Next Step Required
“Persuasion is the act of replacing someone’s world view with something better.”
Persuasion of positivity
As every fiber in my body was screaming at me to stop, my bicycling coach kept reminding me that it was my mind over my body that would get me to the top of the hill. In that moment in time, 7 miles up an 8 mile steep canyon ascent all I could think was bullsh*t!
However her persistence, the persuasion of her never wavering positive words and suggestions of ways to ride better got me to the top of the mountain. What I have come to realize is all the self-doubt I have been riding with as this big hairy audacious goal of a 100-mile ride around Lake Tahoe looms in my future on June 4th. Which just keeps getting closer and closer.
What continues to drive me is that 8 years ago I promised my mom I would do this ride for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society when she was in her final stages of battling AML. I promised myself – that if my mom could fight the good fight – so could I - to help others who still have a chance to find a cure.
What keeps my pedals pumping
I have been talking to my mom’s spirit a lot – as her memory is the fuel behind my fire, especially on the solo rides when I question what I am doing. Me … not such an athletic person who can ride pretty well on the flatlands but the higher elevation climbs are kicking my butt.
There comes a time in our lives when we must step up and do the hard stuff. Step up with integrity and be accountable for what we have said we are going to do.
When we have someone in our corner to assist us get past what I like to call the “yeah buts” it helps us to take all the reasons why we can’t do something and allows us to get it done.
My Team in Training coaches have done that for me along with my Pedal Girl partner, Erica. Now the only one to conquer is my own inner critic who is very doubtful that I can do this and doesn’t hesitate to tell me so on a regular basis.
Next step required
What is the big challenge that might be in front of you that scaring the crud out you? Name it out loud right now. And then lets ask ourselves these questions:
- What am I afraid of?
- What assumptions am I making about this?
- What would I do differently if I had no fear or limiting belief?
- What is the next step required to make this happen?
The truth is that when we face these questions with honest and straightforward answers we begin to change ourselves our inner beliefs that quiet our Inner Critic. By doing so we can begin to change ourselves and subsequently we begin to change the world around us.
How about you? It may not be as physical as my biking or a fund raising goal – what is it that you have been shoving to the side for way too long? Are you ready to play along and find the light at the end of the tunnel? Let’s lead with a strong foot forward and do these things that make a difference to ourselves and the world around us.
To Your Success and Victories,
- Cheri
Cheri Ruskus
Business Strategist and Founder of the Victory Circles
Email me: cheri@businessvictories.com
