November 15, 2009
The Challenge:
Now more than ever people are reevaluating what they want to achieve in their lives. In many cases, we are heading in new directions that will bring new challenges. It is during these times that we must be conscience of what we are telling ourselves internally. We have to be sure not to sabotage ourselves with internal conversations that keep us from taking risks. During this week, take notes on any internal thought or conversation you may have with yourself.
This task is worth 40-points on your scorecards.
Thought Provoking Questions:
How often are you having internal conversations with yourself? Is it often enough?
Are you giving yourself encouraging or discouraging thoughts?
The Lesson:
If you are about to embark on a new journey the last thing you need is your own mind telling you that you “cannot do it” or that you “won’t be successful.” These self-sabotaging thoughts lead to self-doubt which has the power to demoralize you and keep you from attaining your dreams. It takes time and commitment to discontinue these thoughts but consider this one of the most important traits to keep under control as it will directly effect your ability to be successful.
Secondly, we all need to understand that none of us are born with expertise in any given area. There is only one way to become knowledgeable about a subject and that is to start learning today. If your thoughts are saying, “you don’t know enough about that topic to be successful” remember that you merely have to start with one piece of information and just build from there. Buy books, use the internet, and network with established experts. Do what it takes so you feel confident in your new endeavor and surely your self-defeating thoughts will slowly fade into the background.
“Don’t let your mind sabotage your success” – Napoleon Hill
November 01, 2009
The Challenge:
Since 2007, negative energy has been slowly percolated into our mindset one drip at time like Chinese water torture. Many of us have been exposed to such small increments of negativity that we didn’t even realize how much it was building up inside of us. This week, ask several people that you are truly comfortable with to help you stop negativity by pointing out when you are being negative and not moving towards a resolution.
This task is worth 100-points on your scorecards.
Thought Provoking Questions:
Was it a shock to hear how many times you were being negative?
What do you think is the largest source of negativity in your life?
The Lesson:
Let’s be clear that a certain amount of negativity is good for you when you are voicing frustration or venting some pent up aggression. Ask those around you to listen to your venting and then guide you to the point of brainstorming or taking action on potential solutions. It is important that the people you ask to assist you in this challenge fully understand that merely stating you are being a “negative Nancy” is not going to make you feel better so choose the people that have a cunning ability to guide you beyond the venting without you even knowing it.
It’s not your fault! As mentioned above, negativity is being percolated slowly and over a long period of time from our current environment. Even the most positive of people can fall victim to continuous amounts of bad news. Let’s all accept the fact that these are tough economic times that will not likely change in the near future. So try not to get obsessed with the day-to-day stock market changes or nightly news channel which only fuels our addiction to negative news. We all know times are tough; therefore, we really don’t need anything reiterating/re-confirming that fact to us on a regular basis. That percolation of negativity only stands to stifle the very enthusiasm and self-belief that will change this environment.
“Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power.” – Shirley MacLaine
thanks for sharing them