MartinCoburn.com

At the close of my seminars people often say “most of what you have said…it’s just common sense really” whilst I am of course pleased to have made sense (better to do that than make nonsense!) there always seems to be an undertone to that comment that suggests it was, well, just common sense, so whats the big deal bud?

For me however,there is a huge difference between common sense and common practice. In fact I would even go as far to say that common sense is in fact most often un-common practice.

For example we know it makes sense to exercise at least 3 times a week, eat healthy food, save money, plan for success, keep to the speed limits, the list is endless. These are on the easy list and we are not even doing them! Make sense yes but can be uncommon. As the great personal development guru Jim Rohn would say “easy to do, easy not to do”

So what ‘uncommon’ sense habits will you adopt for 2009? Life is accumulative. Start your year by harvesting the rewards of making common sense common practice.

You know it makes sense!

Take action now

Martin

I was first asked this question by a friend of mine a few years ago and it sent me in to a trance!

I was talking to him about all the reasons why I hadn’t taken a leap of faith in a project that I had been promising myself for some time. I said I didn’t really think I was up to it. He said “well Martin what are you pretending not to know, to know this?” I seemed to disappear in my own head for what seemed an eternity and then the answer came loud and clear; I am already good enough and I have everything I need within me right now to take on the challenge of this project.

As quick as a flash the next question came “Ok then, so what is the payoff for you pretending to yourself, you are not up to it?” I said, feeling slighty awkard but strangely enlightened “It keeps me from having to face the fear of failing” to which he replied “And what do you get from doing this, what does it give you?”

I thought for a moment what a weird question! I mean why would I gain from doing something i didn’t want to do. The answer for me, has been the same answer that so many others I have asked, have given me, it keeps me safe and cocooned away from hurt or what ever negative emotion we are trying to avoid feeling.

So the lesson to me that day is that there is always a positive gain from trying to avoid facing our fears and in doing so our mind tricks us into feeling too good too quickly and yet again successfuly steals of us from taking action towards our goals and aspirations.

As you think about the year ahead and plan your goals be aware that you are not limiting yourself by pretending not to be good enough. Remember fears come as an instuction not an obstruction. They are the body’s natural alert system that is gently letting you know you might want to pay attention and spend some time getting prepared for the task ahead!

You could go the other way and just pretend to be better than you think you are, wonder where that would take you? All the way probably…to achieving the best life possible.

Best Wishes for a Happy, Peaceful and Super Successful 2009.

Martin

As a practical tool use these questions if you ever find yourself avoiding taking action. Even if they appear stange at first, go for it they work!

1.What am I pretending not to know?”
2.What is the payoff for you pretending to…(answer to question 1)
3.What do you gain from doing/believing this, what does it give you?
4.What would be a more empowering belief to have that would allow you to take action, now.