It is up to us to see the light.  Shine it in all the dark places to take away the fear.  Then take it into the world and shine it on the path for the next traveler. PPepperWilkinson

One of the questions that came up after the post on TAN-AREXIA (See Previous Posts) was:

“I can’t seem to get out of my own way.  I cripple myself by comparing myself with everyone else—but particularly with people I admire.  I always say, “I could never……..” about whatever it is they are doing.  How can I stop this?  What am I afraid of?”

The qualities you admire in another person are the same qualities you possess or you would not be able to recognize it in them, in the first place.  What makes us in awe of someone is that they have taken these qualities and developed them—-chances are, they are expressing what we are repressing. That realization can make us sad, if our deepest desire is to be fully expressed in similar ways.  It makes us realize we are marking time instead of making a life.  That’s the fear.  Marking time.

So, here are two things you can do, right now, to turn your inner critic into a catalyst—your mirror for motivation:

1.  Make it a point to be around as many self-expressed, successful people  who possess the qualities you most admire—-as you can.  Find out how they moved into their talent, how they moved past their fear, who taught them, trained them and coached them into who they are now.  If you don’t know how to find those people, get in touch with me—I will help you.

2.  Tell them what you admire about them.  Say it right to their faces—-or write them a personal note.  Be specific about the qualities  you see in them which you admire—and why.  Taking the action to acknowledge them, reinforces those same things in you—-the lights will come on in both of you.   Each of you is elevated with this simple, yet powerful, act.  Chances are, they will be happy to share #1 with you, too.

Works, every single time. Promise.