[update January 10, 2008 - This post, and the idea behind it, was chosen as the #1 tip in Litemind's 66 Personal Excellence Tips! Be sure to check out the other 65 here.]

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky

Most of my life, as far back as I can remember, I’ve had a real problem with success.

Some of my earliest memories of my own thoughts are those of needing to suffer… simply because others suffer. Of feeling guilty for having, when so many have not.

I don’t remember the exact quote, but Saint Paul talked about his willingness to go to hell if it would save one sinner. I always thought this was noble.

But I missed the point of it.

I can’t keep people out of hell by going there myself. If anything, the best way to save others is by saving myself, and showing others how I did it.

Maybe my particular techniques won’t work for everyone… but by not sharing what I’ve learned, how I’ve lived, and what I’ve accomplished, I’m not helping anyone.

And if I don’t share the struggles I’ve had on my way there, then I’m presenting a false image of myself.

Over the past couple of weeks, many of those struggles (of not deserving, of inadequacy) have been nipping at my butt again.

But you know what?

I’m done tearing down all that I’ve built just because there’s some part of my brain that thinks I can’t handle success.

I’m done feeling guilty because I’ve tried something that I wanted to try and ended up not enjoying it or wanting to continue. My interests are wide, and as my mom has always told me – “There’s nothing wrong with having a wide variety of interests.” (Mothers can really be a great source of wisdom… it’s just too bad that we don’t recognize that earlier. :) )

I’m done feeling inadequate when it comes to the things that I want to accomplish. I’ll never know just how competent I can be if I quit.

Quitting

One of my favorite quotes is “90% of success is showing up.”

Do a little switcheroo on that, and you’ve got a great way to guarantee failure.

Stop showing up.

Stop showing up for work, and you’re out an income. Stop responding to phone calls and emails, and you’re out friends and contacts. Stop writing, or building your business, or whatever it is that is moving you in the direction of your dreams… and you are absolutely guaranteed not to get what you want.

Show up, and you’ve got a shot.

Show up, and work on what’s in front of you, and you’ve increased your chances a thousandfold.

Thank you to my friends at Personal Development Partners (especially Aaron and Patricia) who knocked on my virtual door and asked “Hey, you still in there?” (I’m still on the right side of the daisies, Aaron.)

Thank you to Rick, who reminded me of the sandbar beneath my feet.

Thank you to Vickie, who said she missed my wisdom.

Thank you to my wife, who daily convinces me to keep on going, and to not hit that “Delete Blog” button.

And thank you to you, dear reader. Without you, there really would be no reason to do this. I probably still would, though. ;)

Don’t forget to show up for your life today!

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