MANAGING YOUR MOODS

Part 5: Moving from Resignation to Ambition

Moods are a predisposition to action. When we are in the mood of resignation we are declaring "that no matter what I do, nothing will change," in circumstances where others might dispute our assessment. Therefore, one way of dealing with the mood of resignation is to validate those assessments. We may discover those obstacles don't exist, or that they are easily overcome.

To validate the assessment, you want to specify what change you are looking for. Example: "No matter what I do, I will never be a good public speaker!"

Next, ask yourself, "FOR THE SAKE OF WHAT?" In other words, why do you care about public speaking? What are your concerns? Do you want to make a toast at your sister's wedding, or speak in front of 250 people giving the keynote address?

Every time we make an assessment we are assuming the existence of some STANDARDS against which the assessment is made. For example there are standards of effectiveness of actions; standards of appearance; standards of social behavior. In the example, what standards are you measuring your public speaking against?

Finally, an assessment is grounded when we are able to provide EVIDENCE. In other words, facts to support our opinion. Perhaps at the last wedding when you stood up to speak, people were so bored they threw wedding cake at you. That would be evidence that you ARE NOT CURRENTLY a good public speaker. But that doesn't mean you cannot change!

Learning is one of the most powerful ways to move people from resignation. Learning expands our ability to see what is possible. What may have looked impossible suddenly can seem attainable as we learn new ways of being effective.

When we recognize we are in resignation, and that change is possible, but we don't see what action can be taken to produce a change, what we can do is explore possibilities. Perhaps in conversation with another, or through research, etc. Whatever it takes to open ourselves up to possible actions that will produce the change we are looking for will serve us in moving out of resignation.

Focusing on that which is possible puts us in the mood of ambition. This is where passion, excitement, and enthusiasm is born.

QUOTES

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place." 
  ~ Nora Roberts ~

"Doubt, of whatever kind, can be ended by action alone." 
   ~ Thomas Carlyle, Philosopher and Author ~

"Thoughts are energy. And you can make your world or break your world by your thinking." 

   ~  Susan L. Taylor ~

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

• Where do you see yourself in resignation (fighting the possibilities)?
• What is the situation?
• What are the judgments you hold against yourself or others?
• How are your judgments, opinions, assessments defeating you in taking action to make a difference?
• What possible actions can move you from resignation to ambition? Examples: forgiveness, asking questions, doing research, learning new skills and abilities to support the possibility into reality...
• Now what, what next? What action are you willing to take that will make a difference?

WONDER QUESTIONS:

Are you willing to do what it takes to have what you want?

If not - are you willing to accept, and create a mood of peace with what you have?

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Copyright 2006 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
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Copyright 2006 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design.All rights reserved. 
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