2. Clean up your energy sources

Ask yourself – what is it that creates the energy that fuels my thoughts and actions? For many the answer is adrenaline or stimulants (e.g., caffeine). These can work just fine in certain circumstances (short-term) but they are not long-lasting sustainable sources. Think of yourself as a gas guzzling carbon dioxide belching car that needs to switch to a cleaner burning sustainable energy source. What will it be? How about tapping into the following – inspiration (from books, quotes, other people, your own ideas or talents), passion, things you enjoy, other people’s energy and enthusiasm, a higher power? It doesn’t help to take steps to clear your energy pathways to allow your river of energy to flow freely if there is no energy within you to flow in the first place!

3. Break the second-guessing cycle

In much the same way that you create constrictive physical postures that become habitual and limiting you create mental habits that constrict the free flow of your creative energy. One of the most damaging habits is “second guessing” your decisions and actions. You get caught up in the “grass is greener” belief – so you hop over the fence to another pasture. As soon as you get there the pasture you just left starts looking pretty good. Your first reaction is to say to yourself, “Oh great – I just made another wrong decision.” I want to share with you two key steps that have helped many others break this cycle:

Step 1. As you are thinking through your decision or potential action ask yourself the following questions to help you make your decision:

What is the best possible outcome to all concerned if I make this decision or take this action?

What is the worst possible outcome to all concerned if I make this decision or take this action?

What is the best possible outcome to all concerned if I don’t make this decision or take this action?

What is the worst possible outcome to all concerned if I don’t make this decision or take this action?

Considering the “extremes” of possible outcomes (i.e., best and worse case scenarios) can help you stay out of muck of all the shades of grey. Consider your answers to the above questions and make a decision or take an action. Then follow up with Step 2.

Step 2. Accept the fact that there is no “perfect” decision or action.

One of the things that trips people up and initiates the second-guessing syndrome is the constant fear that they will make a “wrong” decision or take a “wrong” action. Try thinking of decisions and actions from a different perspective. Try thinking of every decision or action as moving you to a different place. Reconnoiter “where you are now” (i.e., after the decision or action) with new eyes. What new possibilities are available given your new “location”? What new options are now open to you? Forget about worrying whether where you are is “right” or “wrong” – it’s just “different.” Point your eyes and your mind to the path ahead – in most cases moving forward is much more productive then standing still contemplating the action your have just completed or moving backward.