...I realised that I really created my own obstacles in life, and if I just got out of the way of myself and let my mind not hold me back, I could do things I never thought I could." (Hilary Swank, as reported in the Sunday Times) Hilary Swank puts her breathtaking performance in Million Dollar Baby down to the way Clint Eastwood was able to get her to relax and stop her interfering with her natural ability to create such an awesome character. What about you? How do you interfere with your natural ability. How do you stop yourself from progressing? What do you say to yourself that ensures you stay within a safe arena? In Hilary Swanks words what is your obstacle to success in your life. For most of us our obstacle is the same as Hilary Swanks. It is our mind. The way we were raised. The area we lived in. The schools we went to. The education we received or not as the case may be. The first jobs we had. The people we idolised in our youth and in later life. All give us a way of being. Think for a moment. What do you now do that can be traced back to your past. Have you ever said anything and a sibling or member of your family immediately responded "You sound just like."? If you have then you have just met an "obstacle" That thought was not a new thought. It is not even one of your thoughts. It is a response to a stimulus. It is a learned behaviour. A behaviour that isnt yours it is someone elses and you copied it. It is well and truly an obstacle This is a small example but one that can be identified quickly. How many, other hidden behaviours do you have that are a carbon copy of someone else. All these "obstacles" ensure that you are "kept in your place". Have you ever thought to yourself;" I would like to do that" and quickly another thought enters your mind, "but I dont think so". The thought that comes says, "It is embarrassing" or "my (mother) wouldnt like it"or whatever your excuse is. It is this that Hilary Swank is talking about. Your mind is holding you back. How do you progress? Kathy Sierra, the well known author of bestseller Head First books, says you just need to overcome your brains "Crap Filter". That area of your brain that stops you moving forward. How do you do it.? Simple. Do exactly as Hilary Swank says Stop Thinking. Exploit what your mind thinks is important.. Your Feelings. Instead of following a path that is run by your head and what you think you ought to do. Go with your feelings. Do what you feel is right. Dont let your mind hold you back. Awaken your feelings. The stronger your feelings towards a particular action the more you overcome the filter on your brain and now you have overcome your obstacle. How do you know you have the right feeling? How do you know you are on the right path? Simple. When you are on the correct path and doing what is right for you. You feel great. Everything appears to be in synch. You may be doing something for hours and it feels like minutes. Your face is all aglow. You are really enjoying yourself. In a nutshell you stop evaluating what you are doing and have started to do things you never thought were possible. You are performing naturally, everything is "right". Dont just accept what we say. Try it. Imagine for a moment that you are Hilary Swank. You have been given this great opportunity. You have the knowledge, you have done the research. Everything that can be prepared has been prepared. Now let go of your learned thinking and let your natural talent emerge. Go on you've got nothing to lose. You now know how to overcome your obstacle. Good Luck. Graham and Julie
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