Articles Menu >

Name It and Claim It
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000

OK, let's have some fun. We're going to play the "What if" game. It goes like this: What if money and time were absolutely no object in your life - and you could have and/or do whatever you want. If that was the case, then what would you want to do or have?

Examples: Want to climb a mountain or jump out of an airplane? Maybe you would like to write a book or own an Armani suit. Would you like to start your own business or adopt a child? How about run a marathon or find your ideal mate? The sky is the limit here. You have absolutely no restrictions on your imagination. The things you select don't have to be "grand" or unrealistic - or realistic, for that matter.

Make a list of AT LEAST 50 things - more, if you like, on a sheet entitled "My Personal Possibilities List." Just run wild and have fun. Let yourself smile right out loud as you think of something and then imagine it coming true. Listen carefully, also. You may hear a little voice that pops up immediately after an idea and starts telling you why "that's impossible" or "you can't do that!" Just notice that voice and then respond simply by saying, "Oh, I'm not saying I WILL do this - I'm just saying I would like to." Then keep writing, imagining and playing.

When you think you are done, post the list somewhere that you will see it daily. If, as the days pass, you think of something you'd like to add to the list - go ahead and do so.

What you have done, basically, is to create a magnificent wish list. You have created a pool from which you will pull actual future goals. I believe that one of the reasons we don't set and achieve goals in life is that we don't allow ourselves to explore what it is that we would actually like. Oh, we have fleeting thoughts; "Gee, I wish..." or "Wouldn't it be nice if..." But when we do it that way, the ideas are too elusive and vague. They come and they go.

My audio CD series, 12 Secrets to High Self-esteem, started out on my Personal Possibilities List a few years ago. It was one of those, "I sure would like to..." to begin with. But because I had committed the idea to a piece of paper that I could look at and be reminded by, when it came time to actually move something from that list over to a real Goal Sheet, I chose that one. Once it left the PPL and became an actual goal, I moved into the next phase to make it reality. It then went from being a "wish" to becoming a "will."

So, right now we are simply focusing on the first phase - creating the Personal Possibilities List. In order for you to claim something - you must first name it. And here's your golden opportunity.

Let loose! Have fun! No limits!

Word Count: 520

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

Back to top >