* IMAGINATIVE INSIGHTS *

Life Is Bound To Knock You Down...How You Respond Makes All The Difference!

" it ain't about how hard ya' hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." - Rocky Balboa.

I cannot accurately count the number of times in which I have been knocked down in my life, either emotionally, physically, or financially.  So far, I've been able to get back up every time.  Sometimes slowly, but always, back up. 

Personally, I have found that the true challenge comes in realizing that every setback, regardless of its apparent severity, is temporary.

That is, as long as you do not allow setbacks to become permanent or allow them to kill your optimism.  As long as you are willing to change your approach and to "get up", you can and will prevail.

To start, you must accept a couple of somewhat hard-to-swallow truths.  The first is, that you are exactly where you are, as a result of your own dominant thoughts and actions.  This can be quite humbling and uncomfortable, because it causes you to assess your own accountability.  Most of the time, you know in your heart what you MUST do, yet fail to consistently follow through on the actions that you KNOW are necessary.

Secondly, you must adopt the viewpoint that all setbacks are really lessons in disguise.  How quickly you learn the lesson will determine just how long the setback will exist for you.

There is an amazing poem by Portia Nelson that elegantly depicts this "lesson mindset".  Have you heard of it?  It is called an "Autobiography In Five Short Chapters", and is included here for your enjoyment -

Chapter One - I walk down the street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I fall in.  I am lost...I am helpless.  It isn't my fault.  It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two - I walk down the same street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I pretend I don't see it.  I fall in again.  I can't believe I am in this same place.  But, it isn't my fault.  It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three - I walk down the same street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I see it is there.  I still fall in...It's a habit...but, my eyes are open.  I know where I am.  It is my fault.  I get out immediately.

Chapter Four - I walk down the same street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I walk around it.

Chapter Five - I walk down another street.

What is that same street that you keep walking down?

What is the lesson that the Universe needs you to learn?

When faced with life's inevitable setbacks, ask yourself, "what's good about this situation?"  Really look hard for answers.  See setbacks for what they really are, learn the lessons, and have faith that no challenge in life is more important than who you are as a person.

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM

Career Change Credibility - Seven Success Skills You Must Adopt and Master!

The world is going through a period of unprecedented uncertainty and transformation. 

In times of transition, you may find yourself at a career crossroads...considering (by choice or by necessity) a new position, job, or career.

It's not uncommon to feel a sense of apprehension or even fear when you begin to think about the potential challenges that may lie ahead of you in your new role.  You might even question yourself about your lack of experience in you new field.  This is totally normal.  The key is to experience those feelings for what they are, and then redirect your focus toward that which you can control...your attitude and your thoughts.

To ensure success going forward, it's good to remember that you always retain the power to be your best, regardless of the title that appears on your door or your business card.  There is only one you, and subsequently your unique talents create a fresh opportunity to shine in your new endeavor.

Around this time every year, it's common to assess where you've been, and where you're going.  If you will resolve to work on the following seven principles throughout the coming year, I am certain that your career change will be extremely rewarding, both financially and for your soul!

Optimism - The world loves an optimist!  Keeping in your mind the belief that brighter days are surely ahead, is the first step in building a solid foundation for success.

Initiative - Regardless of your position in any company, seek out ways to create improvement in your approach, your processes, and your new working relationships.  Be the first to offer a helping hand and be willing to try new things.

Enthusiasm - Here is where you can really set yourself apart from the pack.  Bring an eagerness to your work every day.  View each event as a wonderful new discovery - kind of like how a child feels when he learns a new skill.  That sense of excitement is transferable, and not only do you help yourself to excel, you will also elevate your co-workers in the process.  Everyone benefits when you are enthusiastic.

Integrity - This trait has been described as "doing the right thing, even though no one is watching".  I view integrity as being congruent with your words and deeds.  This means following through on what you say you are going to do, in a spirit of honesty and fairness.  Demonstrate integrity and you will quickly earn the respect of your peers.

Doing More Than You Are Paid To Do - In a challenging economy, you may find yourself accepting a new position where the monetary compensation is far less than your former position or less than you are accustomed to receiving.  DO NOT let this deter you from going the extra mile.  The emotional rewards are immediate, and the spiritual and financial rewards will soon follow.  Become the "go-to" person in your organization and you will find that new opportunities offered to you often.

Imagination - This may perhaps be the most critical skill for you to adopt and master.  No man or woman has ever achieved notable success without imagination.  In your new role, always try to be thinking up new and creative ways to improve your workplace, your products, and your services.  Allow your mind to create new ideas and then diligently find ways to implement them.

Faith - Know in your heart that your world is unfolding exactly as it is supposed to be.  Reflect on the lessons learned in your former role, and believe in your ability to thrive in your new one.  Faith is the belief that you are exactly where you are supposed to be in this very moment.  Know that the Universe "has your back" and that success is your divine right.

If you will incorporate, apply, and practice these principles, it doesn't matter what new field you are entering.  When you own these skills, you can bring them to any job.

Expect more from yourself than anyone could ever expect from you!

Until next time, be creative!

J. Shoop
Your Visualization Coach TM