Creating with intention
anger
worry
perfection
pleasing others
negativity
complacency
criticism
expectations
mistakes
frustration
failure
drama
stagnation
decisiveness
freedom
creativity
possibility
abundance
compliments
goals
hope
action
clarity
You get to decide what you want to cling to.
If it isn’t serving you, let go.
Risk is often associated with negative consequence and bad bets. Yet sometimes risk can bring opportunity, growth, confidence, and responsibility. The right risk-taking behaviors build self esteem and self-efficacy, the belief in your own ability to perform and create change. Positive risk-taking encourages you to take control over your own life.
Examples of risk converted into opportunity:
For risk-taking to become positive, potential benefits and consequences must be fully explored. Evaluating your priorities and potential can help identify the resources available to you as you draw up strategies to minimize negative outcomes. This work can be time consuming — but worth it.
Some questions to ask:
An amateur hopes a goal will happen. The professional sets a goal then works backwards.
An amateur cuts with words. Professionals look for ways to raise their own game while lifting others alongside them.
An amateur relies on hope. The professional acts and demonstrates results.
The amateur seeks attention. The professional graciously accepts accolades, then continues to focus on the work.
An amateur always plays victim. The professional acknowledges missteps and learns from mistakes.
Amateurs operate from a scarcity mentality. Professionals are generous.
An amateur puts in a little work and expects instant results. The professional plays the long game, day in and day out, sometimes without pay, knowing that rewards will come.
An amateur is impatient, reactive, and compulsive. Professionals ground themselves, reflect, and listen.
Amateurs alienate themselves. True professionals know the value and importance of relationships.
An amateur speaks of people. The professional would rather work, plan, dream, and create.
Amateurs fail to set boundaries and struggle to ask for their worth. Professionals are kind, but firm, and aren’t afraid to ask for what they need.
An amateur rarely has routine. Professionals schedule days with intention.
To learn more about becoming a professional, I recommend Steven Pressfield’s Turning Pro. This free ebook is also a great place to start if you’re looking to turn amateur habits into professional ones.
What do you see?
Opportunity or obstacle?
Loneliness or space to create?
Connection or obligation?
Necessity or investment?
Inconvenience or growth?
Pain or lesson?
Those who are against you or those who push you to do better?
The difference between success and defeat is often a matter of perspective. Track your thoughts. Record the way you see the world. It may be time for a change.
Align yourself with people you emulate, whose lives you admire.
You need a template (if you don’t already have one).
By watching someone else prove it can be done, you’ll feel encouraged to make it happen.