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LEADERSHIP IS A PROCESS OF SOCIAL INFLUENCE, WHICH MAXIMISES THE EFFORTS OF OTHERS TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF A SHARED GOAL.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Fear

A lot of people are afraid of failure, but do you know anyone who's afraid of success? Let's talk about this rather common problem.

Abraham Maslow, one of the 20th Century's great psychologists, called it a "Jonah Complex," because Jonah chose to turn his back on the great things God had planned for him. Of course, the Bible tells us that Jonah eventually found himself inside the belly of a great fish, but most people who fear success eventually find themselves consumed with regrets for things that might have been.

We turn away from the challenges that will bring us success for many reasons. Mainly, we just don't believe we have what it takes to pull it off. Our self-efficacy is low, which means we have a low estimation of what we can cause or bring about.

However, self-efficacy can be improved. You can do it by remembering successes you've had in the past and imagining yourself repeating similar successes in new situations. Make a list of all the qualities you possess that you consider to be strengths, and surround yourself with people who believe in you and what you can do.

You see, you can take on challenges that are bigger than you are right now and then grow into them. And you can control your self-talk and your negative thinking so that you don't stop yourself before you start. Live your life in the present so that you'll have no regrets in the future. 

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