Thursday, October 23, 2008

Take Hold of Initiative


  • Take your focus off your fears. Fix your eyes on your goal and its benefits instead. Stop letting fear of failure and embarrassment hold you back. Instead of worrying about all the things that could go wrong, try anyway.

  • Anticipate Success. When you expect failure, you invite it. Cultivate a positive attitude that looks forward to success. Avoid seeing setbacks as the end. Consider them as a game lost, but not the entire championship.

  • Allow Yourself to Feel Uncomfortable. It usually feels safer to keep a low profile and not stand out. Change by nature is uncomfortable, but it produces greater results than temporary security does.

  • Volunteer for Responsibility. Instead of waiting until someone asks or forces you to take the lead, be willing to step forward. People don't like indecision and want someone to lead.

  • Say "No" When Necessary. Don't be afraid to offend people by saying "No." Standing up and saying "No" demonstrates strength and will merit the respect of others.

  • Remain Calm During Disagreements. Try not to get emotionally entangled in proving your point or winning an argument. Seek common ground and a compromise that makes concession for at least part of what you want.

  • Follow Through. When delegating tasks to others, follow up on their progress. People tend to be more conscientious when they know their work is important enough to be monitored.

  • Be an Overcomer. When faced with a problem, direct your energy toward solving it. Make a list of every solution you can think of - including the unrealistic ones - and then implement an action plan

Excerpts from "My Tyme", May 2008

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