Friday, July 22, 2011

Is There a Story Stopping You?

Are there times when you find yourself working really hard yet you’re not getting the results you want? And, you think the more you do will make the difference—yet it doesn’t. It may have very little to do with how hard you’re working and more to do with the story you make up about yourself that keeps you from moving forward.

I remember attending one of my Mastermind Group meetings several years ago. We dug deep within ourselves and identified the story we had about ourselves that kept us stuck.

We went back into the past and identified the event that had happened that impacted our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. This event became our story. We held onto these stories for so long, we believed they were true. These stories had been holding us back for years.

As I listened to the others share their stories, I could see how much alike we all are. We allow something that happened a long time ago to keep us from growing and reaching our full potential. I realized it was time for me to share a story I’d been holding onto way too long.

When I shared my story with the group, the response I heard blew me away. No one cared! I used my story as an excuse to avoid taking big risks. I finally realized how absurd this was.

I had been carrying this story around with me all these years, using it as an excuse not to step out of my comfort zone and stay just where I was. I had lived with this story for so long, I believed it was true.

I finally got it! I made the story up, it’s not true and it doesn’t mean anything. I am who I say I am. I am not my story and I can do anything I say I can do. So, I put my story back in the past.

And, when I did this, I became freed up. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off of me. I then made the decision to create a bigger game for myself in my business, and that lead to my first live event in 2009 (and that actually happens next week…WoooHooo)!

I share this with you because whatever story you have that may be stopping you, you can disappear.

I invite you to notice that successful people are always in action doing something to grow their businesses and enrich their lives. They have their stories and their fears, yet they do not allow any story or circumstance to stop them from pursuing their dreams and goals. They identify their stories and may even feel some fear. Yet, they hold onto their visions and move into action.

They’re willing to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. They’re no different than you or I. The only difference is they believe they can, are willing to take risks, and have the courage to move through their fear to go after what they want.

Ask yourself, is there a story I have about myself that has been around so long I believe it to be true? What is the story? If there is a story, why do I keep holding on to a story that is disempowering me? What’s possible for me if I didn’t have this story? What could I create in my life? As you answer those questions for yourself, you’ll begin to be freed up to pursue your dreams.

You’ve probably been carrying your story around far too long. Isn’t it time to put that story back in the past where it belongs and set yourself free to pursue what’s important to you?

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit
www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Six Easy, Yet Powerful, Steps to Breaking through the Fee Barrier

Donna is the owner of a home décor business, who came to me seeking help in closing the sale. She had recently lost a sale due to her fear in presenting her fees. Donna had met with the prospect several times, uncovered their needs, answered questions, handled objections, presented a proposal, and discussed pricing. She thought she had done all the right things. It was now up to the prospect to make a buying decision.

After a few moments of silence, Donna thought, “Does the prospect think my fees are too high?” Feeling uncertain with the fees she had presented, Donna quickly said, “You may think my fees are too high. I’ll draw up some less expensive plans for you to look at.” As soon as the words fell out of her mouth, she realized the impact of her actions. Donna’s uncertainty about the fees had gotten in the way of closing the sale. She now created more work for herself to do and lost the opportunity to close the sale in that moment.

Donna’s fear of presenting her fees had stopped her from getting the business. Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon to question whether the fees we’re offering are within the range of what the prospect will pay. So how do you avoid this from happening? It starts with asking the right questions, knowing your benefits, powerfully communicating the value of your product, and presenting different pricing packages. Here are (6) simple, yet powerful steps to follow that will help you break through the fear and give you confidence when presenting your fees:

  1. Asked money qualifying questions either before the meeting or early in the meeting. Serious prospects don’t mind hearing money questions. They expect to be asked these questions. Unqualified prospects run when they hear these questions because they’re not serious about buying. Here’s an example: “So I know we’re in the same ball park, approximately how much were you looking to spend?”

  2. Make a list of the benefits your product provides for your clients. A benefit is a result or solution the client receives from using your product. As you create your list, you’ll begin to get clear on all the ways your clients benefit from using your product. Present the benefits your product provides during your meeting. Here’s an example: “By adding window treatments to your home, the value of your home increases.”

  3. Make a list of the benefits your clients get from working with you. Of course, the benefits of the product are important, but so are you. In fact, most sales are based on the relationship you’ve developed with the client. Present the benefit your clients get from working with you during the meeting. Here’s an example: “All clients I work with receive personalized service from the start of the job, to the end of the job.”

  4. Write the results clients have received from working with you. Think in terms of measurable results clients have achieved. This will instill more confidence as you become clear on the value you bring to your clients. Share with the prospect the results clients have received from working with you. Here’s an example: “My client had no idea where to start with decorating her home. After working with me, she selected a window treatment that suits her living style and a fabric within her budget.”

  5. Communicate the value of your product. Practice saying aloud what the value of your product is and how it helps your clients. Hear yourself speaking with confidence, clarity, and from the heart as you communicate the value of your product. When you clearly understand the value of your product and can communicate it with ease, the fear of presenting your fees disappears.

  6. Create several pricing packages your clients can choose from. Start to think of different price ranges and programs you can offer. Creating different pricing options, gives the prospect a choice and helps make the selection affordable. They’re more apt to buy if you offer low, medium and high-end products.
ASSIGNMENT:
  • Make a list of 4 money qualifying questions, 4 benefits your product provides, 4 benefits your clients get from working with you, and 4 results clients have received from working with you.

  • Read over the lists so you can confidently state the questions, benefits and results the next time you’re meeting with a prospect.

  • Role play with a buddy steps 1-5. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be next time you present your fees to the prospect.

  • On a sheet of paper, create 3 different packages ranging in price from low (basic program), to medium (super program), to high (deluxe program).

If you liked what you've read and want help in applying these steps to your business, I invite you to take your first step by signing up for a Breakthrough Strategy Session with me. I will walk you through a step-by-step process that will break through your fear about presenting your fees, create a 180-degree turn around in your thinking about sales, and move you forward in your business. I will personally give you my one-on-one breakthrough strategies that fit you and your business. Click here to learn more.

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Are You Taking Risks or Playing Small?

Does the thought of failing keep you from trying new things? If the answer is “yes,” you’re not alone. When we hear the word “fail,” we connect it to something negative and bad. For many people, the thought of failing brings up strong feelings and emotions. The feelings are so strong, it’s feels safer not to take on new things.

If you’ve read the bios of most successful people, you’ll see they’ve all failed many times over before they achieved success. Donald Trump, one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time, declared bankruptcy only to make his biggest comeback, not only in the real estate market, but by branding his name on products and television. Donald failed many times over. But to him failure is part of the game, and the game includes taking risks. Anyone who is successful is willing to take risks.

I know what it’s like to avoid taking a risk for fear of failing. I never considered myself a “writer” so I put off writing an online newsletter. I saw other people writing newsletters and envied them for being able to write so easily. I had so much I wanted to share, so I could help others, but I was afraid to take the risk and fail. This held me back for a long time.

Then, I started reading other newsletters, took classes with people who were experts at writing an online newsletter, and the fear began to diminish. I immersed myself in learning about writing. I was ready to take the risk. I finally took the leap and wrote my first newsletter! Wow, I can still remember how freed up I felt having finally broken through this barrier. From then on, it became easier each time to write. That was more than five years ago. Since then, my community of wonderful e-zine readers has grown and continues to grow monthly.

Here are 4 key steps to help you move through the fear and be willing to take that risk.

  1. Identify the fear: Write out specifically what the fear is, including all the details. I believe to move through the fear; you first have to clarify exactly what the fear is.

  2. Emotions and feelings: Write the feelings you’re experiencing as you think about your fear. Do you feel frustrated, anxious, angry, or hopeless? The clearer you are about the feelings connected to the fear, the easier it will be to move through it.

  3. Real fear or a self-imposed fear: Ask yourself, “Is this a real or self-imposed fear? A real fear would be if you were about to be pushed out of an airplane. A self-imposed fear is a fear you’re experiencing that hasn’t happened. Once you identify that it’s a self-imposed fear and your life is not endangered, you now know you’re in charge and can take action.

  4. Action steps: A powerful way to move through the fear is taking action. Once you take that first step, you’ll feel freedom and confidence because you’re taking charge of your life and the next steps become easier to take.


They say in life you’re either growing or contracting. The only way to grow is to be willing to take risks. I invite you to be willing to take a risk.

As a business owner, I’ve failed many times over. As I look back, I’ve always learned something valuable from failing that has helped me for the next time. I’ve learned that failure is the stepping stone to succeeding. Had I not been willing to take risks and experience the failures, I would not appreciate the wins as much.

Rather than blaming yourself or anyone else for the times you fail, take each failure as a life lesson. Ask yourself “What have I learned from this experience that will help me for the next time?”

Here’s what Michael Jordan, the famous basketball player, says about failing. “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I’ve been entrusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And, that is why I succeed!”

Failing is the stepping stone that precedes growth, develops courage, and leads to success.

Assignment:

  • Make a list of all the things you’ve put on hold because you were afraid to take a risk.

  • Ask yourself, “What would my life look like if I took the risk and succeeded?”

  • Ask yourself “What’s the worse thing that could happen?” (The worse thing is either it doesn’t work out or they say “no.”)

  • Make this a game worth playing! Select one item from your list and find a friend or colleague who’d like to play the game with you.

  • With your friend or colleague, determine how and when you are going to accomplish the item from your list.

  • Support each other to do what you said you would do and “just do it!”

  • And, when you do step out and take the risk, stop to celebrate the accomplishment and savor the moment. YOU have won the game, so enjoy the victory!

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

9 Key Steps to Closing BIGGER Sales

A client recently called me with some very good news. She had been hired by a large company to do several projects for them. She was so excited she could hardly contain herself. She had been working hard on growing her business for several years and it was beginning to pay off.

I told her this didn’t happen by luck. She had created a clear and concise step-by-step sales action plan and had diligently and consistently followed each step. Let’s take a look at the steps she followed that led to her business success.
  1. Know your niche. Be clear about the market/industry you want to go after. Often new business owners make the mistake of being generalists because they want any business they can get. Be specific about who is your ideal client and put all your energy in that direction. Get yourself known as a specialist in one area rather than trying to be an expert in everything.

  2. Ask for referrals. There’s “low-hanging fruit” right under your nose. If a client is satisfied with you, they’ll be happy to help you. Ask happy clients if there is anyone they know who you can call. If your client works within a large organization, figure out the department you want to call and then ask the client who they know in that department. This is the first step my client took, so do this early on!

  3. Get the meeting. When calling the prospect for a meeting, introduce yourself, give the name of your referral and state the purpose of your call. If they know and respect your referral source, you’ve opened the door to getting the meeting. Don’t wait to say who referred you. Let the prospect know immediately who referred you.

  4. Visualize getting the business. Close your eyes and actually see yourself walking into the meeting with confidence, having a great meeting and then getting the business. Do the visualization a few times the day before, as well as before you go to sleep and on the way to your meeting. How you come across as soon as you walk in the door sets the tone for the whole meeting.

  5. Prepare an effective presentation. Create a complete presentation of what you want to cover at the meeting. I’ve created a PowerPoint presentation of The Sales Breakthrough System. I also bring a marketing folder that includes a list of my programs, with descriptions of each, a bio, client list and testimonials. Whether it’s a visual presentation or a brochure, you want to show something to the prospect that will enhance your professionalism and make an impact.

  6. Practice your presentation. Practice what you’re going to say. This includes an opening statement, a run-through of your presentation, responses to objections they may have, questions they may ask, questions you might ask—especially asking for their business—finally, closing for next steps.

  7. Establish a connection. Connect with the prospect by looking at them throughout the meeting. Do not talk over them, talk directly to them. You will come across as someone who is warm, confident and in control. This is a valuable skill if you’re meeting with a group. Speak to each person for 4-5 seconds, and then move to another person. You’ll find each one will pay more attention to what you say.

  8. Outline the Next Steps. At the end of the meeting summarize for the prospect what has been discussed and agreed to. Then take out your calendar, asking the prospect to do the same, and write in what the next steps are. Never leave without knowing what the next steps are.

  9. Follow Up. As soon as you return to your office, summarize in an e-mail what was covered during the meeting and the next action steps you and the prospect have agreed to take. Send the memo to the prospect the next day. Include due dates for each action step and be sure to fulfill what you said you would do.

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Are You Ready to Make the BIG Change?

Do you know the feeling of excitement when you make the decision to take on something new in your business? It could be you’ve made the decision to finally do that workshop, or design a new product or program, or write a book. You feel exhilarated because you’re finally fulfilling your life purpose. You’re about to take a quantum leap in your business! You’ve now created a bigger game to play in your business.

As you begin to make changes, you may notice different emotions are beginning to surface. That excitement you’re feeling has changed to fear and you’re beginning to feel very uncomfortable.

You see, the second you leave your comfort zone, it’s likely you may experience discomfort and resistance. Since all positive changes take place outside the comfort zone, change can be painful. The very moment most people feel the pain, they pull back inside the comfort zone. This is the reason why many people fail to improve themselves or create lasting changes in their lives: They are unwilling to put up with the pain of change.

Here are some things to notice about change:
  • Some people embrace change and some people resist it.

  • Change makes some people feel uncomfortable…so uncomfortable that they may even become ill.

  • When thinking about change, the mind automatically thinks what it has to give up to make the change.

  • Making changes may bring up fear of losing security and fear of failure.

  • People will come up with excuses, reasons and circumstances as to why they cannot change.

  • If they feel the pressure, they’ll withdraw and retreat to the way it was before.

And as people about to make the BIG change in their businesses and income, and take on doing something they’ve never done before, many people hit the “Panic Wall.” The Panic Wall is the place a lot of people hit when they’ve taken on a bigger game in their businesses. We call it the “breakdown” before the “breakthrough.” Suddenly you’re flooded with self doubts, the fear of failing, and lots of reasons not to take action.

All of these things happening are not unusual. You’ve made a decision to take a BIG leap in your business and all your fears have surfaced. There’s now a gap between where you are and where you want to be. The structure you had in place no longer supports you in what you’re up to next. Whenever we stretch ourselves and step outside our comfort zone, the “ego” will fight like crazy to keep us playing small, fearing annihilation. The ego is the part of us that wants to protect us from repeating past disappointments; therefore, keeping us from moving forward.

The Panic Wall is when the old paradigm mixes with new beliefs. Part of you really, really wants to make the quantum leap, but the other part of you known as ego is afraid of letting go of what it already knows. This is where successful people feel the discomfort and stay the course while others pull back and retreat.

At this point, many of your limiting thoughts, beliefs, and fears are screaming louder in your head than ever before. Thoughts like:

  • I’m just not ready to do this yet.
  • I don’t have what it takes.
  • I’ll never be successful.
  • I’m not smart enough.
  • This isn’t going to work.
  • There’s too much to do.

These limiting thoughts are not the truth. It’s your ego trying with all it’s might to keep you small. In the short term, you may feel better; however, if you let the ego win, you’ll never experience what’s possible once you get to the other side.

The only way to go from your “breakdown” to your “breakthrough” is to stay in action. Experiencing a breakthrough in your business means stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone.

When I speak about “stretching beyond your comfort zone,” your comfort zone could be the fear of losing your security or losing love. To break through to the other side and make your quantum leap, you have to be willing to be with the discomfort for a brief period of time. It takes being:

  • Courageous
  • Believing
  • Committed
  • Persevering
  • Staying in action
  • Being in communication with others (During this time it’s important to reach out to people you trust such as a mentor, coach, and mastermind group.)

The Panic Wall is strongest the first time you experience it because you’ve never been to this place before. The place you’re in during this time is very uncomfortable and the discomfort can be so intense that many people will give up and retreat to what’s familiar. But if you’re willing to be with the discomfort and follow the steps I mentioned, you will make a quantum leap!

Your Assignment:

How badly do you want to take that quantum leap and be successful? If you’re willing to do what it takes to make the changes, here are some ways to keep moving forward.

  • Be courageous, believe in your dream/purpose, make the commitment, stay in action, and be in communication with others.

  • When you hit the Panic Wall, recognize the following:

  • Understand it is only temporary.

  • You’re on the cusp of a HUGE breakthrough.

  • Write out a vision of what you want to achieve and how it looks when you do achieve your vision (be vivid and specific).

  • Spend some alone time reading your vision daily and visualizing how it feels when you achieve your vision.

  • Declare it (write a bold statement declaring your intention, “I declare I will write that book!”).

  • Share your Declaration with at least five people you trust and feel safe with. (The more frequently you speak aloud your Declaration, the more you will believe it.)

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit http://www.salesbreakthroughs.com/.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

5 Tips For Turning A Prospect's "No"

"No, I'm not interested." This response from a prospect has the power to send chills down your spine. It's an answer you may have heard more times than you'd like to count!

The truth is, in sales you are going to hear "no" a lot more than you are going to hear "yes." Keep in mind that all you need to hear is one "yes" to get a sale. If you are persistent, you may very well get to change a "no" to a "yes" much more often than you think.

What do you do when a prospect says "no"? Chances are you might simply listen, retreat, and hang up the phone. You may think the prospect isn't interested in your product, then cross the name off your list, never to call again. Wrong! You're eliminating a future sales opportunity.

It takes approximately 7 follow-ups or more to close a sale. It's good news to know that with persistence and good follow-up, a "no" for now can be turned into a "yes" later on. You just have to persevere and get past the seventh "no" or the third "I'm not ready yet" to get the sale. Realize that it's not personal. They're saying "no" to the product (for now), not to you.

Here are (5) tips that will help you move the prospect from "no" to "yes":
  1. Create a timetable. Ask the prospect: "Does this mean you're not interested now or not interested forever?" If she or he responds, "I'm not interested at this time," ask if you can touch base in a couple of weeks or months. The prospect will let you know when you can call back.

  2. Open a dialogue. Ask the prospect: "I'm curious as to why you're not interested." A client of mine did just that when trying to get an appointment with a prospect. She simply asked why. The prospect opened up and gave her a lot of information. My client displayed genuine interest in what the prospect had to say, and the prospect sensed that. They talked for quite awhile. My client ended up getting an appointment.

  3. Be persistent. When the prospect says, "I'm not interested," you can respond by saying, "Many of my clients had the same response when I first called, before they saw what we can do for them." Then share any success stories with similar companies you've worked with.

  4. Do not take it personally. Don't let the "no" mean anything more than what it is. "No, I'm not interested" doesn't mean you are being rejected. It means they're only rejecting the offer for now.

  5. Remember some "yes" experiences. When you think about it, you've been hearing "no" since you were a kid, and it probably never stopped you. Imagine yourself as a child. Perhaps you were with your mom in the supermarket and you really, really wanted a candy bar. The response might have been, "No, it's too close to dinnertime!" Did you take "no" for an answer? Absolutely not. You asked again and again and again, each time committed to convincing your mother that you could eat the candy bar and still eat all your dinner. Finally, after at least (7) more tries, Mom probably gave in. Congratulations! You didn't give up. You got the candy bar! You kept going back in and moved your mother from a "no" to a "yes."

When you really want something in your life that's important to you, nothing stands in the way. So why not bring those same qualities to your business?

© All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission from Rochelle Togo-Figa, Professional Sales Coach, is prohibited.

If you would like to use this article on your website, or for your own ezine, not a problem; however, there’s one thing you MUST include: Rochelle Togo-Figa, The Sales Breakthrough Expert, is the creator of the Sales Breakthrough System™, a proven step-by-step sales process that will help you close more sales, sign on more clients and make more money with ease and velocity. To sign up for her free sales articles and teleclasses on closing more sales, visit www.SalesBreakthroughs.com.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Letting Go of the Past and Focusing on NOW

We all have stories from the past we fondly remember. There are memories we want to keep forever and enjoy sharing with others.

A favorite story of mine happened when I was about five years old. Whenever we would have friends and relatives over for dinner, my parents would let me stay up late and sing my favorite songs to them. So there I was standing in the middle of the living room singing my little heart out. I adored the attention, applause and hugs they gave me. This is a story I can still remember so clearly. I think it’s one of the reasons I love leading to people.

Then there are the unpleasant stories we carry around with us that we’re unwilling to let go of. An event happens that negatively impacts our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. We hold onto these stories for so long, we believe they’re true. These stories keep us from appreciating what we have in the present because we believe it will happen again. So we stop taking risks for fear that what happened in the past will happen again. It affects how we communicate, relate to others, grow our businesses, and even stops us from going after all the things we really want.

I can remember a story I held onto for many years. I grew up in a family of five brothers and sisters. I was the youngest one in the family. I can remember having dinner on Sundays with my family and my oldest brother telling me to “Keep quiet, eat your dinner, nobody is interested in what you have to say.” Being the youngest, I believed what he said was the true. Nobody was really interested in what a little girl had to say. So I stopped speaking up. If I did say something, I spoke very quickly or I’d say what I thought you wanted to hear.

Through the years, not speaking up had a huge impact on my life. I was afraid to say what I thought and ask for what I wanted. In fact, I’d say what I thought you wanted to hear. If someone did something that upset me, I wouldn’t say anything. I would withdraw and be silent. I had no voice.

I was committed to breaking through this barrier. I thought about what my brother said. He had said what he said and nothing more. I had added all the meaning to it. Having this insight was a huge breakthrough for me. I was free again. I had found my voice. I was no longer a five-year old little girl without a voice. I had something to say that mattered. From that point on, my life changed forever. I left a job I had been at for 10 years, where I did not express myself, and went to work for a training company. There I was trained to lead workshops and help people learn to speak up. I had found my voice and was now fulfilling my dream!

These stories have been holding us back for years. We allowed something that happened a long time ago to keep us from growing and reaching our full potential.

Remember this—Successful people create each day newly. They never allow past events to stop them. And it makes perfect sense. Whatever has happened in the past is over. Just because it may have been a disappointing experience does not mean it will happen again.

When you believe it will happen again, you are sending a message to your subconscious that “I believe I will fail again.” You are giving power to something that happened in the past. And, what you believe will happen, will happen.

People that know they are responsible for creating their own successes will learn from past experiences, make the changes, and get into action.

What do successful people all have in common?
  • They left the past in the past.

  • They’ve created their lives newly.

  • Giving up is not in their vocabulary.

  • They live their lives from three words…Yes, I can!

  • They’ve had to overcome struggles and adversity throughout their lives but it’s only made them stronger.

  • They have a HUGE life purpose.

  • They are focused, intentional, and committed.

  • They believe in themselves and their purpose.

  • They see life as a place where anything is possible rather than impossible.

When you let go of the past, you’re then free to create anything you want. It’s as if you have a clean canvas and from the clean canvas you can paint your life newly. You’re no longer held back by something that happened long ago and is over.

Eckhart Tolle writes in his book, A New Earth, “…nothing ever happened in the past that can prevent you from being present now. We can learn to break the habit of accumulating and perpetuating old emotions regardless of whether something happened yesterday or thirty years ago. We can learn not to keep situations or events alive in our minds but to return our attention continuously to the present.”

The past can only stop you if you choose to allow it to stop you. The past event has nothing to do with who you are in the present. What happened in the past, is over. We only have right now. And, right now, you get to say how you want your life to go.

So, what can you do to let go of the past? You can focus on NOW! What is it that you want to have in your life right now? All we have right now is this moment. Be present to your life right now—this moment. We don’t know what’s in the future. When you create what you want in your life now, you’re creating a new future.

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