Not all fairy tales end happily, not all days are sunny, and not all efforts result in success. Just like we are conditioned to prepare for the weatherman’s prediction of “a chance of rain” by carrying an umbrella, we need to prepare for life’s prediction of “a chance of failure” by preparing a contingency plan.

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.

What’s been holding you back? What have you allowed to restrict you from thriving? Whatever those things are, remove them. Holding on to detrimental things too long out of habit, convenience or nostalgia can degrade you, your confidence and your self-esteem. They can further limit your ability to accomplish your goals.