The Courage to Try

When you follow your convictions, people notice.  Things change. You change. Your path becomes clearer and your course begins to take shape.  As that happens, the seeds of your vision take hold and become rooted in those very convictions.  The decision to take the first step demonstrates your courage and is driven by the belief you have in yourself, your ideas, and your motivations.  The result is a personal transformation manifested by the courage to follow through and pursue your dreams. Don’t ever ignore that! 

In the previous edition of Introspection, I outlined five of the top ten limiting stories we tell ourselves. Each of these stories paints a narrative that puts us at a disadvantage and has the potential to outright derail any hope of achieving anything significant. I stressed how you don’t have to buy into any of that nonsense. In fact, that narrative robs you of the courage you need to step past negative self-talk and into action mode to make a clear difference in your life and the lives of those you care about most. 

I received some pretty interesting comments on that blog that have brought us back to take a closer look at the remaining five most used limiting narratives we tell ourselves. As we look at each of these together, I’d like you to think about an alternate perspective we are able to cast as we contrast the negative narrative with a more positive and empowering one.

Let’s get to it…

6. “I’m too old. The course of my life is destined to be what it is.”

This is one of the "oldest" excuse lines in the book. It is most commonly used when someone just does not want to take action to change their lot in life. Taking a closer look tells us that the age excuse is a sign of exasperation. You are never too old for positive change to take place in your life.  In fact, you have more of an advantage than you may realize. For example, age is more widely seen as an advantage where wisdom, knowledge, and experience are required. Wisdom arms us with the knowledge to ask for help when we need it, clarification when required, and courage to remain true to the convictions we hold dear. 

7. “I don’t have the talent or skills. Even if I try, I’ll probably fail.”

One of my dreams was to be a published writer.  I spent nearly three years writing my first manuscript.  I didn’t have any special talent or expertise, but I knew I wanted to be a writer so bad that I would do whatever it took to become just that. The candid truth is that we all start out with a clean slate. It’s true that some are more inclined to accelerate in a given skill more than others. But if you possess the will, you also possess the power to develop virtually any skill you set your intentions upon. The truest part of this specific limiting statement is that, yes, you will probably fail. In fact, you will most likely fail several times…before you ultimately succeed. But with each successive failure, you learn and develop your talents and skills to become the person you desire and to achieve the goals you set. 

8. “I’m not smart (talented, brave, handsome, pretty, or worthy…).”

The two most powerful words in the English language are “I am”. These two words, preceded by whatever follows them, defines you. The placement of the three-letter word “not” between the first two words and whatever follows has a destructive power so great it can destroy nations. This limiting phrase puts the wrong focus on what you are not rather than what you are capable of becoming. It also speaks to deficient self-esteem most likely derived by the fact that you have not yet stepped away from the shadow of comfort and familiarity. Change only comes when you demonstrate the courage to take action. Only then will your limiting self-talk transform from one of disadvantage to one supported by the inspiring notion of “I am.” 

9. “It takes money to make money. And I don’t have that kind of money.”

This false narrative implies insufficiency and lack from the start. It is backed by an even stronger declaration of “I don’t have…”. Let us first clarify the belief that “it takes money to make money”. This assertion is only partially true. If you have money you can indeed use that money to make more money. The sad truth is, most people don’t. The next truth is that you most likely have enough money right now to leverage it to start working for you to make even more money—the principles of which would require a completely different blog post and, most likely, an entire book to fully exploit. Let us give this limiting statement some credence on its merits with a caveat that removes the limitation. If it is true that it takes money to make money, then find a way to make enough extra money to put it to work. Or go out and find someone with money and bring your insight to help them make money. Chances are, you’ll win their confidence and begin making money for both of you. Then you will virtually eliminate the second part of this limiting statement because you will indeed “have that kind of money.” By the way, it doesn't take money to make money. It takes courage! Just ask the immigrant who arrived in this country with nothing but a dream and a pocket full of courage. 

10. “I can’t change because I always seem to find a way to mess things up.”

Our declarations define us. It is a universal law of nature that tells us to be careful what we ask, because we just may get it. If the above narrative comes anywhere close to the way you think, it's time to recalibrate your internal programming. Be courageous enough to recognize it, acknowledge it, and take a stand against it…right now! The fact is, you can change and you will change. Isn’t it better to change in the direction of your desires rather than to allow life to sweep you up in the current? Look, you will “mess up” from time to time. (Go back and read point number seven on failure.) Messing up should always be considered from the perspective of the value it provides—an indication that we are learning, growing, and changing. 

Ready to remove the limiting stories from your life? Need help doing that? Reach out to me. Leave a comment or connect with me. I can help you see things from a perspective of courage and empowerment that will help you discover your hidden strengths. Let’s find your personal breakthrough so you can operate with confidence in the lane of your intended purpose. 

Until next time…

~ G ~

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” 
~ Cayla Mills

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333

The Power of Equilibrium

"A powerful book that provides an interesting

 cross-section of three different points of view for 

the balance of body, mind, and spirit."

~ Amazon Reader Feedback

Get your copy of this insightful book

on Amazon.com TODAY!

Available Now!

***********

Step into the mind of Author Luc Vors.

"Keep producing things, great or small, and you will find that your 

creative mind will blossom with more and more ideas." 

***********

Check out the wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives of Author Elisabeth Auld inside the editions of

 Gals in Blue.

************

Check out our new affiliate partner, J. Jane, a fascinating blog of mentorship for, by, and between women.

j. jane 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel 

Dream Operative, 

 NOW AVAILABLE 

on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com 
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. 
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

Fall in Love with the Process...and Find Yourself Along the Way

Philosophy 101 tells us that, if we want to get anything done, we must first actually do something. Seems simple enough. If you’re not actually moving in the direction you intend for your life, you can be sure of only one thing—you’ll never get to your intended destination. But what if we don’t actually like what we have to do to reach our objective? Well, the short answer is that we will likely fail. I could end this article right here because the point of the matter is that nothing gets done without action. But you already know that. What you may not know is why it becomes so difficult to get things done when you’re faced with the less-than-desirable tasks required to effect real and meaningful change in your life.

It’s fair to say that most people who follow a process with regularity are the same ones who produce results. What makes them so different? I mean, how do they get through the drudgery of following the process when tasks become chores, obligations become burdens, and details become overwhelming? After all, these people have lives just like us…or do they? 

We have all seen the attractive slogans and overly simplistic and alluring catch phrases promising a path to a better life: Enjoy a higher standard of living; Make more money the easy way; Your path to riches; Do whatever it takes, etc. Even I have written articles designed to teach people the fundamentals to success and goal achievement. 

We’re all attracted by headlines. After all, they hold so much promise for…seemingly so little work. The trick is to get past the headlines and into the actual process to truly see what it takes for change take place. Headlines aside, if you actually follow through with the advice, philosophies, and instructions in most of these articles, you’ll find a prescription where you too can absolutely achieve anything you desire. Why then do we seem to get stuck when it comes to following the process? Because, candidly, most of us don’t typically care for the work part…unless we actually do. Which brings us to the real point. 

What separates most experts and achievers from everyone else is the level of commitment they provide to their goals. These are the people who choose productivity over leisure, delayed gratification over immediate reward, and education over television. They are also the ones who stay up late and get up early to squeeze out a just little more time to devote to their dreams, goals, and objectives. So, how (and why) do these people do it when most others don’t? Are they more motivated, determined, committed, or just plain maniacal? While some people may, in fact, possess some of these traits to reach a certain level of success, nearly all of them profess to an experience of enjoyment they find in doing the things that bring them closer to their goal. 

“When you enjoy a task, you will always find happiness in what you do.” ~ G. Westfal

Seldom is hard work associated with happiness, unless you are properly aligned with your purpose. The closer we are aligned to our purpose—that which truly makes us happy—the more joy we will discover in the work we do, the journey, and the path that leads to the fulfillment of that purpose. As we come to understand the message in a purposeful alignment, we begin to free ourselves, and we begin to allow ourselves to interact with the world around us with greater success, joy, and fulfillment. 

Another reason you may have such a difficult time finding joy in the process is that far too many of you do things to please other people. Opinions should never matter more than your purpose—your reason for doing things. Newsflash! The only opinion that should ever matter is your opinion. If you allow someone else’s opinion to shape your life, then you are not living your life at all. You’re living theirs!  

It's time to stop sabotaging yourself with your aversions to work by first finding that which you truly desire to do. Once you find something that ignites your passion, you’ll be in a position to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal, your mission, your objective, your purpose. Only then will you find joy in committing to the process of finding meaning and fulfillment in your quest become everything you are meant to be. If you’re aligned with your purpose you will find a way to fall in love with the process. After all, it is the process that ignites the progress and momentum leading to the ultimate realization of your dreams, goals, and aspirations. 

Until next time…

~ G ~

“It all begins with the first step. Follow the process.” ~ 
G. Westfal

-----------------------

333

The Power of Equilibrium

"A powerful book that provides an interesting

 cross-section of three different points of view for 

the balance of body, mind, and spirit."

~ Amazon Reader Feedback

Get your copy of this insightful book

on Amazon.com TODAY!

Available Now!

***********

Step into the mind of Author Luc Vors.

"Keep producing things, great or small, and you will find that your 

creative mind will blossom with more and more ideas." 

***********

Check out the wise, knowledgeable, and often entertaining perspectives of Author Elisabeth Auld inside the editions of

 Gals in Blue.

************

Check out our new affiliate partner, J. Jane, a fascinating blog of mentorship for, by, and between women.

j. jane 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Gary's best-selling novel 

Dream Operative, 

 NOW AVAILABLE 

on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com 
and is NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. 
Get your copy today at FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

Don't Buy the Hype!

Six Universal Truths to Finding Your Purpose

Do you ever feel like today's most successful super achievers know something you don't?

 

 

If your answer is "yes" you're partly correct. But today you have an opportunity to learn, borrow, and apply the strategies used by most leaders to get ahead of literally everyone else.

 

Let’s face it, most of the success and achievement advice you read today is crap because it is typically written by someone with an agenda to sell you something that sounds good on paper. The reason we see so much of it is because of the insatiable appetite for an “easy” road to wealth and a prosperity that exists exclusively among those who seek to claim their version of success.

 

While we say we desire success and achievement, most people have no idea how to go about finding it, so they end up relying on someone else to show them the “magic” formula. The only problem with that approach is most people end up buying (literally) someone else’s version of success, oftentimes without regard to whether that version truly works at all in the first place.  Besides, there really is no magic in the formula for success. Yet, we continue to seek “the magic” while ignoring the simple reality that success and achievement comes down to a few simple universal laws of nature.

 

1. Define success on your own terms.

 

If you’re going to achieve success in any form, it must be personally defined and reside squarely in the lane of your passion and purpose. If it does not, continue looking. Don’t get frustrated because you haven’t discovered it…yet. If you honestly and earnestly seek, you will find your purpose…and whatever else you seek in life for that matter. 

 

“Seek and ye shall find.” ~ The Bible

 

2. Take Action.

 

Once you discover that one thing that drives you, pursue it with a vengeance! Take action to learn everything you can to master your purpose. Take action to reprioritize your life to bring your purpose to the forefront while reducing and eliminating everything that is counterproductive to the perfection of your purpose.  Take action to feed your purpose with your time, money, and resources. If you neglect this step you will fail.

 

3. Find a vehicle.

 

Unless you can think of something that has yet to be invented then it’s a safe bet that there is a vehicle or system that already exists to support your passion or purpose. You don’t have to reinvent the Internet to succeed in your lane of purpose. Find a system, organization, company, investor, or mentor to align yourself with to begin your journey.

 

4. Create or tap into a network.

 

Nobody accomplishes everything by themselves in isolation. The most successful among us know how to coalesce and leverage the talents, strengths, resources, and efforts of other people in the pursuit of a goal or objective. The most successful do it better than the rest. Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Cheryl Sandberg, and others like these highly successful people rely on a team or a network of others to achieve a common vision or objective resulting in extraordinary success. You can do the very same thing if you engage with the right network of people. Doing so leverages your resources while systematically reducing your timeline to achievement.

 

5. Stay sharp!

 

Successful people pride themselves on being the best. They are very often considered to be an expert or authority in their chosen purpose. The very best way to accomplish this is to employ every principle above and…to stay mentally and physically fit. Sitting in front of the computer or TV all day won’t cut it, so get off your butt and do something for your personal fitness and overall wellness. A regular fitness regimen keeps our body in shape and our mind supplied with oxygen while releasing the endorphins that stimulate imagination and creativity.

 

6. Be consistent.

 

It is inevitable that, from time to time, discouragement, doubt, and fear will rear its ugly head along your journey to success. Recognize these occurrences as the obstacles they are and remain consistent. Power through it, find solutions, and never, ever quit! Your ability to get through these times is the difference-maker in terms of those who do and those who dream.  Quitting assures your failure while consistency rewards your efforts to remain committed to your passion.

 

So, while you may have previously believed that some people know something you don’t, the truth is, they no longer do. The real truth is that you can have, be, do, or become anything you desire…as long as you are willing to act on a few simple rules…the same rules that are now in the hands of an achiever—you!

Until next time…

~ G ~

“You were created for something extraordinary. Find your purpose.”  ~ G. Westfal

 

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-------------------------------------------------------------

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.