Don't Stay Small

There’s a certain species of fish that when you place them in a tiny aquarium, they stay small. However if you place that same fish in a large body of water, it will grow to its intended size.

You and I are the same. If our thinking is influenced by an environment that’s limited and small, we will stay small. If we get around people who think big, dream big and plan big then we will grow to our intended size.

It’s time to expand your thinking

When times are difficult, it’s the wrong time to bunker down, stop growing and marketing, lay low and wait until it passes. This is the time to expand your thinking – look for creative ways to go forward. I find tough times bring out the best ideas and the most innovative thinking. These are the times to learn and grow, to look for new solutions.

Put yourself in the right environment

The book of Proverbs says “Become wise by walking with the wise;
hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” Proverbs 13:20

You can complain that you don’t have “wise” people to walk with, however there is a wealth of wisdom to tap into. Put yourself into the right environment by tapping into resources from people like John Maxwell or Tony Gattari, reading about people like Bill Gates, Jim Collins, Steve Jobs, Joyce Meyer and others who inspire you. You may never personally meet them, but you can decide to spend time listening to CDs in the car, reading or researching online.

Tips:

Start a small group of people who will stretch and enlarge you – study a good leadership book together.
Don’t allow negative people to drain you – limit their influence over you.
Balance what you hear, read and watch in the mass media – it can influence you in the wrong direction. The principle of sowing and reaping applies to what you watch, listen to and read. If it is consistently negative, that’s how you will think and act.
Get a coach or mentor who will encourage you. Even a good, positive friend who can do the same
Look for short events and courses that will expand your thinking

Don’t stay where you are
Now is the time to grow - to learn, plan, innovate and break away from limited thinking.

Peter Irvine
www.peterirvine.com
Peter is Co-Founder of Gloria Jean’s Coffees, author of "Win In Business", speaker and business consultant.

'Failing Forward' is available for order at www.peterirvine.com.au

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