Success is not an “on” or “off” kind of thing.
It ebbs and flows.
If one must use the light switch metaphor, it’s wiser to consider success to be a dimmer switch. Some days it’s at full brightness. Other times, it’s very dark.
But, it’s always on.
Pressing the Reset Button
You can press “Reset” whenever you want.
Anytime it feels like things are not going the way you expected, you can press “reset.”
You don’t have to wait until the New Year, next month, Monday, “when the holidays are over,” or “when things settle down.” You don’t even have to wait until tomorrow.
You can do it right now.
And what’s really cool about the “reset button,” is you can push it over and over and over again.
It works every time.
Five words to change your life
Small words carry powerful impact.
We do not live in isolation, always interacting with and relying on others.
To make those relationships healthier, a sage counselor advised me that one must know when — and how — to use four simple words:
- Yes
- No
- Ouch
- Next
Accepting gifts, compliments, and assistance with grace — and reciprocating such actions — requires liberal use of the word, “Yes.” Since no two people run parallel all the time, it’s essential to speak up in order to prevent resentment, boundary violation, and be true to our morals. We therefore understand the appropriate, but not excessive, application of, “No.” Despite good intent, others are only human and will push too far, inflicting pain. In such circumstances, we utter, “Ouch.” Finally, when nothing more can be done; the relationship is tattered and torn; the dialog consisting only of heated exchanges of “No” and “Ouch,” it’s time to move on: “Next.”
The concept seemed so simplistic that at first I ignored it.
Yet, over time, I realized its power. Simple can be extremely effective.
Part of its clout is that although this system works brilliantly with people-relationships, it is as efficient in relationship with one’s own habits. Upon analyzing any behavior, question one is, “Is this behavior serving me well?” If “Yes,” soldier on. If “No”, more analysis is in order. Does the behavior merely need to be tweaked to alleviate the pain (“Ouch”) or is it time to bid it farewell (“Next”)? [Read more…]
Expect More
Don’t expect less.
Assume you’re entitled to live the life you want.
Bank on the fact that you will be happy, healthy, and fulfilled.
Believe that it’s going to work out the way you want it.
If it turns out otherwise, you’ll adjust.
But you’ll be surprised how many times the only barrier was what you expected.
Dare to Believe You CAN
When was the last time you dared yourself to believe you actually COULD?
Why are we so quick to find the reasons why something will NOT work out, or why we are incapable or unworthy of the success of our endeavors? What could possibly go wrong by believing things could actually go the way you want them to go?
Some people will tell you, “Set your sights low so you won’t be disappointed.”
But, can we be honest?
Even if you do that – and it doesn’t happen – aren’t you STILL disappointed? Of course you are. Setting you sights low just lowers expectations, it does nothing to alleviate the pain of failure.
Yet – if you enter into your goal believing you can – and it doesn’t happen – at least you got to enjoy the ride for awhile. And during that time, you were invigorated, happy, and energized. Those emotions make you more aware, which make you open to new ideas, which allow you to try what you might not have tried if you thought all would come apart.
So, in reality, believing you could might actually be a necessary first step in getting what you want.