Quit Being Your Own Worst Enemy

There are many ways to be your own worst enemy.

Don't believe me? How about . . .

• Deciding someone really doesn't want to do business with you instead of letting the other person decide what they want to do.
• Down talking yourself to others.
• Allowing yourself to delay addressing what you know is important to do right now.
• Doing the easy / convenient / familiar / comfortable thing when it isn't also the best thing to do.
• Not staring a new effort because you doubt you'll finish it.
• Taking negativity to heart from others when there is no reason to do so.
• Allowing short-term issues to get you off track from focusing on what's important.
• Keeping your concerns too much to yourself.
• Hoping things will get better on their own
• Not celebrating every accomplishment, whether big or small.
• Avoiding tough conversations you need to have.
• Failing to surround yourself with the right people.
• Allowing your health (whether spiritual, physical, or mental) to go unattended.
• Believing social networks are an accurate depiction of reality.
• Continually comparing yourself to who you were THEN but aren't anymore.
• Listening to all the unsolicited advice you're given.
• Listening to none of the unsolicited advice you're given.
• Spending too much time listening to the voices inside your head.

See what I mean?

And this was simply a list from looking back on times I've been my own worst enemy or seen others do it to themselves. You may very well be able to add to the list from your own experience. Plus there may be other people out there who really aren't your fans. Think about what they'd add to the list, but why would you even consider giving them more ammunition against you?

So now that we have a full footprint in the new year, let's all try to treat ourselves better. Look past your near-term challenges, and buttress yourself with the long-term successes you've created before and the new ones ahead. It's time to  be your own best fan! - Mike Brown

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