IS YOUR EGO IN THE WAY OF CAREER SUCCESS?

We are constantly making decisions to determine the best pathways and solutions that will lead to our success. And it’s not always easy to tell if our choices are coming from the right place. Follow your ego and you might be successful in many ways, but you’re likely to find yourself wondering why you’re not as happy as you think you should be. However, if you follow your intuition, your life is likely to be more enjoyable and meaningful.

Learning to determine whether you’re being guided by intuition or ego can make a huge difference in your career. While there are no hard and fast rules to make the distinction, there are tendencies that can serve as a guide. Consider these differences:

1.     Ego-based decisions are grounded in fear and self-preservation. If you decide to go to medical school primarily for reasons of financial security, that’s ego. If you decide to not ask for the promotion, that’s ego. Intuitive thoughts feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful.

2.     Ego-based decisions typically have emotion connected to them resulting in nervous or anxious feelings. A choice made from a place of intuition just feels “right” and often comes out of left field. You might be surfing the internet and be hit with the idea of becoming an artist. The resulting battle in your head is your ego fighting back.

3.     Ego-based decisions involve rationalization. Your ego is wonderful at convincing you that its choice is the right one. “I’ll never get that job. Imagine how disappointed I’ll feel when it doesn’t work out. People like me are destined to only be supervisors, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I can still have a decent life.” It’s really just a rationalization based on fear – fear of success or fear of failure.

4.     Ego-based decisions consider external results. Are you writing a book in order to have a bestseller? Are you taking an action to gain certain results from others? A thought or decision arising from intuition is based on internal results. You’ll write a book because you’re fascinated with the idea not whether or not it will be a best seller. You’ll take an action because it will provide you with self-satisfaction not to gain outside attention.

5.     The ego tries to justify itself with facts, figures, and logic. Intuition doesn’t require these tricks to compel you. It doesn’t involve judgment statements about right or wrong, good or bad. If you’re using logic to convince yourself of a course of action, you can bet that’s your ego talking.

While the ego can be very limiting, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong. Remember that the ego’s motivation is largely based on self-preservation. Your ego believes that it has your best interests at heart. The trick is to realize when your ego is holding you back from something bigger and better. Think before choosing which voice to follow and use these tips to help you make a decision that will bring you true happiness and career success.

TOP 6 EXCUSES THAT LIMIT YOUR SUCCESS

Do you ever consider a new idea or something different to pursue and immediate begin thinking of the ways it can’t be done versus ways it can be done. Many of us have a series of excuses that we can pull out of a hat at a moment’s notice. We make excuses mostly to protect ourselves and to justify our current circumstances.

Are any of these excuses holding you back from the success you desire?

1.     “I DON’T KNOW HOW.” This common excuse gives you permission to not even try. Solution: Get support. At no time in the history of mankind has there been so much information and resources available. Want to start a charity? There are hundreds of books on the subject. Need to lose 100 lbs? There are thousands of CDs, videos and blogs to support you. Want to change careers? Consult a coach or mentor. Or simply try and then adjust your approach based on your results.

2.     “I’M AFRAID.” Who hasn’t been afraid to try something new, to step out of the box, to move beyond their comfort zone? Most of our fears are socially based and have no real consequences. Solution: Ask yourself what’s the worst thing that can happen. Once you have determined the worst case scenarios you’ll realize that the fear is a disguise to kill your dreams and stifle your growth. Then list the best things that can happen. You’ll recognize that your success is more important than the fears that are holding you back.

3.     “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME.” If your heart is in it then you will make the time for what’s truly important to you. Solution: Create a list of the things you do on a daily basis from the moment you awake until the end of the day. Record your activities in 15 minute blocks. Include everything from talking on the phone, surfing the internet to watching television. After doing this for one week most people are able to find at least 3 hours to dedicate to a new activity or adventure.

4.     “I DON’T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY.” There is usually a way to work around a lack of financial resources. Solution: Find alternatives. For example, if you’re looking to increase your skills but can’t afford college tuition there are other ways to enhance your credentials. For instance, volunteer at a non-profit organization, get certification in a particular skill or intern for a small company on your days off. If you are business owner, consider bartering (trading your services or products). There is always a way. You just may have to work a little harder to find solutions to support your growth.

5.     “IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME.” It’s never too late to become what you might have been. A person climbed Mount Everest in his 80’s. People have gone back to medical school in their 60’s. Getting a late start might be less convenient and more challenging, but there’s nothing wrong with that. Solution: Figure out what interests you, influences you and motivates you. Build a plan for the challenges that are really important to you and take one step at a time to complete your goals.  

·       “IT’S TOO HARD.” Some endeavors are certainly more difficult than others. But claiming that something is “too hard” is really just another way of admitting that you’re afraid. People with limited resources and talent can still be extremely successful. Solution: Set your mind on success! Those with motivation and stamina are really the ones who succeed. Get an accountability partner. Read encouraging stories. Practice affirmations. Do what’s necessary to keep your thoughts and energy centered on a successful outcome.

Your success is dependent on effort. No action, no results. It’s time to make some changes. Transformation isn’t always easy but it is necessary for your success. So put aside your excuses and go after what you truly want. You’ll be glad you did!

Retire Now!

Rashard Mendenhall, a running back for the NFL, announced that he is retiring after only six seasons, walking away from the opportunity to earn millions of dollars. Rashard wrote, in a post titled "Why I Retired At 26" that he doesn’t want to play anymore. As for the question of what he’ll do - Rashard says, “I will live! I plan to live in a way that I never have before, and that is freely, able to fully be me, without the expectation of representing any league, club, shield or city. I do have a plan going forward, but I will admit that I do not know how things will totally shape out. That is the beauty of it! I want to travel the world and write!” Rashard is doing what most people only imagine. He’s following his heart to pursue his passions.

If you want more out of life -go get it! Don’t allow the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown or the opinions of others suffocate your dreams and desires. The only person who will suffer from the inaction is you. You were created you to THRIVE not just survive. You are a DIVINE design- engineered to SUCCEED. You were made for EXCELLENCE! Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect!

Like Rashard, when you follow your passion you may not have all the answers. You may not even know where to start. But what you do know is that you have to do something different. Many people have started with much less and achieved remarkable success. The only difference between them and others is that they believed in themselves and were willing to risk losing in order to gain in the future.

RETIRE the limiting beliefs that have held you back from pursuing your dreams. Make a decision now that you will do one thing that moves you forward in achieving your goals. Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try. What will you try today?

 

10 Ways to Build Trust and Credibility for Career Success

Do you remember playing the "TRUST" game when you were a child? You stood in front of someone, held your breath and hoped that when you fell backwards they would catch you. It was nerve wrecking to let go and to rely on someone else to keep you from getting hurt. But after they caught you the first time you were more willing to stand in front of them again and again and lean back without fear. That’s because they earned your trust.
 
As adults that same kind of trust is important to build solid relationships for business and career success. Trustworthy people are invaluable to organizations. They are influencers that consistently demonstrate a pattern of behavior that enhances their credibility. Take these action steps to increase your leadership abilities and capitalize on opportunities of advancement:
 

1.     KEEP YOUR WORD! Your promise should be as binding as a contract.  Reliability is a primary component of trust.

2.     KEEP GOOD COMPANY! Surround yourself with people of high integrity. Your net worth => Your network.

3.     KEEP THE PEACE! Learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. Recognize the value in the opinion of others.

4.     KEEP CONTROL! It’s not only what you bring to the table it’s how you serve it. Professionalism is important. Manage your emotions when you are stressed or under pressure.

5.     KEEP THE VISION! You gain more by making others look good than singing your own praises. Sometimes it not all about you. Remember the overall goal.

6.     KEEP IT A SECRET! Words spoken in confidence are words spoken in trust. Open lines of communication are essential for your success.

7.     KEEP IT HONEST! Admit when you are wrong. Others don't have to guess your motivations or intentions when you're open and honest. You’ll be respected for truthfulness and transparency.

8.     KEEP YOUR PROMISES! Follow through on every commitment you make. Always under promise and over-deliver.

9.     KEEP RECORDS! Ask others to write a recommendation for you. Use their words to build your reputation.

10.  KEEP QUIET! Be a good listener. When people are speaking give them your full attention.  Your silence will speak volumes.

 

Gaining credibility and trustworthiness doesn’t happen overnight. KEEP these action steps in mind and demonstrate trusting behaviors to support you in getting there faster. Don’t get dismayed if at one time or another you let someone down. No one is perfect. But your history will speak loudly of your character if you’ve established a trusting foundation.

5 Things Mentally Strong People Do For Career Success

 

Will Smith is quoted as saying, “Make a choice and decide what you are going to be, how you’re going to be, and how you’re going to do it”. To achieve what you want in your career requires that kind of mindset. It’s literally impossible to attain success without mental fortitude. Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, wrote an article in LifeHack entitled, “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do”. I’ve turned them around and added my thoughts to share 5 ways to use your mental muscle for greater career success.

• MAINTAIN YOUR COMPOSURE! Don’t give away your power. When you allow the actions of others to disrupt your mental stability you lose control. Emotional balance is the foundation for productive thinking and sound judgment. This was demonstrated on a recent episode of the BET hit series, “Single Ladies”. April told a colleague about her thoughts regarding new talent for the agency. Although David discredited them, he was non apologetic after he shared her ideas as his original recommendation during a business meeting. Instead of acting on her frustration, April used that energy to ignite her creativity and determination. Like April - know your strengths and manage the way you respond.
• TOLERATE DISCOMFORT! Resist the urge to act on emotions. When you are led by your feelings you are vulnerable of making poor decisions. Consider the example of a client who entered a contract with a vendor based on how she “felt” about the services. After the vendor missed two deadlines the client relented that more time spent on research could have yielded a different result. At times, it’s best to let emotions subside and seek the facts. Resist making permanent choices based on a temporary state of mind.
• BE WILLING TO FAIL! Everyone has a gift but most people never open their package. No poison kills more slowly or painfully than regret. The next time a challenging project is available accept the assignment. If you have services or products to offer don’t be afraid to ask for the business. You don’t know what you don’t know until you know it. Realize that when you operate in your purpose even your mistakes will work for your good.
• DON'T COMPLAIN! Refrain from wasting energy on things you can’t control. It is a choice you must make to maintain clarity and focus. Complainers don’t get promoted. And they often miss opportunities because they are not contributing to a solution they are inflating the problem. Your energy is a valuable resource and the way you spend it determines your success.
• EMBRACE CHANGE! Adjusting to change can be a struggle between mind over matter. No matter the situation, choose to gain from the experience. Often times change will expose new ideas and advancement. Your goal is to figure out how to benefit from those changes to increase your potential to be promoted, learn a different skill, meet new colleagues or serve more customers. You can travel on the paved road to change or ride the rollercoaster but each road leads to same destination.

Your mind is a steering wheel. Be positioned to go in the direction for success. Make it a habit to practice affirmations, read inspirational stories or listen to motivational messages to guide you on the course and strengthen your mental muscle.

Happy 2014! Make It Happen!

Take steps to get what you want in the next twelve months. Don't spend another minute thinking about it. MOVE FORWARD and make it happen!

The Power of Affirmations and Positive Thinking

An affirmation is a declaration that when repeated can create changes in your thoughts, improvements in your life and success for your future. Affirmations give you power, strength and courage to BELIEVE more, ACHIEVE more and BE more. It is literally a way of reprogramming your mind. Think about raising a child – in rearing you often say No. "No! Don’t touch that." "No! Don’t put that in your mouth." "No! Don’t say that." We learn by the negative. So now we have to train our brains for yes.

According to the World Health Organization, the cost of stress on the American economy is $300 billion. A separate study finds that 80% of employees are unhappy with their current work situation. Fifty percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. And suicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents. There is at least one commonality within these depressing statistics. It is this - somewhere a decision was made to believe something other than the best was possible for the situation. This means someone gave up on their dreams, hopes, relationship, thoughts, potential and opportunity.

Don't put limits on yourself. Affirmations and positive thinking are vital tools for success in life. It is believing the best. It’s about having courage in yourself and your abilities. You must declare it. "Yes! I can achieve that goal." "Yes! I can resist that slice of chocolate cake." "Yes! I will ace the next job interview!"

Believing is half the battle. The other half is action. Get in motion and stay in motion so you can experience the best of life. For most it is not an overnight process. It takes time and practice. Positive thinking must become a habit. You have to think about what you are thinking about!

If you want to experience more joy, success and career advancement learn to declare victory over the challenges. Develop a habit of affirming yourself. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Don't believe everything that comes into your mind.

Try these simple affirmations to get started:
• I am happy
• I am healthy
• I am loved
• I am courageous
• I am capable
• I am smart

Change your thoughts and you will change your life! For more affirmations visit Affirmyourlife.blogspot.com.