7 Concrete Steps to Reaching Your Full Potential

In times of strife or uncertainty, it is easy to beat yourself up – to think you’re not good enough. It is even easier to forget that despite all of our differences we are born with one very important thing is common: potential – and lots of it. What seems difficult, at times, is remembering this potential for greatness lies within us all. So I have compiled a short, easy to-do list with words of inspiration from great thinkers who have recognized their potential as a reminder and an inspiration, for those who have forgotten amidst the daily bump and grind, how to realize their power within:
#1. Reflect on your life.

The first step is committing to 20-30 minutes of quiet Reflection everyday. You don’t have to sit still, close your eyes, and meditate. But you do have to get away from all the distractions in your life such as the television, cell phones, email, radio, family, friends, coworkers, school mates, etc. They’re constantly clouding your thoughts and influencing your decisions.

So take a walk, ride a bike, turn the radio off while commuting to work, sit on your back porch, lie in the grass, go to bed a little early. Whatever works for you.

Now, open up your mind and just Think, Analyze, Consider, Ponder, Contemplate, Imagine, Visualize, and Dream. Think about your past, your present, and your future. Ask yourself questions like…What am I capable of? What are my strengths? Where do I want to be in 5 years, 10 years, 100 years? And so on…

During this time of Reflection you will come across great Realizations and Epiphanies. You will experience a new level of Understanding, Insight, Consciousness, and Awareness. The goal of this entire process is to capture these thoughts and preserve them on your LetsReflect profile. Compile your list and read it over and over again. It will always be there to keep you on track and heading in the right direction.

So get lost in thought…It will change your life!

“It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined” ~Henry James~

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” ~Albert Einstein~

“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” ~Lao Tzu~

#2. Become an Optimist.

This is key. Every negative thought that you replay your mind is like an anchor holding you back. Liberate yourself from the negativity. Inside every setback lies an opportunity! Always find the positive in every situation.

“You can’t direct the wind, but you can adjust your sail” ~unknown~

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” ~Oscar Wilde~

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” ~Thomas Edison~

#3. Set a Goal.

Goals give your life direction and purpose. Without them you’re just drifting through existence. Do something Bold! Set a lofty goal that stretches you outside your comfort zone.

“A goal is a dream with a deadline” ~Napoleon Hill~

“The more you dream, the farther you get.” ~Michael Phelps~

“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” ~Andrew Carnegie~

“Long-range goals keep you from being frustrated by short-term failures.” ~James Cash Penney~

#4. Define who your role models are.

They can be in the flesh, on TV, or even audio books. Model yourself after them. Learn from them. If you don’t, you’ll pick up bad habits from all the wrong people.

“People never improve unless they look to some standard or example higher and better than themselves.” ~Tyrone Edwards~

“The single most important influence in the life of a person is another person … who is worthy of emulation.” ~Paul Shafer~

#5. Be Grateful!

Be grateful for your opportunities. Be grateful for right now! Being grateful invites even better things to come into your life. So what are you grateful for?

“What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it – would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have.” ~Ralph Marston~

#6. Become a life long learner.

You don’t have to be in school to learn new things. Commit to learning something new everyday. Have an open mind. Become a sponge. Grow!

“All the information you need to succeed already exist; the only problem is you’re not exposing yourself to it.” ~Jim Rohn~

“There is no wealth like knowledge, no poverty like ignorance.” ~unknown~

#7. Embrace change!

It’s impossible to reach your full potential if you’re not willing to change. Become dynamic, adaptive, evolving! Realize that change is good…change is exciting!

“One does not discover new lands without losing sight of the shore.” ~unknown~

“An important guideline for effective individual growth is open-mindedness. A willingness and eagerness to consider new information, new viewpoints, new ideas, and new possibilities is essential.” ~F. David~

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~Mark Twain~

Now, despite what others have said…you are capable of great things! I believe in you. So Get Focused! Get Motivated! …and take advantage of Right Now!
Remember that this is a journey…not a quick fix. The trick is staying positive and surrounding yourself with positive people. Best of luck!

Jonathan Cunningham is a Guest Blogger for PickTheBrain. He is an active member of LetsReflect – a global Social Networking Community centered on the idea of Self-Actualization – a site dedicated to helping you reach your full potential!

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