Getting
Over the Hump...
Dear
Associate,
Lino
is a deacon at a local church. After he leads in prayer, his
loving wife Juli remarks that he overuses the phrase "And,
uh." And his word-searching pauses leave the congregation
guessing and disconnected. She calls him on his stuff.
Juli
is Lino's chief asset...
But
after years of hearing her husband pray—he hasn't improved.
He hasn't invested in the resources to develop his potential.
He mentioned joining Toastmasters, but hasn't walked his talk.
Like
many of us, we plan—but fail to execute. We massage our
fragile egos hoping no one will ever call us on our stuff.
We hide behind our strengths never realizing how powerful
we can become if we worked through our weaknesses.
Ask
me how many times I intended to attend a Toastmasters meeting
and I'd reply, "At least a dozen." Ask me to join
you swimming and I'd argue, "I'm not a fish."
I've
made excuses, procrastinated, and did everything but. I attended
seminars, bought CDs, and read books. I spent years rehearsing
but never got on stage.
How
about you?
What
should you be doing that you wanted to accomplish last year?
Did you really want to lose weight or did you want to try
a new diet? Did you really want to meet your soul mate or
did you want to dabble in another relationship?
Positive
change won't happen by osmosis. You must take specific, disciplinary
action. Often an uncomfortable one. It's like swimming upstream.
When
I started to learn copywriting, I had to write out long drafts.
Word for word. Some up to 40 pages long. Which took a week
because of blisters.
Are
you willing to pay the price?
If
yes, here are seven keys to help you get over the hump:
1)
Make an investment in you. I began with books, cassettes,
and seminars. Today there are CDs, DVDs, IPods, and online
resources. It's available. Just one call or one click away.
This
is your genesis for positive programming. You install good
programming into your mind to overcome years of negative programming.
This will help you take better actions toward your personal
goals.
When
I began, I didn't want to spend one penny buying this stuff.
I was a cheap bastard. But I learned the more I paid, the
more I valued and got hooked on the information.
Let
your friends invest in beer, television, and other self-defeating
vices that smuggle their minds and wallets. You don't have
to join them. The next key is...
2)
Be mindful of your time with friends. I have a long distance
relationship with my old friends. I keep them a long distance
from me.
Most
are doing well, but it's just superficial. Their lack of improvement
has left them living lives of quiet desperation. They deserve
limited time.
But
for those who add value to my life, I grant them more time.
For those whose creative juices stir mine, they have my attention.
3)
Exorcise your excuses. I used to believe I wasn't talented,
I'm too shy, I'm not good enough, or that's impossible. And
get down on myself because I didn't know what it took to become
a success.
But
success is a muscle that must be continually developed and
refined. Tiger Woods didn't reach the top by relaxing by the
pool all day. He developed his skills daily.
And
like a jacket that's no longer in style—you can take
off those excuses and bury them in your closet.
4)
Answer the questions from your heart—not just your head.
I was in a coaching session with sales consultant Greg Renstrom.
He asked me four questions. It took me about an hour to answer
all four. Greg guided me to probe deeper and deeper into my
soul to come up with answers and ideas that blew us both away.
Prior
to this, I glossed over these same four questions in a book
and answered each in a few seconds. Being surface answers,
they never gave me the breakthroughs I got from penetrating
my soul.
To
avoid answering or making decisions in haste, go to a place
of silence. Breathe deeply. Close your eyes if you wish. Explore
all the possibilities by expanding within. And be available
when the answers arise.
5)
Get a mentor or coach. That's easy. Learn from their triumphs
and mistakes. There's nothing that can shortcut your learning
curve faster. And pay them what they're worth. Great mentors
and coaches deserve their fee.
Do
an Internet search. Ask peers or associates. Sign up for newsletters.
Purchase an introductory product. Listen to a teleconference.
Visit their website. Enroll in their coaching program. And
experience them live on the platform.
6)
What's in it for you? Is it a fancy house in an exclusive
neighborhood? Is it getting back at all those dream stealers
to prove them wrong? Or maybe it's just to keep your job and
a roof over your family's head.
When
you know the reasons why—you can reach your destiny sooner.
But
here's a stronger motivator: If you don't change course—you'll
be at the same place one, five, and ten years from now. The
same income, car, and annoying neighbors.
7)
Take the first plunge. Nothing happens if you don't act.
You can't improve by wishing. You don't get your dream date
sitting at home dreaming about it.
I
took the plunge by participating in a Speaking Circle. I needed
lots of help in front of groups. Turns out to be one of the
best investments I've made.
Think
about where you want to go. And just begin.
Warm
Regards,
Want
to include this article in your newsletter? You can if you
include this blurb:
Tommy Yan helps business owners and entrepreneurs make more
money through direct response marketing. He publishes Tommy's
Tease weekly e-zine to inspire people to succeed in business
and personal growth. Get your free subscription today at www.TommyYan.com. |
