Reportedly, odds are greater than fifty billion to one against there ever being anyone with the unique combination of gifts, talents, and abilities that you possess. Dr. Seuss said, “There is no one alive who is “YOU’er than YOU,” so always remember that you are unique—just like everyone else. No one knows the infinite achievements that you’re capable of—not even yourself.

If we did all things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. ~ Thomas Edison

Self-confidence (belief in one’s own judgment, ability, power, etc.) minimizes the effect of setbacks and disappointments—the more self-confidence, the better. Greater self-confidence maximizes the probability of a life motivated by purpose, along with immense satisfaction and jubilation.

Greatest areas of achievement originate from areas of strength—strengths that once identified and acted upon will bring ultimate success. People who achieve the most are those who focus on identifying their strong points and committing to refine them, which in turn, increases self-confidence significantly.

“Self-confidence: The first requisite to great undertakings.” ~ Samuel Johnson

Identify what you do best—do more of it.  Identify what you do worst—stop doing it.  Honestly explore what real change will require—change that’s transformational.  In other words, exploit your strengths and starve your weaknesses. And then move courageously to make the change, while experiencing the quality of life that deep down you were meant to live!

If you are only willing to stay as you are, you can’t remain where you are.  If you choose to remain where you are, pressure to return to the “comfort zone of the masses” will drive you back to a lesser and inferior experience. Statisticians relate to this as “regression to the mean (average).”

Change is not bad; change is positive. It is better to be in a state of change than to be static and dying, with no ability to produce life. Now is the time of transition–with transition there is change.  Transition is difficult even under the best of circumstances. Sometimes there is as much stress associated with success as there is for failure.

It is often “easier to remain in the pain/discomfort of the known than to risk moving into the potential fulfillment and comfort of the unknown.” We shudder and quake at the unknown. It requires stretching and taking chances in order to obtain it. It takes courage. Courage does not mean fearlessness. Courage means moving forward in spite of fears.

“Your heart is free, have the courage to follow it.” ~ Braveheart

We are what we think about!  That which you focus on, your heart will follow.  Confucius said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” Furthermore, the heart has reasons that reason does not understand. ~ Jacques Benigne Bossuel. Things you are interested in defines “who you are,” so these things of interest are the things that should be fostered and enhanced.

• Every good thought you think is contributing its share to the ultimate result of your life. ~ Grenville Kleiser
• We become what we think about the most. ~ William James
• We are shaped by our thoughts . . . we become what we think. ~ Buddha

An informative study was conducted several years ago. This study involved 1500 men and women who started out ambitious and motivated in their careers. Results found that only 83 of the 1500 became millionaires. When researchers went back and studied the attitudes and decisions of these people, a common denominator was evident among the 83 millionaires. They found that every single millionaire chose a field (career) they enjoyed. In essence, they lived their dream! They worked in a field that interested them and constantly held their attention. The conclusion of the study showed that wealth, success, and happiness seemed to occur when a person was pre-occupied doing something other than making money. The 83 millionaires never set out to make lots of money. Instead, they chose fields that they were completely passionate about. The money came after they devoted themselves to their chosen endeavor genuinely and with authenticity.

You know it when you’re not where you want to be, because nothing feels right. Discontentment, uneasiness and unhappiness are constantly present. High levels of self-confidence means living life in a manner that confronts, challenges, facilitates growth, and one that expands your borders. Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. You must make up your mind to make future decisions based on your uniqueness. You’ll never really be happy or satisfied until you can apply your unique talents toward the thing you love to do, so it is important to do what brings the most natural comfort.

Discontentment and unhappiness are indisputable signs for you to step forward and live a life bustling with empowerment, confidence, and assurance.  Once stepping out of your mundane, dull, “run-of-the-mill life” . . . and into the real life that’s uniquely you . . . you’ve arrived at a stage in life teeming with newly found self-confidence.

As I’ve (Raymond) gained more in experience and wisdom that accompanies aging, I’ve learned to listen to my heart more than my head. This is quite a paradigm shift for one who favored logical and analytical thinking over the course of life. My mind often tells me to give up, but my heart won’t let me.

The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand. ~ Robert Valett

Only do what your heart tells you. (Princess Dianna).  So, trust your heart!

Feelings are the most accurate guide to make the right choices. As you follow your heart to where it leads, courage and finally self-confidence will automatically become a part of your actions and thoughts. Most people are fearful of following true feelings. Knowledge is not the issue—it’s not that we don’t know what to do—it’s that we’re afraid to do what our hearts tell us to do. But when you take it step-by-step (baby steps, if necessary), you’ll gradually distance self from fears . . . and then self-confidence becomes “part and parcel” of life!

Acting upon these principles will result in self-confidence rising so high that all restraints will dissipate and self-limitations will no longer thwart your dreams to go “above and beyond!”

That music that you hear inside of you urging you to take risks and follow your dreams is your intuitive connection to the purpose in your heart since birth.  So listen to your heart—and don’t die with that music still in you. ~ Wayne W. Dyer

Raymond E. Meadors, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

WEBSITE: www.lifefocus,org

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