You’ve seen the stats about resolutions, here’s seven ways to blow those stats out of the water.
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“No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.” George Washington Carver
No matter who you are, what country or continent you are from, what side of the tracks you are from, your family background, work experience or education, you can achieve something significant in 2015.
You don’t have to be a carbon copy of anyone, you can be an original. If others won’t accept you for who you are, it’s their problem. Your job is to be an originator and not another imitator.
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Many times, we are our own worst enemies because we sabotage our progress with limitations and boundaries, instigated by negative self-talk.
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Do not fall into the trap of allowing the daily barrage of commercials, sale pitches and television programs to dictate your life. Do not allow advertisements to convince you that your gifts do not measure up to famous athletes or celebrities. Do not let the pessimistic words of others or a negative inner voice convince you that you do not have what it takes. You have everything within you to live your 2015 at maximum capacity. Here are seven strategies that you can implement in 2015 to live at maximum capacity.
1. Squash negative self-talk
When I find myself facing an obstacle that I am unsure of how to overcome, I hear a negative inner voice telling me what I cannot do. When that negative inner voice starts its onslaught of negativity, I refocus my mindset and consciously decide to change what I think about.
Many times, we are our own worst enemies because we sabotage our progress with limitations and boundaries, instigated by negative self-talk. It is imperative that you make a conscious effort to squash the negative self-talk and replace it with progressive self-talk that speaks positively to your future.
2. Stand strong against your doubters
There will always be people who tell you that you can’t do something. They will tell you that others failed and question why you think you can succeed. Some will even provide statistics that support their claims. Your doubters can ignite that negative inner voice that says, “What am I doing?” Or “I should give up before everything falls apart.”
Do not let your doubters’ pessimistic attitude and negative outlook prevent you from living your best life. Let them see your life flow in creativity. Let them hear your mouth speak life. Let them watch you accomplish what they thought was impossible. Stand strong and let your doubters know you won’t give in or give up.
3. Secure truth speakers in your corner
Surrounding yourself with people who speak truth to you is one of the best ways to help you face, and overcome the hurdles you will encounter. You cannot do it alone. You cannot run your race in isolation. You need individuals in your corner who will encourage and speak truth to your life.
Do not build your inner circle with individuals who only tell you what you want to hear. You do not need a ‘YES’ team. You need people who will let you know when you are off-course and who are willing to help you get back on track. Build your team with individuals who believe in your vision, who want to see you succeed and who speak truth to you even when it hurts.
4. Stay focused on your prize
Nothing great ever comes easy. Mistakes and failures are part of the process. The great athlete misses the key basket, fumbles the ball, drops the pass or strikes out to end the game. But what separates the average athlete from the great athlete is focus. A focus so intense that even mistakes and failures do not stop him from pursuing his desired goals.
You will find that remaining focused on your goals and working to accomplish them will help you stay motivated during difficult times. You must constantly remind yourself that an unwavering commitment and consistent action will pay off, and the hardships are part of the process in reaching your prize.
5. Starve your fears
As soon as you start to pursue your vision, fear shows its ugly head. It reminds you of your frailties and shortcomings. It whispers the ridiculousness of your venture in your ear. Fear tells you what is possible and what is impossible according to your credentials and experiences.
It is your responsibility to look fear in the face and tell it where to go. You cannot afford to allow the constant barrage of discouragement, diversion and discontentment to dictate your life. You must starve fear’s appetite for destruction by focusing on who you are and what you can do.
6. Stop waiting for permission
Stop waiting and give yourself permission to go after your vision. If you keep waiting for someone to pick you, you may miss your turn. Stop waiting for that special someone to pick you. Pick yourself.
It is easy to doubt your vision when trouble shows up.
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Your family, friends and those connected to you are waiting for you to pick yourself and live out your vision. You possess within you the potential to be a trail-blazer, a trendsetter and a real difference-maker. The only thing stopping you is YOU. Declare out loud to the world and your inner self that, today; you give yourself permission to pursue your vision.
7. Strive to keep moving forward
It is easy to doubt your vision when trouble shows up. Every time you take a step forward, something happens to stall your progress. You sacrifice your time. You commit to your vision. You make the necessary preparations to advance in life. But it seems the harder you work, the farther behind you get.
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Your energy is depleted. Your enthusiasm is drained. You just want to quit and throw in the towel, but you know there is a vision that resides deep within you and you can’t let go. You must live it out. You must endure to the end. You must dig deep, stir up your gift and activate your vision. And in the words of R&B group Soul II Soul, “Keep on moving and don’t stop!”
Which strategy can you implement today to make a significant impact in your life in 2015?
Photo: Flickr/ Celestine Chua