Stealing the future

currumbin surfer, originally uploaded by Spasmoid.

Today's self-help books are all about "reaching your potential". Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Every time we make an excuse to ourselves about how we can't achieve something, or why we can't do something we'd like to do, we are stealing.

We steal from ourselves because those thaughts rob ourselves of that opportunity. We do it all the time. Sometimes we allow others to do it too. Whether it is said directly, or suggested subtly, people can steal our future by placing ideas in our minds that something is not obtainable. Having said that, I wouldn't necesarily accuse that person of theft, because it is their condition which leads them to unconscously deny themselves and others opportunity.

The main thing is that we all watch our own tendencies for this limited way of thinking to steal from us and from others. This requires us to be proactive.

My advice is to keep your horizens broad, and help others to broaden their own.

Are there any potential dangers? What are they?

Sometimes putting too many "options" on the table can be too chaotic and can result in lack of commitment. The trick is putting first things first. One way to do this is to make your own personal mission statement. Think about what is most important to you, and put those things first. Then secure your goals from theft.

The best way to achieve security is to be clear in your own mind about your priorities and your mission. The next time your future is challenged, you will recognise the threat so that you'll be in a position to override it with decisive action - gently, but with authority.