Use Your Gifts and Succeed!, by Vicki Hitzges

Sometimes people will daydream, "If only I had her sharp mind or his handsome profile, just think what I could do!" The truth is you wouldn't do anything with someone else's ability if you are not using the ability you now have. You already have the ability necessary for success.

By choice and discipline people become what they wish to become. The more control you exercise over yourself, the more control you'll have over your future. Success and happiness start with you!

If you want to succeed at reaching goals, you've got to discipline yourself to do what it takes to reach them. That's obvious. What may not be obvious is that if you have not been successful at disciplining yourself, part of the difficulty may lie in your self image.

For example, let's say that your goal is to lose 20 pounds and exercise at least 30 minutes a day. However, in the past, every time you've started a fitness program, within a few weeks you've given up. Maybe it's not self-discipline you need. Perhaps you need a new self image.

Suppose, for example, that you're on a fitness program now, but you've suddenly decided that it's not worth the trouble. Rather than going to the gym today, you're going to the donut shop instead. However, as you're getting ready to leave, you notice a note in the mail from a friend you haven't seen in a long time. The note says, "I'm writing to tell you that you are one of the most important people in my life. I wish I could spend more time with you because whenever I'm with you, I accomplish more. You make me feel good about myself and always bring out my best. Everyone I know likes being around you. People achieve more and feel better about themselves because of your influence. I don't want anything. I just wanted to let you know I value you and am thankful you are my friend."

Instead of picking up your wallet, you might decide to pick up your gym bag instead. In fact, you'll probably want to work out harder than ever. Why? The reason is simple. You've had a change of image. Suddenly you see yourself in a new light. Something interesting just happened. Your self image shot up. When your self image went up, it took your self control with it. When your confidence increased, your competence increased at the same time.

The obvious question is: How can you increase your self image? How can you make yourself more confident in order to be more competent?

Here are three suggestions: