Are you an "all-or-nothing" sort of person or can you do things gradually? Weight-lifters start with weights they can lift and gradually increase the weight over a period of time. Improving a bit each day, no matter how tiny that bit is, will take you to your goal! The operant principle here is gradualism!

Pavlov, the king of stimulus-response thinking, was asked to give one last bit of advice on achieving success to his students from his deathbed. His answer was, "Passion and gradualness." That seems like very memorable, appropriate advice. If you are involved in projects, careers and relationships that you are passionate about and you purposefully build them gradually, you will reach your objectives and reap the benefits.

When you reach a plateau after developing a high degree of skill, or after working intensely at something, it is often wise to drop back a little and allow for some ease. When things feel like a strain and results are not forthcoming, that sense of difficulty and effort can displace the passion you once had. There is sometimes wisdom in stepping back before you move forward once again.

Build on your own success patterns. You have all had successes. Go back in your memory and relive those experiences. In your imagination revive the entire picture in as much detail as you can. Visualize all the little incidental things that helped you on your way to that success. Remember all the details--the feelings, the activities, the colors, the surroundings, the exuberance, the path. Arouse that feeling of success and use it to picture yourself successfully bringing your current desires into reality.

See yourself already succeeding at your worthwhile venture. Use your mind in this creative way. No, do not coerce your mind, or use effort or willpower to bring about your desired goal. Just clearly visualize the outcome, perfect in every detail.

It sure beats worrying . . . and it works!

Keep It in Mind!

(c) Rhoberta Shaler, PhD April, 2000 All rights reserved. Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, is a speaker, consultant, author and coach building cooperation and capability within organizations and individuals. Visit her websites at http://www.RhobertaShaler.com/ and http://www.GetLifeLInedUp.com/ Receive her free publications! Invite her to speak! Article courtesy of MediaPeak.