Do you ever find yourself making a 'never' vow?
You know, the thought or declaration that goes something like this:
'I could never become a good presenter;'
'There's no way I'll ever win that account;'
Or 'how could I ever begin to confront that difficult colleague?'
Yes, it's ok to acknowledge that something's challenging.
But the trouble with the never vow is that it usually becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that holds us back from reaching our full potential.
It's a bit like replacing Barak Obama's presidential election catchline with: 'Can we do it? Not on your puff!'
Making something happen begins with a decision that it's possible. It starts with a can-do mindset.
St Paul declared: 'I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.' And the Roman poet Virgil wrote: 'They can because they think they can.'
Write down the areas where you need to replace, 'I could never' with 'I can and I will'.
Then, in each area, think of two reasons - what I call 'wings' - to support why you can.
If presenting is your mountain to climb, these two reasons could be: 'I can sign up for presentation coaching today' or: 'I can and will learn and apply how great presenters do it.'
The next stage is to take action towards overcoming your hurdle or achieving your goal.
It's not enough to stare up the steps: we have to step up the stairs.
What one 'never' vow will you break today? What one action will you take to get back on track with your goal?
And remember (this one's ok): never, ever give up!
