There's a well-known self-exploration question that goes, "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" It's a way to help people shine a light on their dreams. Unfortunately, when it comes to taking those dreams back to the real world, too many people default to a negative response.
They look at a dream and say, "I can't do that," or, "That's not possible," or, "I'll just fail anyway, so why bother trying?" Of course, if that's what they believe, odds are good that they'll turn it into truth.
How about you? Do you ever fall prey to that negative default response? If so, you're in good company. Most of us do, at least occasionally.
But what if you changed that habit? What if you defaulted to the positive instead? Think that might make any difference? Granted, it's not the kind of thing that changes with the flick of a switch, but it can be done.
How? One way is to train your brain to replace that negative response with one of possibility and potential.
Try this: Next time you find yourself looking at a dream and thinking, "That's not possible," turn that on its head and force yourself to take the contrary view.
Tell yourself: "Success is inevitable. Now prove it." Assume that the only possible outcome is success, and then challenge yourself to prove how that can happen. It's a way of removing the critic and the negative analyst from the picture, and focusing only on how to make it happen.
After years as a professional malcontent, Curt Rosengren discovered the power of passion. As a speaker, author, and coach, Rosengren helps people create careers that energize and inspire them. His book 101 Ways to Get Wild About Work and his E-book The Occupational Adventure Guide offer people tools for turning dreams into reality. Rosengren's blog, The M.A.P. Maker , explores how to craft a life of meaning, abundance, and passion.
Reader Comments Read all comments (2)
Curt Rosengren of WA 1:21PM June 02, 2008
Daniel David of NM 11:21AM May 31, 2008