As our International Recognition Days get underway this week, I find myself pondering the “if”s of life. The premise of most self-help books is that anyone can achieve anything. The part that many readers miss is the “if” factor; if you believe you are capable of doing the work necessary to go after the life you want if you believe you are worth it. Learning to believe in yourself is the most important step you will ever take toward reaching your potential. These books can give you a step-by-step action plan to success, but if you lack the self-esteem to follow it, then it doesn’t matter…you will still be lost.

Low self-esteem is the poison that erodes the connection between our actions and our intentions. This causes us to feel unworthy, and as a result, we shy away from life rather than engaging in it. Even when we manage to overcome a setback or reach a goal, we don’t always feel we deserve the rewards so we sabotage our success. Sadly, I have looked into the eyes of amazing friends who believe they are not worthy. (Notice I didn’t say not capable!) They believe they are not smart enough, fit enough or talented enough. They are too short or too tall; too fat or too thin. I truly believe these people are incredible journeyers and can achieve their personal best. Yet, it doesn’t matter what I believe…only what they believe. I want them to be aware of the “if” factor; that life is full of wonderful opportunities if they believe in themselves enough to pursue them.

Consider your own self-esteem. Do you work hard at something and then stop short of completion because you are afraid you will be unable to maintain it? Do you feel you are not smart enough, good enough or attractive enough? The good news is that you ARE capable of achieving greatness if you are willing to make the connection between your actions and your intentions.

In the next few days, we will be celebrating the successes hundreds of people who made strong connections between their efforts and objectives. They believed in themselves enough to go after their goals. This triumph is possible for each of us.

I Care, Barb