Striking Out is Vital to Home Runs and Winning

“People who cease to grow can’t inspire others. Leadership begins with challenging oneself.” –Daisaku Ikeda (Buddhist leader, philosopher, educator, prolific writer and poet)

The beginning of any quarter stirs up new hopes and new dreams, which sometimes seem to fade before the quarter has even gotten started. n
• Why does one give up their goals and resolutions so easily even before the quarter begins?

• What stops their organic dream from being sowed?

• What does it take to dare to play a bigger game that is worth winning? n
A couple of biggies missing from following through are having a clear mental vision and believing you can do, be and have what it is you want. Without realizing it, most people are reacting to their past expectations and ways of being. The scenery may change, new relationships may come into your life, but wherever you are there you are with all your beliefs from the past producing the same results.

To live in the past is lifeless and bears no fruit. People are afraid to make resolutions and goals because they say they will break them or fail to realize them.

Of course, there will be breakdowns. There is this mistaken belief that when taking on a new challenge or reaching for a new star that it is a linear journey. Didn’t you fall down when you first started walking? And didn’t you get back up to take a few steps before you fell again? Well that is what resolutions and dreams have within them – falling down and getting back on track!

Organically you knew you were meant to get up. You took a leap of faith and got up.

When you began to take your first steps you were encouraged to take each step cautiously and carefully; then when you fell you were encouraged to get back up. Use your inner and outer resources to follow through in building your resolution to succeed.

The baseball legend, Babe Ruth, is famous for his home run record. But he also held the record for the most strikeouts. He hit 713 home runs and struck out 1,330 times in his career. Babe Ruth said, “Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” You see, winners make errors. They strike out yet don’t give up their desire to win.

Within you is the organic winner you are meant to be. What is your inner self beckoning to put into action? The answers are within you. The resources to put your plan into action are outside of you. Organic leadership begins by being true to your authentic self.

Tips to Help You Win:

The most important step is to get in touch with what you are passionate about and making a positive difference. Your feelings are your compass. Think about it. Would you do something you absolutely hated to do? If you are doing something you despise, it is time to take steps toward what you are inspired to do. Whether the steps are big or little is up to you. Start now to begin the next tread in the journey you are meant to take. Staying in a situation where you are miserable only creates more misery. n
Having a desire for something better is a signal to start exploring going in a new direction. The direction may be making a transition from one career to another or attracting better relationships. Have fun with the idea of change by making a game of it and asking yourself questions beginning with: What if (fill in the blanks)" and follow it with, “...what would that feel like?"

Example: What if I challenged myself to be healthier and successful - what would that feel like? A great way to play the game is to mind map your thoughts and notice where your intuitive self leads you.

Mind mapping persuades your intuitive resource to come alive and seek expression. No one is going to see what you map out, unless you choose to share your ideas. While you are mind mapping pay attention to your feelings. If you are feeling resistance you may be stuck with limiting beliefs or this is coming from a belief that you “should” do this or that. Take time to challenge these beliefs. This is organic. Organic is being true to your inner self-awareness. Make it simple and non-judgmental – and don’t get hung up in the how.

Stagnation is a killer. Be the winner in your life and be willing to play big! Create a compelling future statement to propel you forward when you are striking out. Example: I increase my income by 50% in 2009. Or, I exercise 4-5 times a week for 45 minutes increasing my vitality in feeling and looking fabulous!

Remember: You are a Winner and Anything Is Possible!