Abraham Maslow wrote the Hierarchy of Needs, which has been used in many disciplines to explain, justify, or analyze people’s actions. He also wrote “8 ways to Self-Actualize.” My personal Favorite? #8

Find out who you are, what you are, what you like and don’t like, what is good and what is bad for you, where you are going, what your mission is. Opening yourself up to yourself in this way means identifying defenses — and then finding the courage to give them up. — A. Maslow

Self Actualization is the topmost part of the Hierarchy of Needs. This is where you remove your limiting beliefs, quiet the voice in your head, and become fully expressed in the world.

Identifying defenses is sometimes hard because it’s not so easy to see how you are. It’s often very obvious why other people do what they do, and with some examination, you may be abe to show them. But, it’s quite another thing to do that for yourself. You need a coach, an outside observer to watch you, listen to you, and to question you.

The only things that can sway me off course or halt me in my tracks are the limitations of my own mind.

The only way to fail is to quit.

How much will a tree grow? Always, as much as it can. It knows no internal limits. Of course, things happen; they get cut back or something looms over them. What do they do? Say, “Poor me” and die? No, they change angles and keep on growing.

A baby learning to walk falls down 5 times in a row. Does he just say, “Forget about it. Walking sucks anyway?” (or do his parents put him in a crib and say, “He can’t do it. We’ll try again next year”?)

Most resistance is in your mind. Let it go. Just do what needs to be done to achieve your dreams!

Don’t let this happen to you!

I admit it… I love games!

AND… I’m still struggling a bit with keeping them in perspective. A little time off for R&R, letting off steam, and killing bad guys is great.

Just be aware of what you’re trading your time for.

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When I start a project, I just naturally start with the end in mind.

What will success look like? Who will be there? How will we celebrate? Who benefits?

This includes lot’s of different sensory inputs so I get the feeling of success. That’s what pulls me forward when things get rough or annoying. I am driven by inspiration. And I just assume that is the way that many other coaches and speakers do it, too. That’s been my experience.

If you haven’t been doing this, then try it out; write down the whole picture of how it’s going to be when it’s complete. If you find that hard to do, get a coach! We’re all about creating futures and then working with you to make it happen.

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Will Smith’s secret to success

I LOVE that he took the time to say something meaningful and amazing instead of some cheap shout outs.

While I have always liked a lot of his stuff, I have a new found respect for the man.