Facing Up to the Truth

Can I be honest with you? I mean, totally, brutally, honest?

Okay.

Your Life Matters.

That’s it. That’s the truth. So why are so many of us ignoring that? We are giving in to temptation; doing things we know aren’t good for us and failing to do things which are; taking the easy path and doing ourselves harm on the way.

The consequences of this are dire. We are addicted to our phones and to processed foods and to gambling and TV soap operas – all as the alternative from doing the things that need to be done to make us feel better. And we are polluting the planet and causing suffering to others and putting our very lives at risk. The vast majority of people in a hospital would not be there had they made better decisions.

Are you being who you are capable of being?

I believe that every human being has the capacity to be great. Every one of us is brilliant at something and is a genius in their own field. You might be the world’s best accountant, or a genius at changing nappies, or know how to solve a crossword puzzle faster than anyone else. Or maybe it is something else.

You are amazing.

So what stops you stepping into your own power and letting your genius out?

It all comes down to the decisions we make and where we want to go in our lives. And the truth is, many people don’t really know where they are going.

If you don’t know where you are going….

… How do you know what direction you need to take today?

Stephen Covey is famous for saying ‘Begin with the end in mind’ and he is absolutely right. If you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve – today, this week, this year, in your lifetime – and throw in the determination to take the first step, there is nothing you cannot accomplish.

Otherwise we are all like zombies, wandering about mindlessly, doing what we did yesterday and the day before and the day before that….

Lights, Camera, ACTION

People love to achieve things. We all feel a sense of real satisfaction when we have accomplished something. Just thing of the last time you cleared out a cupboard and get rid of lots of things you didn’t need. The process was hard work and a bit grubby but when it was done…? Didn’t it feel just great to see that neat cupboard with everything in its place.

Taking action is a great feeling. In fact, there are several research studies which show that, by being productive and achieving things will massively reduce addictive tendencies (in fact, in Portugal in the early 2000s, a programme of getting drug users into work had a massive impact on their drug problem).

And that’s where willpower comes in as I explain in this week’s podcast. Willpower is what you need to get started on any one of those action which will take you forward to achievement.

Many of the things it takes willpower to do will also boost your willpower in the process, so there is a double benefit. Exercise, decluttering, nutritious natural foods and sleep have all been shown to increase self-control.

So what are you going to do today to prove to yourself that your life matters?

If you want to know more about how to invest in yourself and improve your willpower, download my free e-book at https://willpower.petecohen.com