Do You Need to Get out of Your Own Way?

At times, I’ve used a simple exercise with clients to help them understand that they need to get out of their own way.

I ask them to look at a mirror and tell me what they see. The initial usual responses are “me;” the next James Bond; some famous personality; etc. The list could fill this page.

I then explain that they are looking at the main culprit, problem or obstacle standing in the way of their success.

After 5 or so minutes, I ask them to look in the mirror and again tell me what they see. There are no more cute responses or so-called witty responses. They are now skeptical and have that deer in the headlights look, wondering if I’ve asked a trick question.

Related: Learn Something Every Day, Then Practice It Until You Are Good at It

I end the suspense and explain that the first time they looked in the mirror, they saw “the problem.” Now, for the second time, they were looking at “the solution.”

Here’s the facts: The single biggest obstacle to your success is you! And, you can control you, if you choose to. “Choose to” are the key words in that statement. Stop being your own obstacle or enemy to your success and start being the hero or heroine of your own story – today!

It’s never too late to change the direction of your “story” and write a new chapter.

You have many skills and talents that you either are not using at all or only partially using. Time is of the essence. Start using these “gifts” because that’s what they really are. Many of you allow the fear of making a mistake or looking foolish hold you back. Look, you can learn from mistakes, and all of us look foolish now and then, so why don’t you pick the moment? Like the turtle, stick your next out and take a risk. It’s the only way you will ever make progress.