By Rebecca Rodskog, Rodskog Change Consulting
There's a conversation I have with many of my clients all too often.  It's not about what they want to accomplish, or what they've already accomplished, it's about what they've failed to accomplish to date.  I believe that people who want to succeed may be inherently hard on themselves, and this is a very human quality, but I have found that many of my clients have this incredible ability to beat themselves up.   And that's what really holds them back.  

Last month we talked about 5 tools for successful growth that help you move your plan from paper to action.  The best laid plans and the best tools will get you nowhere if you do not support yourself.  I've learned that there are a few tenets that successful people live by, in order to keep themselves in check and on a mission of growth.  I try to use these in my daily life and of course, with my clients.

5 Tenets to Live By

1. Gratitude:  I formally stole this one from the Law of Attraction, but it’s something I had been practicing for years.  If you want good things in your life, start by being grateful for the things you already have!  Then you will not only continue to attract that but you will be living in a place of gratitude and fulfillment, vs. need and greed.

2. Love:  It's what it's all about.  Whitney Houston may have made it cheesy, but you have to admit, it makes sense.  Loving yourself IS the greatest love of all.  You HAVE to love yourself, and love every part of your being!  If it's not all about love, I'm not sure what it’s about.  If you're ever stuck, look for the love in the situation.  I learned this from my acting days – in a scene where two people are fighting, my acting coach told me that it's more interesting, compelling and real to find the love in the scene than focus on the hate.  And it's ALWAYS there.  How right she was.

3. Forgiveness:  Yes, I believe that we need to be able to forgive others.  It is the second greatest gift we can give as humans (next to love).  But what I'm talking about here is not just letting bygones be bygones with others - You have to learn to forgive YOURSELF!  Oh, I'd be a rich woman if I got paid for every time someone beat themselves up over something they didn't do, or did "wrong."  The power to let go is so immeasurable.  This ability can truly catapult you to success.  

4. Communication:  This one is so important to me that I made it a tenet, even though it's really a "tool." YOU HAVE TO COMMUNICATE!  Tell people what you think, feel, care about, want, love.  This is the only way to truly live in the present, and feel the success that is surrounding you.  It also breaks down barriers to success faster than a speeding bullet.  I'm so amazed by people’s fear of communication – how can anyone know what you want unless you tell them?

5. Integrity:  This is the catch-all.  Basically, live your life as you say you will.  Be true to yourself and others.  You will never experience success and joy at the level you deserve if you are not standing solidly in your own shoes.


Next Month:  Visualization:  A Trick, Technique or Both?

Got a question for Rebecca? We'd love to hear from you!
Email: heather@thewellmom.com

Rebecca Rodskog is a NYC based personal life coach, change management consultant, actress and mom.  She has worked with corporations and individuals for over 15 years helping them grow through change in the workplace and at home.  For more information, check out www.rodskog.com