Have you ever had an incredible idea only to have it shot down by friends or family? Just because someone is a family member or a friend is no guarantee they will support you in reaching your dreams or goals. If they are not motivated or goal oriented themselves, they may not want you to be more successful than they are. Some people are far more interested in holding you back than pushing forward and being left to eat your dust.

They may ask questions like, "Why would you want to do that? That's a dumb idea and besides, what makes you think it'll even work? Boy, think how stupid you'll look if you fail." Suddenly you begin to doubt yourself and then the fear of failure begins to creep up and consume you.

Think of this same situation except this time you share your idea with people who are positive, motivated and have dreams of their own. They say things like "Wow, that's exciting! What can I do to help you? When do you want to get started?" Can you see the difference in the energy and support?

No idea should ever easily be tossed out. Consider establishing teams that will help you refine and implement your ideas. Develop one, several or all four of the following support teams to help you reach your goals.

Personal Team

Make a list of the people you know who are positive, motivated and have goals of their own. Be selective of who you share your goals and ideas with so you can be assured of receiving encouragement. Don't allow negative people to zap you of your energy and momentum.

Mentors

Other teams can consist of mentors or people who are already successful in what you want to do. Do your research and make a list of about five individuals you can contact. Call or write to them saying you admire who they are and the work they are doing. Do they have any words of encouragement for you or suggestions on what you can do to follow in their footsteps? Most people are flattered that you've asked them and will share advice with you. You have nothing to loose by contacting them and who knows, they may open doors for you along the way and at the very least give you some great advice. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has already done it? You may as well profit from their experience.

Advisory Board

Another type of support group is to form an advisory board. Ask people to be members of this team whom you admire for their advice and expertise. You can share new thoughts or marketing plans, even ask them to proof read your work or just bounce off your ideas. When asking them if they'd like to join your board, let them know that they will always have the option to be an active member or pass on various projects when their schedules don't allow the time.

Mastermind Group

The most powerful support team you can have is a mastermind group. Today more and more successful people are reaping the benefits of being in a mastermind group. If you don't know of one you can join, then create your own. Select about six highly motivated and positive individuals whom you admire for their energy and expertise. They may or may not be in your particular field, but they must share your attitude, determination and commitment to succeed. Establish your ground rules, such as will you have a confidentiality agreement, how often will you meet, will it be in person or by conference call, who will conduct your meetings, how will you be accountable, what is your format? When you get together, be prepared to brainstorm with each other, lookout for what happens next and use the energy generated by this team to reach your full potential.

My mom used to say, "You are who you associate with" and now I understand her words. If you want to be positive, surround yourself with positive people. If you want to be successful, associate with successful people. Take the time to create and develop YOUR success teams and see how far they will take you in fulfilling your dreams.

Martha Lanier, President of IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. helps ordinary believers become extraordinary achievers. Her programs focus on personal empowerment which results in increased productivity both personally and professionally She can be contacted at 770-886-6033 (Atlanta, GA), email at martha@marthalanier.com or visit her website at www.marthalanier.com. Copyright 2005, 2006 IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication whole or in part must include this entire attribution.

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