Arianna Huffington, keynote speaker at this year's National Association for Professional Women convention, hit it out of the park as she provided common sense advice for achieving success and personal growth. Arianna spoke about the "obnoxious roommate living in your head," the one who continuously whispers self-limiting beliefs in your ear and sabotages your progress, and emphasized the importance of quieting the negative commentary and sustaining momentum.
Arianna's advice resonated with the audience, myself included. I thought a lot about what she said and after the conference, jotted down a few actions that can be taken to reduce negativity.
Remember to pat yourself on the back with positive affirmations. To counteract that negative background noise, remind yourself that you are worthy of success and happiness, capable of achieving it and able to overcome whatever challenges present themselves along the way.
Envision what the outcome looks like. With as much precision as possible, picture what achieving your objective looks like. Keep that vision active in your mind and recall it frequently. What you focus on you can achieve.
Separate yourself from negativity wherever you encounter it. You know what I mean -- those negative influences in your life who can always find a reason not to move forward -- people who can shoot down any idea you propose -- folks for whom the glass is always half empty. Re-direct the energy it takes to counter their objections into the pursuit of your goal.
Build a "Mastermind Group" of trusted advisers with whom you can share ideas and gain constructive input. Build a support group of individuals who think in terms of possibilities rather than limitations -- who build on ideas rather than shredding them -- who provide sound advice for overcoming obstacles, tweaking a plan or utilizing additional resources.
Operate from a perspective of abundance rather than scarcity. Success is not a zero-sum game. There is plenty of opportunity to go around. With the power of optimism, courage of conviction and passionate pursuit, you can accomplish your goals!