It’s amazing how many beliefs and assumptions can cause people to sabotage their success in any field you can imagine.  From “My Mom told me I would never amount to anything”—from a 60 year old woman whose mother had been dead for 20 years, “You can’t be prosperous and Godly at the same time”—from a lay minister who had been wrestling with financial issues, to “I am not worthy, I have (medical label), I’m too old, I’m too fat, I’m not smart enough … ad infinitum.”  So many reasons…

At the root of these is fear—fear of proving somebody right, proving somebody wrong, proving to be more powerful, passionate, accomplished, than we have any “right” to be.  What a ludicrous assumption.

So many people live in the past and keep reciting the ills, travesties and misery of what has happened in their life.  The story has become so big and feels so comfortable that they can no longer remember it is exactly that—a story.  While we might learn from the past, we need to acknowledge the wisdom that was gained and then leave the story behind.  It is very difficult to navigate the road ahead when you are constantly looking in the rear view mirror.

Another aspect of sabotage is assuming success will happen only when you have the right wardrobe, right car, right mate, perfect job, huge bank account.  It’s always “out there” in the future somewhere.  And when we keep chasing the ideal in front of us, we aren’t tuning into the possibilities and potential of the present moment, where all power truly resides.  Living in the present moment allows us to tune in to the incredible potential and energy that we have access to when we can BE HERE NOW.

Sabotage also happens when we are unwittingly living somebody else’s dreams.  The child who is born into a family with three generations of physicians and is now miserable working as an M.D. when his passion is music.  The accountant who was told there is no money to be made as an artist, and college funding would be pulled if he gave up his financial studies,  but whose soul is screaming for the creative outlet of paint on canvas.

Sabotage can be so insidious that many people are completely unaware that it is happening until a major health, financial, spiritual or relationship upheaval causes them to look at their lives and recognize that it has nothing to do with what they care about, who they are at core, or what brings them joy.  What an incredible waste of happiness potential!!!

It is so important that we recognize our life purpose, the unique gifts that we have to offer and that no other human being will ever be able to replicate.  Not only does the individual suffer when what we are passionate about has no outlet, but the world truly loses a gift that only we can give.   Imagine a world in which every human being was living out their dreams with creativity, joy, and passion.  Imagine the harmony and grace that would exist not only internally, but which would be evident in our relationships with each other as well as with the planet on which we reside and the universe in which it spins. 

If you recognize yourself in anything above, then I strongly recommend that you do the “Stomp Out Those ANTs” exercise from Jack Canfield’s Effortless Success course. It’s simple, and you can do it right now.

ANTs are Automatic Negative Thoughts and this process can help reduce their effect on you. For three days—including two workdays if you can—write down each negative thought that pops into your head and immediately write out the way it makes you feel.

Here’s an example:  I have too many negative thoughts. This makes me feel hopeless, that I’ll never be able to have the success I want.

Then, write two or three ways to turn it around:  1) Others have overcome negative thoughts and so can I, 2) I’ll fill my mind with more positive thoughts and there will be no room for the negative ones, 3)I am full of hope.  And, when you can’t find a way to turn it around, try, That negative thought is interesting. I wonder how I can turn it around!

This exercise, combined with the full system that Jack teaches in Effortless Success, can make a huge difference in your life. I’ve seen it help countless clients as they use the course. I know beyond all doubt that you can see similar success and make great progress in your life.

Remember, when you have questions with the course you can call us during business hours for free success coaching.

Wendy Greer

Success Coach for Effortless Success