Realize your potential

What makes a high achiever? Is it luck, intelligence, talent, dedication?All of these things figure in - they all make a difference. But we all know intelligent, talented, hard-working people who do not consider themselves very successful or even happy. And we know people who are not exceptionally bright but seem happy and successful.So there must be something else, some secret to success. Actually there are several secrets to achieving your peak performance - living up to your full potential.Your success at business, friendship, love, sports - just about anything you try - is largely determined by your own self-image. Your unhappiness is something you choose. So, you're thinking no one chooses to be unhappy.Well, maybe not - but you have to consciously choose to be happy,self-confident, and successful.Happiness is elusive when we go after it directly. So is self-confidence.Both seem to be more "side-products" than something you can achieve in and for itself. So how, then, can consciously choosing to be these things be of any value? Well, the secret is to focus on other things.First, focus on your potential. Begin by making a complete and accurate assessment of your potential. To do this you must take an inventory of yourself - make a few lists. Sit down and make a list of all thethings you can do well. Be honest with yourself. When that list is done,make a list of all the things you like to do, even if you think you can't do them well. Then, make a list of all the things you would like to do, if you could. Now list your hobbies.Then, go back to the list of things you can do well. You are probably being much too hard on yourself. Most of us are. We have this little voice in our heads telling us things like: "You're not that smart," or "You can't learn to do that," or "You never do anything right," or similar nasty things. And even worse, we listen to that voice as if it's telling us the gospel truth. So now, shut off that voice - you can do it - and add a few more things to the list of things you can do well. Pretend you are your best friend - it's amazing how much more forgiving and charitable we are with our friends than we are with ourselves. Now that you are your best friend, you should be able to add a few more items to your "do well" list.But do be honest - don't list things you feel you really can't do well.Next, go to your list of things you like to do but you feel you don't do well. Speaking as your own best friend, do you think there are some things on this list that could be moved to your "do well" list? There probably are. If you like to do it, chances are you do pretty well at it. Treat your hobby list in the same manner.Next, go to your list of things you would like to do if you could. Ask yourself, "Why can't I do this, if I'd like to?" Put your reasons on another list. OK. So you have a lot of lists going - what good is that going to do? Well, you have just made an assessment of yourself. If you have been truly honest in making these lists, it should be a fairly accurate assessment. . This assessment isn't carved in stone. It's subject to change. But for now we will work with what's on the lists. At least you have a place to start.Look over your lists again.Are you focusing on all the things you feel you can't do and the reasons why you can't do them, right? Well, don't.FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO - FOCUS ON YOUR POTENTIAL. Make it a habit to focus on your strengths. Don't forget to include your undeveloped potential, as well. Train yourself to focus on your potential instead of your failures.All of us have untapped potential - perhaps even areas of genius - that we have neglected to develop. Whether your concept of success has to do with business, love, friendship, sports, a combination of these or something else, more fully developing your potential will help you achieve your goals. If you can learn to assess your potential, set realistic goals,and go after those goals with determination, organization, and purpose, you will use your potential more fully, gain confidence, and be a happier and more successful person. Good Luck! Arnie Anderson
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