Break visceral reactions

Self-destructive behaviors can become habits and can continually undermine your success and happiness.

Self-sabotage is when we want something, but somehow we never accomplish it, because somewhere deep in our subconscious we’re fighting against that goal:

• Our disorganization distracts us.
• We’re constantly overthinking all of our decisions.

• Procrastination. Start setting deadlines and mini-deadlines to work toward your objective.
• Negative self-talk/negative thinking. Be patient with yourself; be kind to yourself. Work to build yourself up.
• Perfectionism. It is an impossible standard that keeps you from moving forward.

In being open-minded you find value in all kinds of different people, events and circumstances. 

You demonstrate a willingness to embrace different possibilities, opportunities, thoughts, views, suggestions and experiences outside of your normal repertoire. You push yourself to do what others believe to be impossible

This is the first step you take in getting things done.

When you are self-assured you like and trust yourself and your capacity to handle any problem placed in front of you. You know your value, appreciate your talents, work ethic and your ability to consistently follow through on your every word, deed and action.

Curiosity creates a longing to know more, do more and be more.

To have a successful life, you have to cultivate your sense of wonder and be curious about what the future might hold. Curiosity helps you see any situation as an opportunity for your advancement and learning.

It improves your ability to prioritize and it makes decision-making easier.

It also provides commitment: it's usually hard to commit to something that has no foreseeable future.

• They spend money on others. One reason is that it creates social connections.
• They celebrate other people's success through "active and constructive" responding.
• They treat everyone with respect and kindness. Kindness, like happiness, is contagious.
• They're proactive about relationships. They work on maintaining their relationships.
• They express gratitude. It improves mood and energy and decreases anxiety.
• They engage in deep, meaningful conversations.

• They're optimistic. Bad things happen to all of us. Happy people don't complain, whine or let pessimism become a self-fulling prophecy.
• They view problems as challenges. They focus on solutions to the problem and reflect on what they're grateful for.

Being overwhelmed may be the new normal, but taking on too many responsibilities may be watering down our overall impact.

Bring back your focus to what matters most. Work on the projects that are the real game-changers. Delegate the discretionary work and eliminate unnecessary meetings.

Running a thriving business means understanding how to organize your work by importance and knowing when to delegate.

• Find your sweet spot. When you consider taking on a project, see if it aligns with your purpose and the organization's broader goals. Ask yourself if you're the right person with the right skillset.
• Automate. As your company grows, use automation tools for low-level work. It also allows your employees to make more meaningful contributions.
• Set boundaries. Learn to say no to low-level tasks. Set your own limits about what you'll take on.

Before reacting, pause and allow your initial emotional reaction to pass. 

Then address the opportunity again, and see how you respond differently. Repeat this process, giving yourself time to work through your old conditioning. Consider going for a drive/a walk. This will give you time to relax and settle your thoughts.

Clarity is tough when you’re under pressure, so never make an important decision when you’re feeling anxious. 

If you’re not physically or emotionally up to the task, put off making a move until you’re in the right state of mind.

Making yourself more pleasing to your own eyes can make you feel more confident.

When you need some extra confidence, head to a mirror and apply some makeup, fix your hair and otherwise tidy up your appearance a bit.

Our posture can have a significant effect on our internal dialogue.

A "power posture" pose, held for several seconds to several minutes, can increase your confidence in almost any situation.

1. Empathy. Give trusted co-workers the benefit of the doubt by assuming the good in them. It goes a long way toward instilling loyalty and trust in you from your team.
2. Awareness. Care deeply about the welfare of the team members. Don't view them only as cogs in a machine.
3. Building community. Build community where both employees and customers can thrive.
4. Persuasion. Rely on persuasion rather than coercion to create internal motivation required to complete the task effectively.
5. Conceptualization. Servant-leading entrepreneurs focus on the big picture and don't get overly distracted by daily operations and short-term goals.
6. Growth. Care passionately about the personal and professional growth of each member of the team.

To uncover your gifts, you need to explore new roles. Think of your company as a laboratory. Encourage flexible roles and see how it goes. 

In a situation where you are truly using your strengths, you will stand out from a crowd. Your approach will be unique. 

To name your strengths, you want to identify those moments and articulate how you are different.