Bobbe's tips are SEEDS of success

As goal setters, we recognise there will be challenges on our journey towards success.

But, while it might be difficult to legislate for every eventuality, leading psychotherapist and speaker Bobbe Sommer Ph.D (pictured) recommends a five-stage process – her SEEDS of Success technique - to equip us to take charge of the situations that present themselves.

The US-based author of Psycho-Cybernetics 2,000, Surfing Your Inner-Net, How to Set and Achieve Goals and Never Ask a Cactus for a Helping Hand is best known for her ability to translate complex psychological theories into down-to-earth advice.

She told mygoalsbuddy.com: “Think of your brain as an inner guidance system, like the computers that direct missiles. Your brain decides the direction in which you travel, what choices you make in work and life. It determines how you react to setbacks and difficulties.

“It is important to choose wisely and control the information you feed your inner guidance system if you want it to direct you towards success. SEEDS of success is the secret of dealing effectively with whatever challenges come your way.”

BOBBE'S SEEDS OF SUCCESS APPROACH

S stands for the situation that arises. It’s a fact, a reality that nothing can undo.

E is the way you evaluate the situation with self talk that interprets and judges what's happening. Do you hear yourself blaming others (How can they do this to me? It isn't fair) or blaming yourself (This just shows I'm a failure)? Such messages bring nothing but self-induced misery.

E is the emotion that arises as a result of the evaluation. If you react to a setback by blaming others and anticipating disaster, your emotions will be anger, frustration and fear. You'll be unable to function effectively, and the stress may make you physically ill.

But if your evaluation bypasses "not fair" thinking and focuses instead on positive strategies for which you can take responsibility, you'll be calm and in control. The key is to catch yourself as soon as "not fair" thinking begins, and to consciously change your view from external to internal. Only by holding yourself accountable can you limit your emotional reactions.

D is for what needs to be done. Where will you go from here? A calm, positive outlook orients your behaviour toward a proactive, problem-solving stance.

S signifies that acting in this way will bolster your self-esteem. Rising to the crisis with a calm and effective game plan will increase your feeling of confidence - a vital ingredient for success.

Further information about Bobbe and her work: http://www.keynotespeaking.com/

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