When was the last time you put your hand up and said "I screwed up" or "Why on earth did I take that decision?" Not just privately, but publicly?
You see, every action we take creates a reaction that is based on the formula of cause and effect.
Everything that happens is the effect of an underlying cause.
Most people spend their lives operating at effect....
"It's not my fault I always end up in bad relationships."
"Life's so unfair, things always happen to me."
"We're in a recession, that's why I haven't achieved target."
"If I could only match our competitor's prices, I'd win more deals."
True personal power can only be achieved when an individual accepts 100% responsibility for what they create in their lives.
To put it another way, you get one of two things; the result or outcome you want or the reasons why you did not (you may recognize these as 'excuses'!)
The more we focus on the reasons (excuses) and blame circumstances beyond our control we push away our personal power.
Therefore, if we believe that we are in control of the situations that life 'appears' to throw at us, then we are in control of our thinking and emotions, and therefore in control of our own life.
This belief has given thousands of salespeople the determination to breakthrough so many barriers and overcome countless challenges when at times it was tempting to wallow in self-pity. If something good or bad happens, we must ask ourself, "How did I create that?" This question enables us to tap into our brain's infinite potential and it will give us all the answers we need.
If we are prepared to commit 100% to taking responsibility, the results really can be extraordinary. This has been my mantra for as long as I can remember - it is something my mother taught me very early in life, and it was a particularly important lesson for someone who has spent most of his commercial life evangelising and crusading: That route may well be cathartic, but it is fraught with risks - the "sycophantic crew" will come down very heavily upon you - trust me.
However, I remain wedded to my convictions, and I sleep very well at night - because I accept 100% responsibility!
News: Two absolutely superb guest posts this w/e - do please try and join me?