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The Archived Word Have you ever felt like your back was against the wall because you didn't know how you were going to handle a particular challenge? Did it ever get so bad that you felt like you were going to die because it seemed like there was no way through this challenge? So what happened? I don't think you died. (Smile) It's interesting how some challenges can look so terrible that we feel totally helpless. It gets to a point where it appears there is no way out. Describe an experience where you felt totally helpless and yet, you overcame the challenge. How did you feel when you first encountered the challenging situation? And how did you feel when you overcame the challenge?
Challenges are really blessings in disguise. Yes, you heard me correctly. Challenges are BLESSINGS in disguise. The reason I say this is because challenges give us an opportunity to show what we're truly capable of doing. Think about it. As a baby, you crawled before you walked. When your first tried to walk, you stumbled and fell. It was a true challenge. Even though it was difficult, you didn't give up. And there you go again…stumble, fall, stumble, stumble, and yet, another fall. But something within you made you try again. And so there you go. You stumble and stumble again but this time, you maintain an awkward balance and finally, you walk. This may be a simple illustration but don't lose the essence of the message. Challenges make us stronger because they require that we demand more of ourselves. Challenges are really blessings in disguise because they give us an opportunity to grow. So get excited when you face your next challenge because you are about to see what you are truly made of and grow in the process.
Who are you? When you look into the mirror, who do you see? The reason I ask these questions is because your self-image determines how you live your life. So who are you? Be honest. Who are you really? Realize this, whatever you wrote gives some indication as to how you perceive your self. Are you happy with your self-image? Is it positive? Are there some things that you want to improve? Before you continue, I acknowledge you for being honest. Most people never slow down long enough to reflect upon who they really are. So I commend you for taking the first step. Now, let's move to the step #2. For many people, there is a difference between their current self-image (how they see themselves today) and their ideal self (how they want to be and act). They feel they are not presently living up to their ideal self. So what is your ideal self? How would you act and talk if you were totally confident? What characteristics best describe your ideal self? Is there a difference between your current self-image and your ideal self? Why do you think this is? By answering these questions honestly, you probably have learned some new things about yourself. Now for step #3. In order to live your ideal self, here is a powerful exercise for you to complete. The "BE IT!" Exercise Find a quiet location and get relaxed. Close your eyes, take ten deep breaths, and imagine how you would talk, act and live if you had absolute confidence that you will succeed in everything you do. After ten minutes of this exercise, open your eyes and list all of the characteristics that indicate when you are BEING totally confident. For instance, how are you breathing when you are absolutely confident? How do you carry yourself? What words do you use when you are confident? Begin this exercise and when you open your eyes, write your ideal characteristics here. For the next seven days, act as if you will only succeed in everything that you do. BE it so that you will do what you need to do in order to have what you want. BE your best! That is the key. Live as your ideal self and you will see amazing things happen in your life. Go Ahead and BE!
So how BAD do you want your dreams to come true? Are you committed to rolling up your sleeves and doing whatever it takes to make your goals a reality? Commitment is the key that unlocks the door to success. Think about it. When your back is up against the wall, what do you do? Do you quit or do you get the EYE OF THE TIGER (like Rocky) and press forward not letting anything or anyone get in your way? Understand this, what I'm saying is that it is now time for you to decide how BAD you want your dreams to come true. So what is your answer? How BAD do you want to live your dreams? Are you willing to stay up late to make your dreams come true when everyone else is asleep? Are you willing to make the sacrifices now in order to live your dreams in the future? Are you willing to go the extra yard when you want to give up and make an excuse? So what is your answer? You see, you can't just talk the walk. You must WALK the walk. Your actions will determine how committed you are to fulfilling your dreams. When you study successful people who have achieved their dreams, you realize the one common denominator is their level of commitment. A good analogy of true commitment is represented by the chicken and the pig. When a person has ham and eggs for breakfast, who is more committed, the chicken or the pig? What do you think? Why? Think about it. The chicken definitely made a contribution. It laid some eggs. But when you think about the pig's involvement, it gave its life to produce the ham. So which animal represents your level of commitment to fulfilling your dreams? Are you just half-heartedly committed with an attitude like, "It would be kinda nice if my dreams come true"? Or are you so committed to your dreams that they absolutely MUST come true? That is the decision you must make. Now is the time to stop playing around, step it up and go all out for your dreams. So what is one goal that you absolutely must achieve? Write it down. For the next thirty days, I am asking you to make a true commitment to do at least one action every day that will bring you closer to making your goal a reality. Are you committed? It's your choice! So make the right choice for your life.
Marlon |