Tell A New Story

When we set goals for ourselves, it’s a good idea to periodically reflect on how our efforts are turning out for us. Have we lost those extra pounds? Did we take that class? Have we saved the amount of money we wanted to? Did we revive that relationship? Did we get the promotion? Did we find a new love interest? These are simple “yes” and “no” questions we might ask ourselves to determine how we stand.

Unfortunately, more often than not, we did not achieve these goals. Not only did we not achieve them, it's likely that we never really got a good start at them. Why is that? Is it because we didn’t really want it? Was it because of other distractions that took us off course? Was it because we lacked what we needed to reach the goal? I’ll admit—some of these reasons could be valid. Even though they may be valid, they’re still excuses. They’re probably not what really held us back.

If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that what really held us back originated within ourselves. You see, we’ve been saying the wrong stuff, to ourselves and to others. Because of fear of failure or rejection, we’ve been filling our heads with the wrong information. Each time we ask ourselves why we failed (again) to reach the goal, negative ideas may begin to fester. We’ve blamed the economy, other people, the weather, our upbringing, our finances, and even our health.

Here’s an example: You’ve been working for years in a job that is not fulfilling--it doesn’t offer the challenge you want, it doesn’t pay enough to reach financial goals you’ve set, and you don’t enjoy the people or the actual work. So why do you stay? Let’s listen in to the conversation going on in your head:

• “I should be grateful that at least I have a job.”
• “It’s too hard to find a job nowadays.”
• “Maybe I’m being unrealistic in setting the goals I’ve set”.
• “At least I still have health insurance.”
• “Who am I kidding? I could never get the type of job I really want.”
• “Who’s going to hire me at my age?”

Does any of this sound familiar? Have you found yourself saying or thinking things like this? What’s worse, if you’re not voicing those sentiments yourself, you can be sure that someone else in your sphere of influence is saying them to you. Could it be that these types of statements and questions caused you to disqualify yourself from putting forth the effort? You may think you’re saving yourself from disappointment and heartache.

Well, just the opposite! You’re setting yourself up for a life of drudgery, disappointment, and despair. It’s time to start telling a new story. It’s time to start believing in the possibilities that are out there waiting for you to explore. One thing’s for sure: you’ll never experience the life you want until you get out there and try. 

Starting today, begin telling yourself things that will inspire you to reach for what you want for your life. Fill your head with life-affirming statements and vivid emotional images that will stimulate creative ideas. Give yourself permission to want more and to go after your dreams. Once you make a habit of using the tools of self-development, you will begin to see your life unfold in ways you couldn’t have imagined! Surround yourself with people who are not only dreamers, but who take action on their goals.

A word of warning: not everybody will be happy about your new story. Some will try to discourage you with a flood of “what ifs”. Others will tell you that you’re being unrealistic. Still others will say you’re being selfish. DON’T LISTEN TO THEM!

Once you start speaking life into your goals and taking action instead of denying your right to have them, the bible says, “your blessings will overtake you”! In other words, the principle of attraction will cause the right people and the right situations to cross your path. Isn’t that exciting?!!!

What’s the new story you need to start telling?