Michael Neill is one of my favorite Super Coaches who sends daily tips for coaches. Today, he discusses the "Paradise Syndrome". He talks about people who become successful and have no clue how they got there or who cannot possibly think of getting there, because they cannot see a way...
In all of Michael's writing and the writings of Steve Chandler, the constantly talk about taking ownership of your life, your success, and your happiness. It is there for you. Frequently, we feel we can't possibly do something, because someone or something will keep us from achieving it. Or, we do achieve and something or someone comes along who "takes it all away". This attributing the receiving or loss of something to a force outside ourselves is a "victim" mentality. The more we get caught in this kind of thinking or the more we speak this kind of thinking, the more we relinquish the ability to go above and beyond and create more than we ever dreamed possible! The key to success is to take ownership. If a thought comes through my mind and I think, "Wow...that's just so sad!" And, I continue to dwell on it, pretty soon, I will be wallowing inn the depths of despair. But, if I have a sad thought go through and I think, "Wow....that's sad..." But, then, I take control and begin to think of all the ways to make it better, I have raised it to the higher plain of creativity....and that is where we can begin to take action and truly change, not only our lives, but other lives around us!
Here are Michael Neill's three quick remedies to take ownership of your own success...
1. Think about what you're really proud of
The things we are most proud of in our lives are rarely the things others would expect. If I need a quick burst of self-esteem, I don't reflect on my various TV appearances, my home, or even my family, but on a stone wall I built in my parents driveway when I was 15. Every time I think about that wall, I know I am capable of building great things out of rubble.
2. Don't settle for excellence
Too often we stop experimenting when we start succeeding, guiding our lives by the age old mantra "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But when we really dig into what causes us to succeed, we find again and again that it is our willingness challenge and go beyond the status quo. In the words of author Robert Kriegel, "Sacred cows make the best burgers"!
3. Live a worthwhile life, whatever that means to you
"If you have built your castles in the air, your work need not be lost.
That is where they should be. Now, put the foundations under them."
--Henry David Thoreau
There is a story of a man who felt he got to heaven too easily, so he decided not to go in. Instead, he stands outside, holding the gates open until every living being has the opportunity to pass through them.
In the end, I believe the cure for "Paradise Syndrome" is quite simple - either create enough mini-crises and dramas in your life to distract your worrying mind, or do whatever it is you need to do to feel like you ARE worthy of all the good things life has to offer.
While you don't have to wait until you're successful to begin contributing to the world around you, it's never too late to begin. Use your wealth to promote a cause you believe in. Use the talents and skills that enabled your success to assist others in creating their own. Get involved in something (anything) that feels worthwhile, meaningful, purposeful, or contributory, and notice how quickly your 'good fortune' becomes something to celebrate and share, not denigrate and hide.
Have fun, learn heaps, and if you got to the top too easily, do something besides admire the view!
Michael
Have a super day! Get out there and start creating a better world--for yourself and for others!
Krystal
