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Sam Walton, founder of SAM'S, tried and failed numerous times before finally opening a business that satisfied customers and propelled him to prosper inconceivably. If he had responded to early failures with excuses, blaming the customers, bad store locations, a downturn in the economy, and poor suppliers, he would have been just another entrepreneur in the pile of unsuccessful businesses. How many times did Thomas Edison fail before he became one of our greatest inventors? One of his famous quotes is, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Failure only exists after I attempt something. I don't have to worry about failure if I am not risking. Neither do I make any progress. I have struggled with the fear of failure all my life; however, I now see it as one of my greatest teachers. I don't mean throw caution to the wind and become foolish; I mean be courageous and step out. I am an encourager who loves seeing people succeed. I find it difficult not to want to champion others when failure comes their way, but I'm learning to take a step back and be both supportive and challenging. There is a fine line between helping and enabling poor behavior. Failure hurts, is embarrassing, and causes shame unless I investigate the ashes and learn what I could do differently to create success and avoid that pitfall again. If viewed as a stepping stone rather than an end, it has the potential to be one of the most profound teachers. 👉 I suggest applying the principle; So what, now what? I can quit, or I can learn. I will persist and not give up. In families and at work, I see others who experience failure. It is too easy to fix it for someone rather than allow the bite of failure to teach them. A skinned knee or elbow teaches us that whatever caused it needs to be avoided, or the pain will persist. We can’t let that skinned spot cause us to quit or limit us to failure. I get to get up and go again! It is a privilege. How could I be different? If I shelter myself from the pain of failure, I am blocking one of life's most valuable teachers: wisdom. Wisdom comes from life experiences. I now embrace failure as my best wisdom generator. How about you? Is failure your nemesis or motivator? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. Your feedback is so appreciated. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fearoffailure #fear #failure #failureispartofsuccess #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #positivity #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme

We definitely teach others how to treat us in relationships. This can be a significant blind spot so hidden that we don’t even know it’s happening. How often have you said, “I told you ten times to clean your room; take your shoes out of here; put up your backpack; clean up your mess?” This creates a situation I call “not having a voice.” When you say what you want or need but the other person chooses to avoid you, you are participating in allowing disregard. You are contributing to the problem and the reason it persists. Assertive statements are different than whining comments. You are demonstrating to people your seriousness about your request when you impose repercussions for a denied request. If it is not followed, there will be displeasure on their part. Have you ever had someone treat you unfavorably and then do something kind or rewarding to make them feel better? Ouch! It is incredible how easy it is to turn the other cheek and get blindsided by someone we love and care for but is not responding in kind. The Big Playbook refers to this, The Golden Rule, “Treat others as you want them to treat you.” Luke 6:31 Giving and enduring out of generosity might be excessive if you do not receive the same in return. If you allow poor treatment, then you should expect it. Overlooking some disregard may occasionally be appropriate, but continued disregard is out of the question. It is simple to blame the other person for the issue. Accepting your role in the experience, on the other hand, shows emotional maturity. When things are not going your way, look at what you contribute to the situation and what you can do to change it. Too many times, I hear, “They just won’t listen, I’ve tried to tell them, but it doesn’t matter.” It is easy to give up in this situation. I encourage not letting the problem go because the longer it persists, the more difficult it is to get the response you need. Seek assistance, not resentment. Become proactive, not passive. Remember, givers need to set good boundaries because takers have none. Do you expect reasonable responses to your reasonable request? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #thegoldenrule #boundaries #boundariesmatter #boundariesarenecessary #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration

I may have written about this before, but the idea has been reoccurring lately, perhaps I need a reminder. As Ralph and Robin were taking a short trip, out of nowhere a car comes abruptly from the left lane into their lane causing Robin to jam on the brakes to avoid a collision. Both were scared stiff by the incident and had it not been for Robin’s evasive actions, they would surely have had an accident. As most of us would have done, they automatically began to berate the foolish driver and his reckless behavior. Then Ralph suggested that they turn this frustrating incident into something that was that was fascinating. This became an opportunity to disallow frustration and negativity to take over. They began practicing the art of turning frustration into fascination. Fascination refers to a strong and compelling attraction or interest in something or someone in the moment. By looking for the novelty, complexity, mystery, and potential for learning, it can create a powerful emotional state within, which boosts their mood rather than tear it down. Robin suggested that the driver may have been distracted by something and didn’t even recognize what they had created. At that Ralph laughed and remarked something about using their phone and not their driving skills. Then he speculated that there might have been an emergency and they were distracted by it, ignorant to what was going on around them. They continued to bring up possible scenarios causing the other drivers lack of attention in the moment, some were humorous, and some were not. They began to bring up other situations where they went automatically into frustration and negativity. Wow! This is how easily we can choose the negative path that brings us down and causes us to present in an unattractive manner. By choosing the fascination route, Ralph and Robin were able to bring some lightheartedness to their conversation. It is all too easy to let individuals or even nature steal our joy. Fascination is my new way of dealing with frustrating situations. It makes me feel much more emotionally mature. How about you? Will this approach work? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymood #mondaythoughts #mondaymotivation #betterme #bettereveryday #blindspots #legacy #legacymatters #successcoach #successmindset #counseling #church #mindsetmatters #mindsetiseverything #life #lifedecisions #choices #choicesmatter #relationshiptips #frustration #fascination #jimrohn #practicemakesperfect #bekind

I often use my West Texas metaphor of being cut from the herd. I refer to this metaphor as being isolated, discarded, or rejected from social groups such as family, work, religion, or any other group to which we can belong. We can cut ourselves from the herd, or the herd can cut us. There are many reasons we can find ourselves cut such as: The herd feels threatened by us in any way. We exhibit moral or social deviance or create threats or inconveniences. Alcohol, drugs, legal issues, social misconduct, sexual, verbal, or physical abuse give the herd the right to exclude. We cut ourselves off from the herd by alienating it in any way. The hazard of being cut from the herd is our need for social connection and protection from outsiders who want to take advantage of us. In the animal kingdom, the herd protects and offers safety to the group. The herd provides a sense of support, both emotionally and practically. Straying from the herd might mean losing access to this support network, which can be detrimental during times of need. Animals outside the herd become prey to predators. Conversely, it might be very healthy to cut ourselves from the herd. If the herd is emotionally ill or hostile in any way, it is not healthy to allow such treatment, even if they are family. I often say, “Just because you are family doesn’t give you the right to abuse in any form or fashion. Just because Joe is their uncle, doesn’t give him the right to touch others inappropriately.” [Blind Spot] When families emit a toxic environment, it is healthy to exclude yourself from the herd. Being emotionally mature makes it possible to choose in or out. How about you? Do you need to return to the herd, or is cutting healthier? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #positivity #postivevibes #positivemindset #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme

I was talking to my friends Ralph and Robin recently. Robin was not feeling appreciated and expressed it to Ralph. Robin told Ralph that she doesn’t feel like she ever gets compliments. This is her way of telling him that she is feeling disconnected. Ralph met the comment with two examples in the past couple of days where he complimented her. Ralph’s expressed appreciations were true, yet Robin once again felt unappreciated and misunderstood. Rather than connecting, once more, these comments added to their fractured relationship. I call this situation “dead right.” Ralph was right, but his proof pushed Robin away when I believe she was trying to move closer. In West Texas, we have many caliche roads. When these small dusty roads connect with a highway, the person on the caliche road has a stop sign. If I am driving down the highway and spot an old pickup approaching me on the caliche road, I expect him to stop. As we approach each other, I tell myself that I am right and don’t slow down. I have no clue what he is thinking or even if he is. I now maintain that I’m right and he is wrong, and we crash in the intersection because he does not stop, I am now dead right. Right?!—but for what? The same is true in this situation perhaps Robin could have phrased her comment so Ralph wouldn’t feel attacked. Ralph didn’t have to be so quick to defend himself and could’ve tried to find out where Robin was coming from, show some empathy, and create a connection with her. Neither was wrong here, but neither was effective in their communications. This is a typical situation when emotions are extremely high, and the conversation is charged. It usually has to do with unfinished business of the past. [Blind Spot] Have you ever been dead right? Have you been the recipient of someone being dead right? Ouch! Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these blogs, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #freedom #freedomofchoice #choicesmatter #choices #changeyourlife #selfempowerment #marriagecounseling #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration

Joe's brother Bob passed away. Bob had a bad reputation in the community and Joe’s reputation wasn’t much better. Bob was a hooligan, and everyone knew it. Joe couldn't stand for the last words being said over his brother to be unkind and uncomplimentary. As Joe prepared for the funeral, he decided it would be worth $5000 to hear that Bob was a saint. Joe approached the community priest and asked if he would preach the funeral. He promised to pay $5000, but the priest must say that Bob was a saint during the eulogy. The priest immediately rejected the offer and said he could only preach the truth. Joe approached the Rabbi with the same proposal, but the Rabbi quoted the same scriptural logic. He then approached the preacher at the local church in desperation and requested the same thing. The preacher asked for time to think about it. The next day he called Joe and said he would be happy to do it, and the sooner he received the check, the sooner he could get down to planning the funeral. Joe rushed the check over immediately, and they set the date for the funeral. Joe was proud of what he had done to honor his brother. As the funeral ended, the minister said the words he agreed to as follows: "We all know that Bob was a hooligan…but compared to his brother Joe, Bob was a saint." [Blind Spot] Ouch! “What will be said when it ends for me?” The eulogy is about daily life and leaving a legacy for others to remember us by. We all play roles in life and offer an experience to all those we meet. We are families, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. We are coworkers, neighbors, employers, and employees. We find ourselves in countless relationships. We are writing the script that will be used when they talk about us, and I don’t want to be a saint because someone else was worse. [Blind Spot] What do you want to say about yourself? What do you want others, including our Lord and Savior, to say about you? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these posts, like, share or comment. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymood #mondaythoughts #mondaymotivation #betterme #bettereveryday #blindspots #legacy #legacymatters #successcoach #successmindset #counseling #church #mindsetmatters #mindsetiseverything #life #lifedecisions #choices #choicesmatter #relationshiptips #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication

I start my day by offering peace and kindness to others. In my neighborhood, I often engage in small acts such as waving to people during my morning bike rides, even in the early hours of darkness. I make a point to greet drivers and exchange hellos with pedestrians and joggers. One of my favorite ways to spread positivity is through simple gestures like offering a smile or holding a door open for someone, or a warm hello. A recent encounter at Home Depot left a lasting impression on me. [Blind Spot] Last Saturday, I noticed a very thin and disheveled man walking through the parking lot, his appearance suggesting homelessness. The words of Jesus, "Just as you do it to the least of these, you have done it to me," resonated in my mind. After completing my errand, I unexpectedly crossed paths with the same man again. Without hesitation, I reached into my wallet and retrieved some cash. Pulling alongside him, I rolled down my window and spoke to him. He paused, turning his attention to me as I handed him the money, wishing him a blessed day. He quietly pocketed the money without acknowledging me or the gesture before walking away. The encounter took me aback, as it was not the anticipated reaction. Reflecting on this experience, I questioned my own motivations. Did a desire for personal validation drive my act of kindness or enhance my own sense of virtue? Did I secretly hope for something in return, such as a grateful smile or acknowledgment that this was enough to provide a meal? It became clear that this moment had become intertwined with my own emotions and desires. I realized that true kindness extends beyond personal satisfaction. It should be offered freely and without expectation. The focus should shift from anticipating a specific reaction to genuinely offering help. Wow! I know this already. How easy it is to make the world about me and not others. [Blind Spot] As I contemplated the man's perspective, I considered the challenges he might be facing, challenges not immediately visible to me. The power of extending kindness lies in its ability to heal, uplift, and instill hope. With every act of compassion, I extend a helping hand that has the potential to mend wounds and lighten burdens. Ultimately, it's about the impact I can make in the lives of others rather than seeking validation or personal gratification. How about you? Are your gifts of kindness embedded with a hook like mine in this story? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #positivity #postivevibes #positivemindset #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration #betterme

I have just read Nguyen Dang Kha's book Passage to America. His story is about the horrible treatment the South Vietnamese received after the fall of the Vietnam War in 1975. It has given me a new perspective on fighting Communism in Vietnam. His description of brutality toward South Vietnam's public officers, military men, women, and the general public was unbelievable. Their torture included beatings, killings, imprisonment for as many as ten years, and many other atrocities. Their business standards prevented any from succeeding. The necessity to escape to other countries was their only hope, and the separation of families to escape was truly a gift of freedom at the maximum cost. Children were sent out without their entire family, countless died in their attempt to escape. Even while it was clear that the chances of fleeing the country were unfavorable, the Communists' oppression made the danger worthwhile. Family members were sent out with an unknown fate for their future, yet the future of staying was worse than gambling on their lives. Kha's boat was about 100 feet long and 10 feet wide and carried 350 people. There was little room to sit and none to lie down for seven days. They faced a serious threat from the pirates and thieves who assaulted their boats. Kha's boat was raided twice by pirates. They took all they could find, jewelry, money, and anything of value. These items were the Vietnamese wealth to be used to sustain themselves until they could find a country that would accept them. What a fascinating story of the will to survive and risk giving up their children for the possibility that they would find a better life. I understand Vietnam is a very different country today. I love our country and the freedoms we are allowed. The thought of having to separate my family to ensure some were allowed freedom at the risk of death is a place I cannot imagine. Sure, we are struggling within our country to see the way of others. Sure, there is discord and strife within. Yet through God's grace and blessings, we live in the finest country. Kha's story and many others remind me of how fortunate we are to have been born in such a rich nation. I pray we can hold together in unity. How about you? Are you thankful that we are allowed the freedom we have? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from these blogs, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #freedom #freedomofchoice #choicesmatter #choices #changeyourlife #selfempowerment #marriagecounseling #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #dailyhabits #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration

What a marvelous gift age is. Transcending from infants to children, adolescents, young adulthood to joining the fourth quarter or ninth inning group, is a journey. I began my path fighting today's battles early on. This has kept me from being strategic and intentional about how I show up for the future. As I ponder the rest of my life, I ask, “What is next?” During my early years as a dad, I focused on earning and providing. After all there is a great importance in taking care of my family. It is fascinating to see how life cycles. As an infant, we are totally dependent on our family to care for us. As teens we develop a sense of independence and as an adult, we begin the cycle over. We begin to take the place of our parents as our kids mature. When they establish their own families, we get to take on life as grandparents. I find it intriguing to watch this transition. Our roles and responsibilities follow a predictable pattern. One interesting perspective that has changed for me is shifting the responsibility of amassing wealth and things, to becoming more generous. It certainly helps to have enough to live comfortably. This has been due to hard work and God’s blessings. I stumbled on this phrase, and it certainly has meaning to me,“When a man dies, all he has is what he has given away.” What a powerful thought. For me, the gift of wealth today is not the accumulation of material possessions, but rather the infinite wealth that comes from the act of giving. It provides unparalleled feelings of joy, fulfillment, and purpose, particularly when the receiver is unaware of the source of their newfound blessings. There is transformative power in giving without expecting anything in return, it touches hearts, change lives, and creates a lasting legacy. When I give, I not only impact the lives of others but also nourish my own soul. The act of sharing resources, time, and talents can bring about a sense of profound connection with fellow human beings. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 I am not speaking just of material wealth. We can give a smile, a prayer, open the door, call an old friend, a listening ear, offer compliments, volunteer time, pay it forward, random acts of kindness, donate, the list goes on and on. I see giving is a gift that pays high returns. The joy that arises from seeing the happiness and gratitude on the faces of those we help is a testament to the inherent goodness within each of us. Giving anonymously liberates me from the shackles of ego and self-importance. I notice the smallest acts of kindness can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond my imagination. “The true measure of a man's wealth lies not in what he has acquired, but in what he has given away.” What does that phrase evoke for you? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymotivation #mondaymood #mondaymorning #mondaythoughts #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindsetiseverything #bayharbourumc #counseling #successcoaching #authorsofinstagram #relationships #work #communication #bettertogether #wisdom #bebetter #givingback #giving #payitforward #RandomActsOfKindness

Today I find it easier to point out the flaws and mistakes of others rather than looking for their accomplishments. Social media and online platforms often breed criticism and negativity. [Blind Spot] Renowned author and leadership expert Robin Sharma reminds us of the importance of shifting this perspective and recognizing the significance of acknowledging when others do things right. In his writings, Sharma emphasizes the power of positivity and the impact of genuine praise. He highlights that offering sincere recognition and appreciation to others for their accomplishments and efforts can profoundly affect their motivation and self-esteem. When I take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of those around me, I create an atmosphere of encouragement and support, fostering a culture of growth and success. Pointing out what is wrong might be necessary, but it does little to inspire or uplift anyone. On the contrary, it often creates a sense of defensiveness and discouragement. I overlook the potential for positive change and growth by focusing solely on the negatives. [Blind Spot] Sharma urges us to recognize and celebrate the "wins" in others' lives. Whether a small triumph or a significant accomplishment, offering genuine praise and appreciation strengthens relationships and fosters a sense of camaraderie. It creates an environment where people feel valued and motivated to strive for excellence. Moreover, practicing positive reinforcement doesn't just benefit others; it also transforms my mindset and outlook on life. As I shift my attention to what's going right and the good in others, I become more optimistic and compassionate. This optimistic outlook spreads across my encounters, fostering richer connections and a more satisfying life. Incorporating this principle into my daily life is a simple yet powerful way to make a meaningful difference. Whether in the workplace, within my family, or in my community, taking the time to acknowledge and praise the positive actions and achievements of others creates a ripple effect of positivity. By practicing genuine praise and appreciation, I uplift those around me, cultivate a culture of encouragement, and foster personal growth. How about you? Can you strive to balance your positive and negative comments, leaning toward the positive side? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book today. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #counseling #growtogether #fridayvibes #friday #fridaymotivation #communication #mindsetiseverything #marriagecoach #businesscoaching #robinsharma #positivity #postivevibes #positivemindset #negativethoughts #negativity #rippleeffect #powerofpositivity #powerofthought #successcoach #dailyinspiration

In pursuing success and personal achievement, it is common to wonder, "Where is my goal line?" This question reflects the desire to know the endpoint of our journey when we can finally declare victory. Renowned author Darren Hardy emphasizes that finding our goal line requires more than a fixed destination; it involves continuous growth and refinement. Hardy encourages us to shift our focus from fixating on the end to embracing the journey. Rather than seeking a definitive goal line, he suggests setting "ever-evolving finish lines." This allows us to celebrate our progress and accomplishments along the way while motivating us to keep striving for higher levels of success. Life is dynamic, and circumstances evolve, so my target should be flexible enough to adapt. Instead of asking, "Where is my end?" I should ask, "What can I achieve today that aligns with my vision for the future?" Hardy reminds us that setting and pursuing challenging goals is essential for personal growth. The process of striving for my goals pushes me to develop new skills, overcome obstacles, and build a better me. While my understanding of the finish line might change as I progress, I might also find new, more worthwhile goals to work toward. Remember, long-term goals and aspirations are essential, but I must pay attention to the power of daily habits and consistent action. Achieving big goals results from accumulating small, disciplined actions performed day in and day out. So, instead of fixating on the elusive "goal line," I now embrace the journey of growth and progress by setting ambitious yet flexible goals and celebrating every milestone achieved along the way. To sum it up, the pursuit of success is more than just crossing a static goal line. It's about setting ever-evolving finish lines, focusing on daily habits, and enjoying the growth journey. I choose to challenge myself, celebrate my progress, and push beyond my perceived limitations as I discover that true fulfillment lies in becoming the best version of myself. How about you? Do you have your end goal in mind, and are you celebrating the journey? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #blindspots #counselingworks #leadershipdevelopment #communication #relationshiptips #letstalk #marriageandfamilytherapy #changeyourlife #selfempowerment #marriagecounseling #wednesday #WednesdayWisdom #wednesdayvibes #goals #goals2023 #finishline #dailyhabits #biggoals #focusedonmygoals #DarrenHardy #betterme #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindset #bayharbourumc #bekind #growthmindset #emotionalmaturity #dailyinspiration

I often find myself hanging out in what is familiar rather than what is good for me. Choosing to hang out in these environments that are either beneficial or detrimental can breed familiarity over time. [Blind Spot] Often, I develop routines and habits that align with what I consider good for me, such as spending time with supportive friends, engaging in healthy activities, or pursuing personal growth. On the other hand, I might also fall into patterns that are not conducive to my well-being, such as being in toxic relationships, indulging in harmful behaviors, or engaging in self-sabotaging tendencies. Whether it helps me or hurts me, this familiarity can eventually make me feel at ease, because it’s comforting, and provides a sense of predictability and stability. However, it is critical to recognize that familiarity doesn't equate to what is truly good for me. [Blind Spot] Recognizing this contradiction is crucial for my personal development and well-being. It prompts me to assess my choices and discern whether they align with my values and aspirations. If I find myself stuck in negative patterns, it may require courage and self-awareness to break away from the comfort of familiarity and seek healthier alternatives. Jim Rohn believed that to achieve greatness and success in life; we must break free from the confines of our comfort zones and explore new horizons. Rohn famously said, "Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change." Embracing what is genuinely good for me might involve: Stepping into the unknown. Trying new experiences. Surrounding myself with people who inspire and support my growth. Additionally, being mindful of these familiar traps leading to adverse outcomes enables me to make conscious decisions to break free from such cycles. While it’s challenging to let go of familiarity in these situations, doing so leads to personal transformation and a healthier, more fulfilling life. Familiarity can either serve me well or hold me back. Discerning between what is genuinely good for me and what feels familiar, empowers me to make positive changes. Embracing the good may require stepping into the unknown, while breaking away from negative patterns demands courage. Through these choices, I set out on a path of personal development and build a life that is consistent with my true values and objectives. How about you? Are your familiar choices good or bad for you? Watch for the blind spots. If you know someone that could benefit from discovering blind spots, like, share or comment on this post. I appreciate your feedback and getting the message out. If you want to find out more about discovering your blind spots get your book below. Blind Spots in Relationships What I don't know I don't know about myself #mondaymotivation #mondaymood #mondaymorning #mondaythoughts #blindspots #counselingworks #mindsetmatters #bettereveryday #mindsetiseverything #bayharbourumc #counseling #successcoach #goodorbad #authorsofinstagram #relationships #work #communication #familiarity #bettertogether #wisdom #bebetter