Fear

Fear can be one of the most paralyzing influences in our lives. This powerful emotion can override rational thought, habitual behavior, and even virtually subconscious mind processes. Fear can halt us in our tracks, impede further progress, or even prevent us from taking the first step in a new direction.

Can you afford to allow fear to influence your business decisions? Think about the last three major decisions you made; then, honestly examine what inspired you to make those decisions. Were there any emotions involved? Was fear one of them? Think about the past few days or weeks. What decisions have you avoided, procrastinated, or perhaps found a way to escape altogether? Were there any emotions involved? Was fear one of them?

Business owners experience fear. Successful business owners make conscious choices about how much they will allow emotions to influence their decision-making process. They handle their fear (and other emotions) in such a way that will channel the power of these emotions into positive, productive action instead of allowing the emotion to override their mental systems and become an obstacle to their success.

Don't let fear be the reason that you don't take action.

Thanksgiving is the season

While I live in Canada, I have many family members and friends in the United States. That means I spend several weeks talking about Thanksgiving, since these holidays occur in these countries one month apart. My family is currently gearing up for the great Thanksgiving weekend, while down south they are headed straight into Halloween hoopla. It's never a bad thing - there are so many things we should be grateful for, and the longer we give focus to what we already have, the better off we are to achieve goals.

It sounds ironic, I know. But try it out. Take a few minutes to write down at least five things you are truly, honestly thankful for. Maybe it's your spouse. Maybe it's your car. Maybe it's your favourite coffee mug. It doesn't matter to anyone but you - this list is personal and it should include anything that comes to mind that stirs the feelings of thankfulness in your heart. Take as long as you need to get five things down. Then think about where your head and heart were when you began, and where they are now that you've taken some time to consider things that really mean something to you. If nothing is changed, you need to rethink your list. Realizing that we already have some pretty amazing things in our life invokes an emotional response that is essential to a mindset for achieving new goals and ambitions. It all starts with a little humility and gratitude. Start today to make thankfulness a part of every day. Add to your list, create a gratitude journal, or simply stop every time you take a drink to consider something that is truly wonderful in your life. You'll be amazed what this little drop will do to the big pool of everyday emotion and attitude.