There’s a book that will help you achieve virtually anything you want. If you have any doubt, set this article down, visit Amazon.com and type in any topic you’d like to master. You’ll be amazed at the selection.
We (the human race) have addressed virtually every challenge. Yet, as you know, we continue to struggle with problems that have already been solved. While there are many reasons for this situation, I think there’s one that is often overlooked. Most people have a problem with belief. At times we wonder if we have what it takes to address a difficult situation.
I was reminded of this when I recently addressed a business development team within a large nonprofit. The group was struggling to hit their fundraising targets and asked for my help. When I asked them to list their challenges I heard the standard excuses: the economy is weak, the competition is strong and they don’t have enough time.
Instead of addressing these concerns, I tried something different.
I challenged the group to rate their abilities on a scale of one to 10, with one being incompetent and 10 equating to them believing they are absolutely the best in the business. No one in the room rated themselves higher than a seven and most selected a six.
“How in the world,” I wondered aloud “can you convince a CEO to donate to our cause when you don’t even believe in yourself?”
If you’re struggling to achieve a goal, put down that self-help book and check your beliefs. As with most things in life, the solution is simple. You just need to execute.