One thing I’ve learned over the course of my life is that there are three things that along with a positive mindset that has the ability to change your life irrevocably.

For me the most important of the three tenets is self-belief.

You must believe in yourself. And that you 100% believe that you’re on the right path.

We all come to forks in the road, and no matter which fork you choose it will be the right one for you at that moment. Trusting that choice and giving it all your heart and soul is what you deserve – no more, no less!

We’re strange animals at times, as we sometimes tend to second guess ourselves after the fact. In my mind this only leads to anguish and worry, both of which are a waste of good energy in my book.

As a coach it’s one of the most important traits that I reinforce, the concept of fully trusting yourself and believing that you’re making the right choices. The most positive outcome is that it also instills a sense of confidence in your decision making.

I would argue that we all, from time to time have seeds of doubt creep into our minds, and it’s at these times that I encourage you to come back to basics and believe in yourself.

Some people might say this form of blind trust is dangerous or delusional….

To them I would say that believing in yourself and backing your judgement is paramount to leading a successful life.

Remember, every one of us has a different point of view and objectives in leading our best life. Few people are the same in what they want, or the timeline that they want to achieve something so to look at others journeys through a different lens is unhelpful.

My advice is to believe in yourself and your decision-making capabilities.

The second most important tenet is to focus on what you want to achieve.

This is particularly true in today’s world where we’re constantly being bombarded with the next new shiny thing that pops up…thanks social media!

Maybe it’s always been the case and not a new phenomenon?

Perhaps I’m more attentive to this challenge as I often see people jumping from one fad or bright idea to the next, often without completing what they set out to do in the first place.

Such a waste of energy and potential and is painful to watch!

It’s discouraging to watch in real time, and I’m sure for them it’s even more bewildering as they’re unsure why they’re unable to achieve their dreams.

The concept of focus and being single minded about something important to you is also foundational to leading a successful life.

Sometimes, this single mindedness can be construed as a negative by some people. In my mind it’s dependent on how your personal drive is used…

An important note on this is our focus on achieving a goal should never be at the detriment of another.

It’s all about balance and not a win at all costs attitude that’s important here.

Instead of focusing on one major goal, my advice is to develop a series of micro-goals throughout your journey. Building your confidence by achieving these smaller goals helps reinforce your self-belief and focus.

Thus, it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy of sorts.

The third tenet is your perseverance.

No if’s, and’s or but’s about it. Without your ongoing perseverance it’s easy to procrastinate and tread water, never really achieving your goals, or worse still, giving up before you achieve them.

We’ve all been there; I know I have.

This stick-to-it-iv-ness is vital, but it takes a significant measure of self-discipline to build the routines and habits that you need to be successful and reach your goals – no matter what they are, or who you are.

Perseverance is not a one time thing but developed and refined over time with you constantly driving to achieve your goals.

The only thing you’re battling is the little voice inside your head pointing out lots of other fun things you could be doing rather than persevering at something that may be a distant objective.

The most difficult time to persevere is after a setback. And as you know, with life there are always ups and downs of varying degrees, and important to take a moment to reflect post setback to ensure your head space is aligned with your heart.

This is the time when you are at your most vulnerable and open to disillusionment and sense of failure. However, it’s at this is the very moment when you are possibly in the depths of despair that your focus and perseverance will pull you through.

My advice is to recognize this crucible from which your future success is based and push forward.

To recap the three tenants:

  • Self belief – you must believe in yourself no matter what. Your self-confidence is at stake!
  • Focus – don’t be distracted by the myriad of other and potentially more fun things to do. Keep your eye on the prize.
  • Perseverance – your resilience and fortitude to keep working hard no matter what setbacks your encounter.

William Ernest Henley said in his poem, Invictus: “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

No truer words have been immortalized than in this verse. For me it acts as a beacon and a reminder to us all that we each own our journey.

Until next week

Ciao!