Productivity Planner

This Article was brought to you by:

• Capture To YouTube
• How to Convert YouTube Videos
• Auto Reply Software
• sell endowment
• Article Spinner
• Adult and Children Halloween Costumes
• Website Speed
• mesothelioma
• Casino
• Pokeri
• How to Download YouTube Videos on PSP

French author Andre Malraux said: “Often the difference between the successful person and failure is not one has better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on one’s ideas, to take calculated risks to act.”

Do you want a more meaningful, satisfying life? Increase your risk taking skills!
Whether you’d like to date the man of your dreams, go back to college to get your Masters degree, or advance your career, taking frequent, well thought out chances each day is the key to attaining your goals.

However, many of us lag in the risk-taking department. We fail to habitually act in our own best interest.

Why? Basically, we are creatures of habit. We prefer the known and routine of life. It seems easier.

We opt for the secure paycheck though we’d really like to start a business. We remain in a loveless relationship because we prefer the predictability of it. We fear going back to college so we choose to snack in front of the television each night.

However, there is a price to pay for avoiding risks–lost opportunities, boredom and dissatisfaction in life.

Life is about gusto!

When the fear of risk-taking threaten to render you passive, what can you do?

Here are three tips:

A. Take Daily Baby Steps

A well known, powerful businessman stated:” I don’t feel I’m accomplishing much unless I scared out of my mind each day.” He was referring to doing something new and challenging each day as a
key to his success. While I don’t recommend pushing yourself into unmanageable fear, I do believe
we need to push ourselves past our discomfort and anxiety, and accomplish regular, “doable” goals.

Normalize fear as you develop your risk taking skills.

For example, if you are a salesman and hate “cold” calls (unsolicited calls made to prospective
clients) , set a reasonable, daily goal. How many calls are you going to make each day? Decide and make them.

Indeed, your palms will sweat, knots will form in your stomach and you’ll want to

postpone the calls, but with practice these symptoms of fear will dissipate. Through daily

action, you’ll find yourself becoming more competent and confident. You’ll become a less fearful risk taker.

B. Train Yourself to Focus on the “Big Picture”

My twenty-four year old son and I recently went to a restaurant. We got on the subject of fear. I asked, “Honey, how is it that you can go through this insane medical school program and not battle fear as you stretch and grow?”

His response holds a clue for us.

He replied, “Of course I get scared mom. But my desire to be a doctor is bigger than my fear. I’m passionate about it.

To keep my mind on the big picture, I oftentimes visualize myself in my white lab coat, making

rounds in the hospital. I warmly shake the hands of patients, check their charts, and do the best I can to help them. My patients are satisfied with my hard work and I see myself going home each night feeling proud. I try to keep my mind on the bigger picture when I am stressed.”

By finding your passion and holding onto it during stressful times, you can wage war against fear.

Visualization is a powerful tool that can calm you as you encounter the “growing pains” associated with risk-taking.

When using this tool spend regular time creating clear, achievable and specific pictures as it

relates to your goals. Keep practicing. Your fear fear about taking risks will slowly diminish.

C. Examine Your Thoughts and Correct Them

This tip is taken from the world of Cognitive Therapy is based on the theory that our

thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors. (National Association of Cognitive Therapists)

This suggests we have more control than we think over the stressful events of our lives.

If we can change our thoughts, we can change our feelings and behaviors no matter what

external circumstances face us.

I have found by writing down stubborn fearful thoughts I can challenge them. Try this

exercise. On a 8″x11″ piece of lined paper, fold it down the middle. On the left side write the date.

Specifically list a troublesome thought.

For example, ” If I sit by the CEO at the dinner party, he’ll see how nervous and stupid I am!”

On the right side of that paper, counter your thought with a more realistic one.

For example, “You know you might get nervous, but maybe the CEO won’t even notice, and if he does who cares? If I take a chance and sit and talk to him, I just might find out we have things in common.”

Do this exercise as much as needed, and check your “feeling meter.” Does your fear lessen as

you correct your thoughts?

Invest in this exercise and your fear of risk taking will diminish.

Want to live a cutting edge, more thrilling life? Commit to increasing your risk taking! Take daily

steps towards your dreams, train yourself to focus on your goals and correct negative thoughts

that get in the way of your success. You will find life becoming more satisfying as you achieve your goals.

Rosalind Henderson is a speaker, author and Peak Performance expert. She is the director and founder of Life Keys Inc, a college student resource center dedicated to empowering college students to live life on purpose and with passion. She has presented over 500 presentations to businesses, churches and college students across America. To book Rosalind for an event and/or to view her products contact her through http://www.rosalindhenderson.com

Useful Links:

Don't forget about redirecting mail to your new change of address.

Tags: , , Leadership, Inspiration, Management, Organizational Culture //