Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

The simple answer is I don’t know! I don’t think about what might have been. I’ve never fixated on the down side of missing my objective.

Do you get more concerned about potentially missing your objective than excited about the possibility of achieving it?

I understand where the question, typically asked at the end of my presentation regarding remaining focused and overcoming distractions, comes from. With so much time and money invested in an Olympic pursuit, the potential for a near miss has people considering how close “failure” was, and wondering if the pressure of that thought was daunting.

Seeing the potential disappointment resulting from missing a goal is one thing; fixating upon it, however, ultimately leads to self-doubt. While you need to assess situations and risk accurately, once you’ve made the decision to pursue your objective, proceed with resoluteness, confidence, and tenacity. Proceed as though it is only a matter of time until you achieve your objective.

Self-doubt, second-guessing, and imagining disappointment emotionally cripples you. The potential down side becomes so daunting, you shrink back from even trying to aim for your goal, and your thoughts of potential feelings of disappointment, frustration, and discouragement sabotage you and easily become reality.

You don’t have to get stuck in that negative, self-fulfilling mindset, though. Great athletes go through these tough periods from time to time also, lacking confidence and experiencing fear of uncertain outcomes. However, they don’t allow such thoughts to dominate their mind and influence their actions. Instead they

• assess their objective
• ensure that it’s realistic, and
• stay focused on executing the daily, incremental priorities that will add up to an ultimate goal-shattering result.

So here are some ways for you to deal with these kinds of doubts. When these thoughts invade your mind and squabble to be recognized more than the images of success and achievement:

1. Recognize these thoughts are natural – They’re often arising because you’re now travelling into uncharted territory, and that can be a bit scary.
2. Acknowledge that you might miss – There is simply no guarantee that you’ll reach what you’re striving for. However, see that life will continue, regardless, and you will have achieved much more than if you had never tried at all.
3. Actively expel these thoughts from your mind – Check that you’re taking care of your key priorities, you’re doing everything you initially said you would do when you committed to your objective, and you’re moving in the right direction. Then kick these thoughts out of your head, letting them know that when they try to demand your attention again, you’ve already dealt with them, and keep moving forward.

Having some doubts or apprehensions along the way is not unusual. However, by reviewing your long- and short-term objectives, ensuring you’re addressing key steps, and clearly envisioning a successful performance, you’ll effectively keep these niggling doubts at bay.

Go for it,
Paul