Names such as “failure,” “loser,” and “worthless” subconsciously influence who we think we are, what we believe we can accomplish, our value and our worth. These names not only distort our opinion of ourselves but they also impact our perception of others and how we believe they see us. Imagine being known as a “winner” and “high achiever”; “innovative” and “keen”? How about “worthy” – worthy of love, worthy of happiness, worthy of success and reward? We can, with a transformation of mindset, overcome defamation and correct the misinformation that we (and what we think others) believe. Here’s how…

Fear would have us believe that we incapable of achievement. By listening to the testimonies of “guilt,” “shame,” “blame,” “humiliation,” “fault,” and “disgrace”, we convince ourselves that we are at fault and an issue a death sentence before all the evidence is presented and final arguments made. However, we must remember that we (as defendants) have rights, too. We are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Ordinary people have the power to do extraordinary things. Our efforts don’t have to be grandiose or ostentatious, promoted or advertised. The power of small and random acts of kindness – a smile, hug, phone call/text, a Hallmark card or a visit – can never be overstated.

To walk in faith you’ll have to believe in what you can’t immediately experience; expect what you don’t immediately have; envision what isn’t immediately visible to the naked eye; and speak as if your dream has already come true. You must confidently believe and trust and anticipate your success.

Recognize what is best for you. Forget about the negative things others say to and about you. Stop associating yourself with those who don’t have your best interest at heart and/or who will tear you down to make themselves look and feel good. They are cowards. They don’t have the courage or ability to stand out, to be amazing or to be extraordinary. Don’t allow your talents, skills and abilities to be restricted by their opinions. What do they know anyway?

Challenges come to test your mettle. Brutal and scorching, they force you to be strong so that you can bear fruit. You can’t wallow in self pity and aggrandize about the emotional strain you feel. You haven’t time. The orange seed has timeframe for which it must grow into an orange tree and a season in which it must produce fruit. You, too, have a timeframe for which you must grow and develop and a season in which you must bear fruit.

You are the chair, chief executive officer, president and chief branding officer of the entity best known as YOU, Inc. It is your charge to direct and lead YOU, Inc. toward the achievement of your personal and/or career philosophy, mission, vision, strategy, goals and objectives. By partnering with your PBOD, YOU, Inc. can develop, grow and thrive. Here’s how.

Live in the moment. Life happens. Stop living as if you are waiting for the “other shoe to drop”. If we spend all our time focused on negative things that we predict will happen, then we’ll never see the positive that has already occurred.

There are some issues in our lives that are easy to identify at first glance and seemingly easy to solve. Other issues are not so simple. We tend to spend too much time worrying that we overlook the very things that can give us the answers we seek.