, or employees, etc. I’m talking about extracurricular activities. I’m talking about how you spend your time after your responsibilities to family, business, or career are fulfilled.
Now is a great time to reassess what you are doing and why you are doing it. At the center of frustration, you may find things that have been done out of obligation. Where do you spend your time, both physically and mentally? Where is your focus?
It’s ok to help someone else fulfill their dream but this should never be to the demise of your own.
There is no better time than the present to begin working on the things that you really want to do.
Do you want to start a non-profit to help battered women? Do you want to write a book or record a professional music CD? Do you want to lose 15 lbs or begin a new exercise routine? Do you want to take a cruise? Do you long to be in another career? Is there a business deep in your heart that is leaping to get started? Do you want to reinvent yourself with a new wardrobe? Do you desire to act or to produce your own stage play? Do you want to write a movie script?
It’s not selfish to follow your dreams. It is actually unselfish. Whether in business or life, a real dream is going to help many more people than just you. You must pursue the thing that makes you come alive. There are several benefits to following your passion. Consider the following 7 keys as you pursue the things that matter to you:
1) Find the balance.
Sometimes we do things just because we have always done them or because someone asked us to. Just because you can do a certain job or task doesn’t mean you have to be the one to do it. Certain tasks were appropriate for a season. However, just because you have always done it doesn’t mean you have to always do it. It may have been the right thing to do at the time but what about now? Reassess and recalibrate your life at regular intervals. Ask yourself every 3 to 6 months or so, “Is this present pursuit something I am truly passionate about? Is this something that I really want to do? Is this endeavor moving me closer to my goals or is it distracting me from them?” There are times when you may have to tell certain individuals or organizations “no”. Sometimes you have to say “no” to a “good” thing in order to follow the “best” thing. Never be afraid to set healthy boundaries. There is a place for self-sacrifice and helping others. However, when helping someone else means “killing” yourself, it’s time to reconsider a few things! Find the balance between serving others and following your own dreams.
2) Stay in the center of your expertise.
If you are going to follow your passion instead of a distraction, you have to do what your good at. One of the ways to minimize stress and confusion is to make a conscious decision to focus on what you do best. Build your life around your area of expertise. It will make you more efficient and effective. Make your expertise the center of every conversation. Build your personal library around your expertise. Find creative ways to help others by exercising the unique gifts and talents that make you come alive. Fresh energy and uncommon opportunities will emerge when you focus on developing your expertise.
3) Don’t take guilt trips.
If other people are “disappointed” in you because you choose to follow things that matter to you, than that is their problem. Never allow guilt trips to lead you away from your destiny path. You have to be on the lookout for people who don’t want you to follow your own path, because they feel that their path is more important. It’s time for you to tell the “guilt trippers” in your life that the ride is over.
4) Don’t wait for a big break.
You don’t have to wait for a big break. Take advantage of the everyday opportunities that are in your face. You may not be able to start your restaurant today but you can start by offering catering services to family and friends for pay. It will fuel your passion and help you fine tune your craft.
5) You have a right to be happy.
No matter what age or stage of life you are in, you have a right to be happy. You have a right to do things that are fulfilling to you. Ask yourself, “Do I truly enjoy this activity or pursuit?” Deep down inside, if you don’t truly enjoy the activity then why are you doing it? It’s ok to admit that you don’t enjoy a certain activity any more. Take the chance to be creative and pursue a new venture. Don’t do things out of obligation. Do things out of your passion. You’ll be happier.
6) Never undervalue your dream.
The dreams that are in your heart are just as important as the dreams of anyone else. When you undervalue your dream, you are actually undervaluing yourself.
7) Don’t wait for permission.
Sometimes people ask me, “How do I know when it’s ok for me to go for my dream?” Your desire to follow a dream is there for a reason. A persistent desire to follow your dream is the permission you seek. Don’t wait for permission, follow your passion and take action.
I challenge you to get busy with following your dreams right now. Implement the above 7 keys and you will be on your way to following your passion and not a distraction.
A question for you: What is the #1 reason why you think people follow a distraction instead of their passion?
I look forward to your answer!
Follow your passion,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
http://www.craiglsanders.com/
To inquire about Craig's coaching packages or to have Craig speak for your company or organization, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
Are you following your passion or just a distraction?
If you have goals that no longer excite you then it’s time to get some new ones. Why would you do things that don’t really matter to you? Obviously, I’m not talking about things that are inherent responsibilities, i.e., being a great parent, fulfilling responsibilities to your family, employer, or employees, etc. I’m talking about extracurricular activities. I’m talking about how you spend your time after your responsibilities to family, business, or career are fulfilled.
Now is a great time to reassess what you are doing and why you are doing it. At the center of frustration, you may find things that have been done out of obligation. Where do you spend your time, both physically and mentally? Where is your focus?
It’s ok to help someone else fulfill their dream but this should never be to the demise of your own.
There is no better time than the present to begin working on the things that you really want to do.
Do you want to start a non-profit to help battered women? Do you want to write a book or record a professional music CD? Do you want to lose 15 lbs or begin a new exercise routine? Do you want to take a cruise? Do you long to be in another career? Is there a business deep in your heart that is leaping to get started? Do you want to reinvent yourself with a new wardrobe? Do you desire to act or to produce your own stage play? Do you want to write a movie script?
It’s not selfish to follow your dreams. It is actually unselfish. Whether in business or life, a real dream is going to help many more people than just you. You must pursue the thing that makes you come alive. There are several benefits to following your passion. Consider the following 7 keys as you pursue the things that matter to you:
1) Find the balance.
Sometimes we do things just because we have always done them or because someone asked us to. Just because you can do a certain job or task doesn’t mean you have to be the one to do it. Certain tasks were appropriate for a season. However, just because you have always done it doesn’t mean you have to always do it. It may have been the right thing to do at the time but what about now? Reassess and recalibrate your life at regular intervals. Ask yourself every 3 to 6 months or so, “Is this present pursuit something I am truly passionate about? Is this something that I really want to do? Is this endeavor moving me closer to my goals or is it distracting me from them?” There are times when you may have to tell certain individuals or organizations “no”. Sometimes you have to say “no” to a “good” thing in order to follow the “best” thing. Never be afraid to set healthy boundaries. There is a place for self-sacrifice and helping others. However, when helping someone else means “killing” yourself, it’s time to reconsider a few things! Find the balance between serving others and following your own dreams.
2) Stay in the center of your expertise.
If you are going to follow your passion instead of a distraction, you have to do what your good at. One of the ways to minimize stress and confusion is to make a conscious decision to focus on what you do best. Build your life around your area of expertise. It will make you more efficient and effective. Make your expertise the center of every conversation. Build your personal library around your expertise. Find creative ways to help others by exercising the unique gifts and talents that make you come alive. Fresh energy and uncommon opportunities will emerge when you focus on developing your expertise.
3) Don’t take guilt trips.
If other people are “disappointed” in you because you choose to follow things that matter to you, than that is their problem. Never allow guilt trips to lead you away from your destiny path. You have to be on the lookout for people who don’t want you to follow your own path, because they feel that their path is more important. It’s time for you to tell the “guilt trippers” in your life that the ride is over.
4) Don’t wait for a big break.
You don’t have to wait for a big break. Take advantage of the everyday opportunities that are in your face. You may not be able to start your restaurant today but you can start by offering catering services to family and friends for pay. It will fuel your passion and help you fine tune your craft.
5) You have a right to be happy.
No matter what age or stage of life you are in, you have a right to be happy. You have a right to do things that are fulfilling to you. Ask yourself, “Do I truly enjoy this activity or pursuit?” Deep down inside, if you don’t truly enjoy the activity then why are you doing it? It’s ok to admit that you don’t enjoy a certain activity any more. Take the chance to be creative and pursue a new venture. Don’t do things out of obligation. Do things out of your passion. You’ll be happier.
6) Never undervalue your dream.
The dreams that are in your heart are just as important as the dreams of anyone else. When you undervalue your dream, you are actually undervaluing yourself.
7) Don’t wait for permission.
Sometimes people ask me, “How do I know when it’s ok for me to go for my dream?” Your desire to follow a dream is there for a reason. A persistent desire to follow your dream is the permission you seek. Don’t wait for permission, follow your passion and take action.
I challenge you to get busy with following your dreams right now. Implement the above 7 keys and you will be on your way to following your passion and not a distraction.
A question for you: What is the #1 reason why you think people follow a distraction instead of their passion?
I look forward to your answer!
Follow your passion,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
http://www.craiglsanders.com/
To inquire about Craig's coaching packages or to have Craig speak for your company or organization, please visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
1/8/10
5 Reasons Why You Never Quit After a Setback
Setbacks come in many different forms. For some, a setback can be the loss of a job or a bad business decision. For another, it can be a recurring bad habit. For an athlete, it can be making a mistake at a crucial time of the game. For someone else, it could be difficulty in a relationship, a health challenge, or mental conflict. No matter what form your setback takes, there are benefits to successfully coming through them. When you are standing in the midst of a manifested comeback, you may discover that the following five reasons are why you did not quit:
1) Brilliance
You will often stumble upon your best when you successfully endure a tough test. You were made for comebacks. Setbacks help place you in situations where your genius can emerge. The brilliance of eagles can be seen soaring high above turbulent winds. The powerful fins of certain fish allow them to swim upstream against powerful currents. Your creativity will often surface when situations try to submerge you. Setbacks help you develop brilliance.
2) Resilience
“Struggle is proof that you have not been conquered.” –Mike Murdock
Making comebacks is a skill that anyone can develop. You may find that outward challenges help you to develop your inner game more than anything else. Because you are human, it is natural for you to “feel” like quitting when times get tough. However, the reason that you do not quit is because you are continually developing your “resilience muscle” with every challenge you overcome. Just as resistance builds physical muscle in weight training, persistence builds “resilience muscle” in your mental training. This is why no matter what comes against you, deep down inside you expect to win. You are increasing in resilience.
3) Confidence
Confidence, like electricity, is invisible energy. For electricity to be seen there must be something that taps it’s energy. Confidence is the same way. A natural byproduct of winning is confidence. Overcoming setbacks taps your inner resources and it shows up in the form of confidence. The more confidence you acquire the more you win. The more you win the more you expect to win. Confidence is a positive and powerful magnet that pulls you closer to your end-goal. Building unstoppable confidence within is another reason why you should stick things out until the end.
4) Experience
Some of the most valuable life and business lessons that you discovered came through an experience you had. Many learned not to hold their hand over a hot stove because of an early experience. Others learned how not to choose a business partner because of something they experienced. Some decided to become their own boss because of something they experienced. Experience is invaluable. Your early experiences of winning and losing taught you that winning is exponentially more rewarding than less desirable outcomes. Your experiences are like a personal school of success. You learn to succeed from your mistakes. You learn what not to do and you learn how to improve. You learn things through experience that are not taught anywhere else. Priceless experience is another reason why you can never quit after a setback.
5) Reward
Never fight a battle that has no reward. Remember why you entered the endeavor. You would not start something if you did not intend to succeed. Don’t stop until you do. There are many people who will benefit from your success. Achieving your goal will have a positive impact that will travel far beyond you. The reward you will receive is reason enough to never quit after a setback.
The next time you are tempted to quit after a setback, remember these five reasons and keep moving until you are standing in your comeback!
Question: What other reasons can you think of for not quitting after a setback?
Let me hear from you!
I wish you uncommon success,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
http://www.craiglsanders.com/
To retain Craig as your coach or to have him speak for your company or organization give Craig a call at (888) 333-5821 or visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
1) Brilliance
You will often stumble upon your best when you successfully endure a tough test. You were made for comebacks. Setbacks help place you in situations where your genius can emerge. The brilliance of eagles can be seen soaring high above turbulent winds. The powerful fins of certain fish allow them to swim upstream against powerful currents. Your creativity will often surface when situations try to submerge you. Setbacks help you develop brilliance.
2) Resilience
“Struggle is proof that you have not been conquered.” –Mike Murdock
Making comebacks is a skill that anyone can develop. You may find that outward challenges help you to develop your inner game more than anything else. Because you are human, it is natural for you to “feel” like quitting when times get tough. However, the reason that you do not quit is because you are continually developing your “resilience muscle” with every challenge you overcome. Just as resistance builds physical muscle in weight training, persistence builds “resilience muscle” in your mental training. This is why no matter what comes against you, deep down inside you expect to win. You are increasing in resilience.
3) Confidence
Confidence, like electricity, is invisible energy. For electricity to be seen there must be something that taps it’s energy. Confidence is the same way. A natural byproduct of winning is confidence. Overcoming setbacks taps your inner resources and it shows up in the form of confidence. The more confidence you acquire the more you win. The more you win the more you expect to win. Confidence is a positive and powerful magnet that pulls you closer to your end-goal. Building unstoppable confidence within is another reason why you should stick things out until the end.
4) Experience
Some of the most valuable life and business lessons that you discovered came through an experience you had. Many learned not to hold their hand over a hot stove because of an early experience. Others learned how not to choose a business partner because of something they experienced. Some decided to become their own boss because of something they experienced. Experience is invaluable. Your early experiences of winning and losing taught you that winning is exponentially more rewarding than less desirable outcomes. Your experiences are like a personal school of success. You learn to succeed from your mistakes. You learn what not to do and you learn how to improve. You learn things through experience that are not taught anywhere else. Priceless experience is another reason why you can never quit after a setback.
5) Reward
Never fight a battle that has no reward. Remember why you entered the endeavor. You would not start something if you did not intend to succeed. Don’t stop until you do. There are many people who will benefit from your success. Achieving your goal will have a positive impact that will travel far beyond you. The reward you will receive is reason enough to never quit after a setback.
The next time you are tempted to quit after a setback, remember these five reasons and keep moving until you are standing in your comeback!
Question: What other reasons can you think of for not quitting after a setback?
Let me hear from you!
I wish you uncommon success,
Craig L. Sanders
“The Comeback Specialist”
http://www.craiglsanders.com/
To retain Craig as your coach or to have him speak for your company or organization give Craig a call at (888) 333-5821 or visit his website: http://www.craiglsanders.com/
Copyright 2010 Craig Sanders Unlimited, LLC
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