To Believe in Oneself is the Beginning

Over the weekend I watched the movie “Peaceful Warrior,” which tells the story of a young, arrogant gymnast who encounters a wise mentor. The movie is based on the book “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman. The movie received only two stars (I actually thought it was better than two stars). However, its message should definitely be rated five stars.

A serious accident puts the gymnast out of commission. His doctors tell him that he will not be able to return to the sport of gymnastics. His coach no longer believes in him. Worse, he no longer believes in himself. He meets a wise man who guides him to see the way – that there is a purpose to all events. In short, Dan lets go of his mental baggage, realizes that you don’t give up on what you love, and understands that life’s journey is important and that through the journey one learns about oneself.

The message is simple—believe in yourself. Many of us don’t succeed because we don’t have the approval or support of our families or friends. How many times have you shared a dream or goal with a family member or friend, only to have your words shot down? When this happens, we often begin to lose confidence in ourselves.

The solution is to look inside and believe in yourself. I know that sounds so cheesy, but it’s the truth. And this takes practice. One has to develop the habit of believing in oneself. And you can say affirmations and think positive all you want, but you must also “do”. You must take action.

This belief is best demonstrated by athletes and how they compete. Regardless of your sport, the repeated coaching line is “get your head in the game”. This should be your mantra whether you are starting a business, building or maintaining a relationship, working to complete a goal, attempting to lose weight, exercising, or trying to achieve happiness. Keep your head in the game and be mindful of your thoughts and actions.

When you look at those who have succeeded (however success is defined for each), you will find that they never gave up on their dream or on themselves. And you should never give up on yourself.

This leads me to a brief story I want to share with you. Over twenty years ago I met with a practice management company to learn how to build my practice. I met with the president of the company who told me that if I didn’t sign with them I would always be in debt and I would never succeed. Well, he was incredibly wrong.

When someone tells you that your idea, goal, dreams or aspirations won’t work, don’t succumb to their thought process or lack thereof. Keep in mind that you just have to try. And if it doesn’t work, try a different way. Remember when facing a mountain you have four choices: turn away, go over it, around it or through it. What would you do?

If you get a chance, log on to www.danmillman.com

Take care of yourself. Believe in yourself.

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Dr. Michael J. Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results

P.S. If you need help creating your life map e-mail me at Michael@frompaintopersonalgain.com for your FREE 30 minute coaching session.

Practice, Practice, Practice

I had the enjoyable opportunity to watch a local youth baseball game this weekend. These were 9-11 year olds, the minor leagues. There’s no more tee, no pitching by the friendly coach. This is baseball. This is when coaches begin to find their prize players. This is the in-house league. The talent is scouted for travel baseball try-outs. Travel baseball is for the really good players. Long story short, if you don’t play travel by third or fourth grade, your chances of playing ball in junior high or high school are slim to none.

Understanding how my local community baseball league is operated has led me to the realization that in today’s society it’s much easier to be an adult than it is to be a kid.

Baseball is no longer a bunch of little kids running around playing. The kids participate in intense practices. Some kids go to clinics or camps to learn how to play better. Some parents hire coaches at $100 per hour to help their children with fundamentals.

I wonder what our society would be like if more parents took this same approach (intense practices) to teaching their children the fundamentals of exercise, nutrition, money management, wealth building, and having good self-esteem.

Please do not misunderstand me. I think sports are great, and there are many lessons children can learn from playing sports. And one of the most important aspects of playing sports is practicing.

In fact, practice is extremely important for everything you do – whether you are starting a business, trying to achieve happiness, or training for life. You don’t always get it right, but half the battle is won just by showing up.

Let’s take a look at how practice can apply to real life. I have been helping a 42-year-old client train for a 5k run (3 plus miles). When I started with this individual he was 10 pounds overweight, not too bad, but enough to hamper his run. When he first started to run he had pain in his lower back and both knees. He began to discipline himself with exercises I personally developed for his knees and back. He practiced these movements every day until they became second nature. At times he would grumble and groan about practicing, but after a few weeks I heard less complaints and his running improved. Although some practices were hard, he muddled through and did his best.

By applying these same principles of practice (showing up every day, doing your best, learning new strategies, not worrying about failing) to building a healthy, happy and wealthy life, you are bound to succeed.

Just show up and do your best!

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Dr. Michael Kaye