June 12th, 2007
Believe In Yourself
One of the more pronounced problems seen around the country these days is the problem of low self-esteem. Sure, almost everyone has acquired the ability to "mask" that feeling from friends, family, co-workers, even sometimes their spouse, but deep down, they still feel low self-esteem. They feel like they should be doing more, but they don't believe they have the ability to change their "life circumstances".
There was a popular song a few years back about "play the hand you're dealt" and another one about "ya gotta know when to fold 'em". While those statement have an essence of truth to them, you need to look below the surface to find the real meaning there. Yes, you need to play the hand you're dealt, but in more ways than you realize, you have control of the dealer and the cards that show up. Yes, you gotta know when to fold 'em, but they key in that statement is "KNOW", and to recognize that you actually have a full house against the dealer two pair. Many folks are holding a full house or four aces but do not have enough confidence in themselves to not fold, thinking how "disastrous" it would be if they did not win.
One of my favorites t-shirts is a very simple drawing of an 8 ounce glass of water that contains 4 ounces of water, and the powerful caption simply says "half full". It is a matter of perspective, but far too many people look at that glass as half empty instead of half full. The difference between those two perspectives can make or break your entire outlook on virtually everything.
A few years ago, students in medical school were entering the classroom for the final exam in one of the toughest courses in the whole curriculum. The students had studied nonstop for days and they were as prepared as they could be. The professor sat quietly at his desk at the front of the room.
As the bell rang, the professor slowly walked over and closed the door to the room. Then he turned to the class and said, "Anyone who does not want to take this final exam can leave now and I will give them a B for the course". The students exchanged glances, trying to figure out the kicker, and then the professor repeated that statement. Students hurriedly got up and left the room.
About a dozen students were left. The professor looked around and said, "Last chance - you can leave now and be guaranteed a B for this course". A few more students got up and left, the look of relief on their faces very evident.
With about 8 students left in the room, the professor shut the door to the room, then turned to those remaining students and said, "Congratulations. You all have demonstrated that you believe in yourselves, and I give you an A for this course. You are excused".
Do you believe in yourself? Would you have left the room? Lift up your head and believe in yourself. More than that, believe in yourself to the extent that other people can see and feel your self-confidence, even from a distance. Life is only 10% of what happens to us -- the real part of life depends on the other 90% which is how we react to what happens to us, and how we handle it.
Believe in yourself, you will be amazed at what you can do!
Labels: Cognigen, Mindset, Self-Esteem
|
