When clients seek my support to help them define and pursue their goals or dreams one of the pieces of advice that I give them is to only tell people who will be supportive and encouraging about their plans.

It is natural when you are seeking to break new ground, step out into the unknown to have a few doubts and a bit of apprehension. Therefore it’s not helpful for you to be subjected to dissenting voices or other people’s negativity about your goals and dreams.

It is also helpful to develop strategies to quieten your own negative thoughts and the voice of your inner critic.

There is a great little story about a frog race that is worth bearing in mind when you start to pursue a goal or make a dream a reality which I have shared below.

There was once a bunch of tiny frogs, who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants.

The race began.

No one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. They shouted, “Oh, way too difficult!!! They will NEVER make it to the top” and “Not a chance. The tower is too high”.

The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher….

The crowd continued to yell, “It’s too difficult! No one will make it!”

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up but one continued higher and higher.

This one wouldn’t give up! And he reached the top.

Everyone wanted to know how this one frog managed such a great feat. What was his secret?

This little frog was deaf!

The wisdom of this story is to ignore the pessimism of others. It can take your dreams from you. Stay positive.

When you have decided on a goal, it is useful to clearly picture a positive outcome in as much detail as possible.

Positive focused thoughts, combined with conviction, determination and passion are an unstoppable force.

This week, why not take a few moments to reflect and think about your support network.

Do you need to express gratitude and appreciation for the support and encouragement they provide?

Conversely are there negative and pessimistic opinions that are less than helpful to you and that you need to ignore and stop listening to?

This week’s quotation:

“You can focus on things that are barriers or you can focus on scaling the wall or redefining the problem.” Tim Cook

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk