Post by Steven Barnes on Apr 8, 2006 12:41:29 GMT -5
Hi Steve,
I've never actually written to you before, but something is pulling me to do just that at this moment. I really appreciate the things you have to say. It's comforting to know that I am not alone in my self-judgement. So many times when I sit down to write, I find that I am over-burdened with my censor picking on me, pecking at my inner ear. As much as I try to ignore it, it seems to grow louder and louder. And lately, I must admit, that my censor had been winning. It's very frustrating as I have a major project that I am currently involved in -with 4 human lives (including mine)-counting on me to see this through to fruition (it was all my idea.) My battle is in the thinking, "do I deserve this potential success?" The answer always comes back as, "Of course you do, but you do not believe it." I don't know how to believe it. I seem to be lost lately and very emotional about my work. The negative censor must go away or it might just drive me away all together.
Any wisdom you have to share would be a blessing.
##
STEVE'S ANSWER:
Never underestimate the power of your demons. Every day, and I mean every day, we face the battle within. As my dear friend Tim Piering said, in order to succeed you must have two things:
1) Well defined, written goals
2) The ability to take action despite the voices in your head.
The ability to visualize, to feel, to hear yourself succeeding is also vital. What is the last step of your process? If you succeed, what will life look like? How clearly can you visualize this last step?
This is not a rhetorical question. Every morning, every night, you should take 5-20 mintues and clear your mind, and visualize your desired outcome. Write it on a 3X5 card, carry it in your pocket, and look at it five times a day, as you breathe calmly but intensely. Feel the joy of succeeding.
These internal exercises: anything that makes the goal brighter, and the demon's fainter, are crucial to your process, and your success. There are many disciplines worldwide that touch this space: seek them out, or get the LIFEWRITING YEAR LONG, which also teaches several powerful ones. Good luck!
Steve
I've never actually written to you before, but something is pulling me to do just that at this moment. I really appreciate the things you have to say. It's comforting to know that I am not alone in my self-judgement. So many times when I sit down to write, I find that I am over-burdened with my censor picking on me, pecking at my inner ear. As much as I try to ignore it, it seems to grow louder and louder. And lately, I must admit, that my censor had been winning. It's very frustrating as I have a major project that I am currently involved in -with 4 human lives (including mine)-counting on me to see this through to fruition (it was all my idea.) My battle is in the thinking, "do I deserve this potential success?" The answer always comes back as, "Of course you do, but you do not believe it." I don't know how to believe it. I seem to be lost lately and very emotional about my work. The negative censor must go away or it might just drive me away all together.
Any wisdom you have to share would be a blessing.
##
STEVE'S ANSWER:
Never underestimate the power of your demons. Every day, and I mean every day, we face the battle within. As my dear friend Tim Piering said, in order to succeed you must have two things:
1) Well defined, written goals
2) The ability to take action despite the voices in your head.
The ability to visualize, to feel, to hear yourself succeeding is also vital. What is the last step of your process? If you succeed, what will life look like? How clearly can you visualize this last step?
This is not a rhetorical question. Every morning, every night, you should take 5-20 mintues and clear your mind, and visualize your desired outcome. Write it on a 3X5 card, carry it in your pocket, and look at it five times a day, as you breathe calmly but intensely. Feel the joy of succeeding.
These internal exercises: anything that makes the goal brighter, and the demon's fainter, are crucial to your process, and your success. There are many disciplines worldwide that touch this space: seek them out, or get the LIFEWRITING YEAR LONG, which also teaches several powerful ones. Good luck!
Steve
