I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn't fall down.  ~Allen H. Neuharth

Forty-three Days on the Wall... How are you doing on your 2010 goals?  Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year?

There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything.  Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal.  This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum.  The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals.  The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!" 
 
This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

So far we learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a strategy not a destination.
4. Success is more about function than it is of genius.
5. Success, the Paradox of
6. Success, Power of Positive Thinking

Today we look at:  

Confidence... If you doubt, you're out!
You cannot lack confidence and be positive at the same time, and when you doubt yourself, you're out!  A positive and grateful attitude is the most potent ingredient in your success, both personally and professionally.  Being positive and proactive gets you one step further in life than talent, education or experience alone.  Once you realize there is life after having failed, been fired or not lived up to someone’s expectation, you shed much of your fear of failure.  You see it as, "What's the worst that can happen?"

Science tells us that confidence goes viral.  If you have it, positive energy infects what you do and those around you.  If you lack it, you fear what you do not know and question tasks that you may otherwise do well.   The “lack of” takes a strangle hold on your thinking and beliefs and can paralyze you into doing nothing. 

I ask you… what is the risk of doing nothing?  What do you have to lose?  I often explain to my clients that to spread one’s wings and soar, one must feel they have nothing left to lose.   When you let go of your stuff, you reach freedom.  It comes incrementally, and what you do not know, you know someone who does.

Confidence spreads with success whereas lack of confidence multiplies failures.  When you find your confidence vacillating, fill your "confidence" cup with what you do well, then challenge yourself with an “I CAN DO IT!” task.  Do not be afraid to ask for help.

As I think through my own achievements (big or small), I see that the magic in the fact that I either knew I could or did not recognize that I couldn't... for those tough times (when I question my abilities) I challenge myself supported by my sons, friends and faith to help push me through.
  
Today, start building confidence by practicing a can-do attitude and see how far you get.  You can do it!

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker, Transformational Life and Business Strategy Coach. Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage and wisdom of those who work closest to nature. This perspective serves as a catalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personal lives. It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) that generates vision and translates into effective action. You will gain power in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a major league life.   For information on Suzy's coaching or to book a her as a speaker, send your requests to:  Suzy@suzygraven.com.