INSPIRED to ACT with MOTIVATION

"Your thoughts construct patterns like scaffolding in your mind. You are really etching chemical patterns. In most cases, people get stuck in those patterns, just like grooves in a record, and they never get out of them.

I'll always stay connected with Apple. I hope that throughout my life I'll sort of have the thread of my life and the thread of Apple weave in and out of each other, like a tapestry. They may be a few years when I'm not there, but I'll always come back....

If you want to live your life in a creative way, as an artist, you have to not look back too much. You have to be willing to take whatever you've done and whoever you were and throw them away.

The more the outside world tries to reinforce an image of you, the harder it is to continue to be an artist, which is why a lot of times, artists have to say, "Bye, I have to go. I'm going crazy and I am getting out of here." And they go and hibernate somewhere. Maybe later they re-emerge a little differently."

(From an interview with David Sheff; excerpted from the book "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson)

The above interview was conducted in 1985 when Steve Jobs was celebrating the occasion of his thirtieth birthday. As I read his statement, I was especially struck by Steve's insight about his career with Apple and the honesty of what he said. This is exactly how I felt when I made the decision just recently, to resign from my job.

Let's revisit part of the D-I-A-M-O-N-D standard for a moment

"Courage is knowing what not to fear. "
~ Plato ~

I = INSPIRED to Act by discovering your true desire. What is your greatest desire? Use it to inspire you to make the changes!

A = ACT. Take Action. Create practical steps to move forward towards accomplishing your goals and dreams.

M = MOTIVATION. It's about making that commitment - choosing to take the steps necessary to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

Initially, I felt triumphant at making my decision to take that 'leap of faith'. Then, as the flood of thoughts (positive and negative) began swarming through my mind, trepidation grabbed hold on my mindset. The realization that I was stepping out on my 'comfort zone' was like the plague, infecting my thoughts with doubt, fear, uncertainty ... destructive thought patterns that needed to be overpowered before they became 'weapons of mass destruction'. I wrestled with my destructive thoughts and won, so here is what I propose to do to start preparing myself for my new and exciting challenge a.k.a. future.

Choose Positive thoughts

Change of environment
This could mean taking a holiday or spending the day at the beach or climbing a mountain. Make the necessary plans, if you have to, but it is essential that you get away from your current environment to take the time to relax and reconnect to your inner voice, wisdom, talent, and sense of what matters most in your life.

Attitude Check

• Working through the emotions (relief, frustration, anger, joy, fear, excitement) - it's
best to acknowledge these. Try seeking help. Talk to someone who understands you.

• Find a healthy way to channel these emotions – the best outlet is through exercise, reconnect with family, play with your children, romance your partner.

• Pour your energy into your favourite hobby.

• Listen to soothing music.

• If circumstance allows, switch off your smartphone, iPhone, laptop and iPad - only check intermittently or out of necessity.

• Walk barefoot, feel the energy of the earth.

• Meditate (not easy when a trillion thoughts bombard your mind). It is essential to "silence the mind". Try this - imagine a powerful vacuum cleaner sucking up all those thoughts, said thoughts being dumped into the dust collection thingy, dispose of contents by dumping them into the bin leaving you with a 'clear' head.

Watch an Inspirational Movie or YouTube Clip; read an
Inspirational book

• The Dash movie. Inspired by the beautiful poem by Linda Ellis  

• Anything is Possible – From Service Dog to SURFice Dog

• Be Great, Powerful Beyond Measure.

Be of Service to others

• Volunteer

• Raise funds for charitable organizations

• Help friends, neighbours

Stay in the Present Moment

"Many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves – regret for the past and fear of the future."
~ Fulton Ourster ~

"The Past has no Power of the Present Moment."
~ Eckhart Tolle ~

Be Inspired, Take Action

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
~ Wayne Gretzky ~

I believe that I have something important to contribute so I am very motivated to take the action that will make my dreams come true. To end, I invite you to reflect on this powerful poem in the hope that it will influence your decision today and always.

Our Deepest Fear By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us;
It's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we're liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

About the Author: Xen (The X Factor) Angelides is the founder of X-Factor Human Performance Systems. Xen Angelides is a Business Development Consultant, a proven veteran of the fitness industry, an accomplished educator and professional speaker. As a certified results coach and master practitioner of neuro linguistic programming (NLP) and neurological re-patterning, Xen has helped many individuals transform their thinking and performance. For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or like his Facebook Fan Page.

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