As a psychologist I must say that there are many people who unknowingly practice self-sabotage. One might have the grand desire of becoming a millionaire, and may possess all of the attributes necessary to run a multi-millionaire dollar company, invent a life-improving drug, write a best seller, or start an international food chain, but for some unknown reason, they cannot succeed in accomplishing their dreams. What does it take to become successful? It takes dedication, persistence, a workable plan, and the tools necessary to implement that plan for success.

I have seen and read about people who were just at the brink of a major break through, just about to get that promotion, just about to complete a college degree, take a standardized test, or make a life-changing presentation to a group of potential investors, when suddenly this subconscious self-defeating programming takes over. These mental messages running through a person's mind tend to limit a person's ability to think clearly, to make good decisions, and to move forward. It is often difficult for some people to recognize that they are in a self-sabotaging mode. How does someone become self-sabotaging? It usually starts early in life, however, it can emerge later due to a trauma. In order to be more productive, to help yourself truly achieve the success that you may seek, the first thing to do is to check your mind talk.

What is your inner voice saying to you in the quiet of your mind? Are you hearing things that are encouraging you and supporting your endeavors, or are you hearing words that are fear-based, or derogatory? If you sense that you are caught in a repetitive and limiting mental trap; one that also robs you of the ability of physically completing tasks, it is time to ERASE those mental tapes and start a healthier way of living.

Anytime you catch a negative thought entering your mind just mentally ERASE it on the blackboard of your mind. Now put up a word or a scene that you would rather experience. Doing this often enough will help reset your mind talk to positive mode. Do you remember being a child and feeling like you could accomplish anything? Regaining that sense of confidence is possible. You must learn to be as supportive of yourself as you are of others that you love. It isn't unusual for people to support their children's efforts and their friends' attempts at success with loving encouragement; it is often more difficult for individuals to be mentally and emotionally supportive of themselves when they are about to step off into new territory. Here are some things you can do each day to help make your dreams a reality. If you put your self in front of the people who can help you achieve your goals you will have mastered one of the roadblocks to success. Be your own advocate. Here is a beginning:

1. Define your goal or dream come true
2. Keep positive messages at your bedside, in your purse/wallet/car/office
3. Determine how much time you will spend on your personal dream or goals each day
4. Make a daily list of what YOU can do to make your dream happen
5. Make a daily list of what OTHERS can do to help make your dream happen
6. Set a date to complete your dream/goal
7. Separate the tasks into calls, letters, faxes, trips, research etc.
8. Get your phone calls completed in the morning if possible
8. Do your letter writing, emails, filing before lunch
9. Schedule your visits with people just after lunch and before 3PM and research later in the day
10. Check your weekly progress
11. Put your self in situations where you create opportunities to make your dream come true. That means visiting places where people of influence in the field of your choice might frequent. Learn to network with others. Join clubs, volunteer, attend meetings, and other events to meet experts who might be able to help you.
12.Be proud of yourself with each small accomplishment - dress for success -
13.Post positive responses from others in your office to view daily
14.File negative responses for review at month end
15.Practice your presentations in the mirror; improve your vocabulary, read
16.Smile often when engaging others and be sincere
17.Volunteer to help others in need - it builds character
18.Do something every day that you absolutely love

This is how you will begin to unlock your fullest potential. It all starts with you. There are thousands of what I call, millionaires-in-the-making, just waiting to be born. You must be one of them or you would not have chosen to read this article. You can write to me to share your success stories.

Wishing you dreams come true starting now!