Article Title: "Say 'YES' to your Potential" (by Skip Ross)- A Summary
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Success, Self Help, Personal Growth, Skip Ross, Motivation, Life Purpose, Spiritual, Spiritual Gifts and Inspiration,
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles.html

Publishing Guidelines: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print. .

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."
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"SAY 'YES' TO YOUR POTENTIAL"

Introduction:
Craig has been studing the amazing powers of the human mind,
as well as the "secrets of success" for the past two decades. This article (in point form for brevity) is largely based on my notes from a most inspiring and uplifting adress by an American by the name, "Skip" Ross from many years ago (however the principles, I believe, are eternal truths). I am sharing the contents of the Amway man's work, plus some of my own writings in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really want to achieve their dreams in life, whatever they may be " to just GO FOR IT".

Thank you sincerely, "Skip" for sharing (with humour) your most uplifting words of wisdom in encouraging me to follow my passion and to reach for my personal dreams. I (in turn) am passing them on through the amazing power of the www, as my dream is helping others to realise their personal dreams in life.

Now on the article (at long last!)...

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American athlete, Glenn Cunningham was severly burnt as a child. However, Glen was determined to become the "fastest human being alive". He won Olympic Gold medals and was named 'Athlete of the Century at Madison Square Garden, because of his persistence, which turned adversity into greatness.
Winston Churchill in the shortest three word address said:
"Never give up." Repeat this affirmation.

Jesse Owens: "What do you want to be? You name it and then believe God will help you get it." "Jesse was so inspired by these words", said his coach. Jesse Owens simple answer to this question was: "I've got a dream - to be the fastest human being alive."

Build a ladder to it, your "stairway to success".

1. The first rung is determination (persistence)

2. dedication

3. discipline

and

4. attitude

Jesse Owens faced many challenges in his life. He was born poor and skinny; yet he won 4 Olympic gold medals.
All because Jesse had a dream and was willing to climb the ladder to success. He was prepared to pay the price by putting in the EFFORT.

Release the power within you.

When you know from the outset, that "I WILL do it," then you can concentrate all your time, energy and talents on doing it now.

A person with PERSISTENCE will succeed over the person with more talent, more education or more money.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not. Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not. Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence, determination and hard work make the difference."
- Former American President, Calvin Coolidge.

Lack of persistence is one of the major causes of failure in various endeavours; yet it's evident that it is a weakness which permeates the human race.

Virtually all the greats of this world have experienced temporary defeats. Those are the learning times, the opportunities to grow and achieve your destiny. If you get up one more time than you fail, you will make it through.

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumph even though checked with failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits, who neither enjoy much nor suffer much; because they live in the gray twilight, that knows not victory nor defeat."
- Theodore Roosevelt

Only quitting spells defeat.
Like Winston Churchil said, Never, ever give up.

Say, "I WILL UNTIL"
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Positive thinking does not always work; particularly when it is in direct contrast to the picture you have of yourself. One's self image is the sum total of the attitudes, facts and feelings you have accumulated about yourself. Everything we think, feel and do is influenced by this picture. You may be a very gifted singer; but first you have to believe that about yourself to use that ability to your full potential. An individual's self concept is "the core of their personality". This view of themselves affects every aspect of their behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change, your choice of friends, mates and careers. A strong self image is the best possible preparation for success in life.

Since none of us have reached our full potential in life, we can change our self image from what it is today, to what we WANT it to be.

You can even change your personality, to be any kind of person you choose to be. How do you do this?:

1. Understand the source of your self image. Your past experiences have made you believe the way you are.

2. Believe, really BELIEVE it can be changed.

3. DECIDE what kind of person you'd like to be.
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If you are a believer in Scripture (literally or figuratively), write a character description of the kind of person Jesus Christ was. Try to BECOME more like that kind of person ( "Imperfect I" try to do that, often failing! See my article at http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/What_Each_One_Of_Us_Can_Learn_From_Th...).
If you are not a "believer", look at the lives of great men and women through the centuries. Discover what it was about them that made them great. Pick one who may have been extra-inspirational to you? For Abraham Lincoln it was perhaps his utmost honesty.
For:

Madame Curie - her persistence (also with Thomas Edison)

Mother Theresa - her compassion
and

Winston Churchill - his wisdom (and determination).

Gandhi - his vision.

Nelson Mandela - his 'nobility' of spirit in reaching out to former enemies.

Submitter's note:
A very good friend of mine uses this technique of imagining multiple figures of history sitting with him, whilst I have the 'simple' approach of just "speaking" to Jesus (as my 'long-suffering confidante' in a state of meditation and contemplation, when I have a problem or major decision to make. No, we are not "loonies" ready to be "locked away"!

Whichever way, now you should be able to begin to develop a new picture of the kind of person you really want to be.

4. Write this picture down in the present and in a positive state. Not "I hope to be", but say "I WILL".
= a positive statements of faith.

Decide WHO you want to be. This is far more important than material things you want or achievements in business.

5. Spend time with the person you'd want to be.
YOU are responsible for the kind of life you live, for the image you have of yourself - but not locked into any image of the past. You are totally unique. You can pick up a trashy novel. You will leave this earth someday a little better or a little worse for your living. Accept the responsibility inherant in your potential greatness.

However, it's a big challenge - this responsibility to make the most of your unique potential. Recognise and grasp your God-given equipment. Learn and apply these principles and move your life forwards. Change for the better. Live a life free of fear and worry, accomplishing worthwhile goals, a life filled with joy and happiness. Living a balanced life is most important - especially the spiritual aspect. The spirit of God, our Creator Who/That empowers us through the power of the subconscious mind is the channel, which breathes life into all of us through enthusiasm and inspiration.

Whatever a person focuses their thoughts upon, becomes reality in their lives.

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

It's up to US to CHOOSE our path in life and make the most of our God-given gifts. So
DECLARE WHO YOU really WANT TO BE - say 'YES' to your unlimited potential'! Stop day dreaming and just do all that you can and BECOME.

BE happy and have great fun along the journey of life.

Craig Lock (Eagle Productions NZ)

"If you are rich, work
If you are burdened with seemingly unfair responsibilities, work
If you are happy, continue to work
Idleness gives room for doubts and fears.
If sorrow overwhelms you and loved ones seem not true, work
If disappointments come, work.
If faith falters and reason fails, just work.
When dreams are shattered and hope seems dead,
Work, work as if your life were in peril;
It really is.
No matter what ails you, work.
Work faithfully and work with faith,
Work is the greatest material remedy available.
Work will cure both mental and physical afflictions.
Work."
- author unknown

"True success is simply being the person you really want to be."

"Do not follow the well-beaten track of others towards success -
like the rainbow, it is often an illusion always just beyond
our reach. Make your own path and let your spirit blaze a
brilliant trail towards the pot of gold, the prize for the
gift - one that is uniquely you and YOUR successful journey
down the mysterious and magical river of life.

"The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within
you...and the often seemingly difficult or even "impassible") path
ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies
within you."

"With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in
so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world
(through helping raise consciousness). Let us offer an alternate vision for
the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of
intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us
in our own little ways can and must offer a compelling new horizon: a bright
future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and
especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal
flame of love, which can light the darkest night. "
- craig

About the author:
Craig's mission is in his own small way, to try to help people live happier, more fulfilling and successful lives.
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

"Our talents are our gift to God...
but what we do with our talents are our gifts TO God."

"Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let's encourage, impact, uplift and perhaps even inspire the world."

THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

Author's Bio: 

Craig's mission is in his own small way, to try to help people live happier, more fulfilling and successful lives.
www.craiglockbooks.com