Fear of Success: O.T.A. = Obstacles to Avoid





ob·sta·cle noun

1. One that opposes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress.

2. The distracting temptations luring us off the road to our dreams.

a·void verb

1. to refrain from doing.

2. to prevent from happening.


The first O.T.A. is EXCUSES.

Excuses keep us from taking responsibility for our lives and prevent us from seeing the truth about our current reality. 
Excuses sabotage our dreams and rob us of the life we deserve. 
Excuses will never get us to where we want to go.

All excuses are justified. If we couldn't justify them, we wouldn't use them. Unless there is some circumstance that makes it physically impossible for us to do what we want to do, it is a form of excuse. Even if it's justified, it's still an excuse.

Debbie Ford says you have to ask yourself; "do you want to align yourself with the greatest vision of yourself, or do you want to align yourself with excuses?".


The second O.T.A. is NEGATIVE INTERNAL DIALOGUE

Negative Internal Dialogue keeps us from reaching our goals.
Negative Internal Dialogue dictates our behavior and our actions.
Negative Internal Dialogue tells us what we are and what we are not capable of doing and achieving.
Negative Internal Dialogue sets us up to fail by way of our negative expectations (which is another O.T.A.).

Most people think their Negative Internal Dialogue is the truth. We have to take back the power we have given our negative internal dialogue. 


The third O.T.A. NEGATIVE SELF IMAGE

Negative Self Image makes you think you have already reached your limits.
Negative Self Image focuses on our problems, what we can't do.

The self image is similar to a thermostat in a room. It sets the standard at which you will function. You will never consistently rise higher than the image you have of yourself, and you will never accomplish things that you don't first see yourself accomplishing. If you want to change your life, you need to change the picture you're painting in your mind.


The fourth O.T.A. is NEGATIVE EXPECTATIONS

Negative Expectations cause stress and anxiety, not the actual events of our lives.
Negative Expectations are not the truth, most of us live as though they are.
Negative Expectations separate us from reality.
Negative Expectations become self-fulfilling prophecies, drawing to us the very experience we are trying to avoid.


SELF-DEFEATING BEHAVIORS are the O.T.A.

Any behavior you engage in that is self-sabotaging and takes you away from what you want or distracts you from your goals and desires is self-defeating behavior.

Today, commit to yourself to lead a self-sabotaging free life.

Identify your self-defeating behaviors. Make a list of the behaviors, choices, and habits you engage in that are the direct opposite of your goals. Now consider what new behaviors and choices you can make to achieve your goals.

Identify your your excuses. Make a list of the excuses you use to justify the condition of your life. Now make the powerful choice to STOP using those excuses.

Next time you notice the negative internal dialogue acting up, become aware of your negative expectations and practice replacing them with positive expectations. Bringing awareness to our thoughts before taking actions gives us access to making a better choice. Start seeing yourself in the light you want to be in. Picture yourself reaching your goals and then keep that self image.

Joyce Meyer says, "If you and I are going to succeed at being ourselves and succeed in life, then we must know how to pray and be willing to give prayer a place of priority in our daily lives."


In life you are either a passenger of a pilot. It's your choice.




Source: 
The Best Year of Your Life by Debbie Ford (RIP Debbie, you were and will always be a great teacher.)
Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen
The Confident Women by Joyce Meyer



Comments

Vanessa said…
Wonderful post...I like your blog.^^
Maybe follow each other on bloglovin?
Let me know follow you then back.
Lovely greets Nessa
Unknown said…
Great post, with some great reminders! Thank you so much for sharing this today at the Oh HAPPY Day party!
KM said…
Thank you! I like your blog too. Done!!
Vanessa said…
Thank you so much for the follow.^^
Follow you back on bloglovin and gfc,too.
Do you also follow me on gfc?
Lovely greets