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Greetings!
In challenging times, as these are, we can
easily fall prey to self-doubt and criticism. Exactly when we need to be more effective to move onward and upward, our negative thinking can knock us
down and cripple us. So, this newsletter is dedicated to providing you with
a powerful Walking Tall Principal tool to overcome the deflating effects of your inner critical
voices- and to help you WALK TALL through your life.
Keep Walking Tall!
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Principal
#5: Silencing the Critical Voice
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Just
weeks before my graduation from Art Center College, the dean told me no one
would hire me as a "pro" photographer because I was a little person. Within a
year of graduating, I moved to Kona, Hawaii and basically "dropped-out", never
utilizing my 4 year, super-challenging and zillion dollar education.
The
dean's words were not my biggest downfall; it was my choice to internalize
his words that was my doom. I started telling myself repeatedly: "I'll
never get hired." And every time I did, I got "smaller" and "smaller" inside.
No surprise--I never got hired.
While
we cannot control what others say to us, we certainly can control, can choose,
what we say to ourselves! And when we engage in repeating the attacks and
criticism we receive from others, we are engaging in the number one cause of
"inner smallness": letting the critical voice inside beat us down.
A
tool I have found to be powerfully effective is to defend against
inner attacks by silencing them. We don't have to change our thoughts,
don't have to argue with ourselves over whether we really are smart enough,
good enough, or whatever enough. No. Simply silence the critical voice.
Begin
by paying attention to your thoughts. Become aware of the dialogue
that goes on inside your mind while you walk, drive, eat, work, chat with a
friend, and so on. This skill grows with practice.
Whenever you notice your
thinking is negative in any way, demeaning, cruel or attacking-- defend
yourself! Firmly command that critical voice to STOP! or GO AWAY! Then
take a deep breath, release the tension. Feel your inner power! Get BIG inside!
We
must protect our inner strength against the inner critical
voice that can drag us down! This technique can empower and free you in ways
beyond your imagination. It did for me. So, silence that critical inner voice,
get BIG inside, and you'll surely find your self WALKING TALL!
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Walking Tall Tip
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Once
you become skilled at silencing your own critical voice, help your friends.
When you hear them say negative things about themselves, politely bring it to
their attention. One of my dear friends reminds me with her kind mantra: "No
negative self-talk, my friend!" It's very supportive and helps me catch myself
more often. |
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Walking Tall Exercise
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Spot and Stop
Make
a list of the things your critical voice says to you most often. Write
in a stream of consciousness, not caring about grammar or punctuation. When you
think you have written everything, think again. Go deeper. List the criticisms
you heard as a child and teenager. Read your list. Underline the attacks that
still echo inside.
The more you become conscious of the specific words,
messages, and cruel attacks that hide in your subconscious or unconscious mind,
the easier it will be to spot them--so you can STOP them! Spot and stop.
Repeat this exercise, especially when the going gets tough.
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Meet Peggy O'Neill
"The Tiny Speaker
Who Empowers You to Walk Tall!"
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Having triumphed over
many challenges as a business women standing only 3'8" tall, Peggy now soars
high on the wings of success and is committed to helping others do the
same! Celebrating her uniqueness, Peggy is now one of the nation's top transformational
leaders and respected experts in the area of diversity.
PEGGY'S SERVICES:
* Inspirational Speaking
* Diversity Training
* Business Consulting
* Life-Coaching
PEGGY'S AREAS OF
EXPERTISE:
Conflict
Resolution
Communication Skills
Overcoming Challenges
Leadership
Essential
Realization
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Forward to a Friend
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Testimonials: |
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"Peggy
is both the messenger AND the message! Peggy will change your life."
F.
Maguire, FedEx Co-founder
"In my 30+ years of
attending this women's conference, we've had some excellent speakers, but Peggy
O'Neill was the best one yet!"
D. Sherman,
Celebration of Joy Women's Conf.
"Excellent
style, humor and rapport with audience."
F. Johnston, Lucent
Technologies
"You
were characterized as 'best of the best' of our conference presenters."
B.
Enderle, Diversity Leadership Alliance Founder,
"You
rock Mama!!!"
Peggy's dog, Angel
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