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Volume 2, Number 1
02-08-99

TIM'S TOP TEN THOUGHTS TO PONDER
WHEN YOUR PLANS OR GOALS ARE CHALLENGED

In the last edition, we considered some guidelines for going after our goals. Being almost six weeks in, many of you have accomplished some of the goals you set for the New Year. Others have made substantial progress on larger goals by systematically completing a progression of sub-goals on an established timeline. Still others have been thwarted by unexpected problems, detours, and adversity. This situation brings one to a fork in the road: to give up on one's goals or to find a way to advance them. There are three things that will make that determination. The first is the person's "come from," the beliefs and attitudes they hold about the situation and about adversity in general. The second is "who" the person is; that is, the personal qualities and characteristics they bring forth to cope with the challenge. And finally, there are the strategies and skills the person applies to resolve the problem.

Where are you coming from when you approach life's challenges and disappointments? Do you give up, shrink away, or distract yourself with other priorities? Or do you open your perspective, look for the lesson, tune your approach, and re-double your efforts? Your beliefs and attitudes are like compass needles that determine which direction you will take. This Tim's Top Ten List of quotations was compiled to evoke reflection on your beliefs and attitudes about dealing with adversity.

1. "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."
   Napoleon Hill
   
   
2. "A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner."
   English Proverb
   
   
3. "It's how you deal with failure that determines how you achieve success."
   David Faherty
   
   
4. "Failure is not always a mistake, it may simply be the best you can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying."
   B F Skinner
   
   
5. "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trial."
   Confucius
   
   
6. "Mishaps are like knives that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle."
   James Russell Lowell
   
   
7. "Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in this life has purpose. There are no real mistakes, no coincidences. All events are lessons given us to learn from."
   Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
   
   
8. "A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties."
   Harry Truman
   
   
9. "A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit by them, and strong enough to correct them."
   McKenzie
   
   
10. "The only way to permanently fix a problem is to change something about yourself."
    Unknown

This last thought is perhaps the most powerful of the list and is a great segue to the next issue of Salubrations. (Just a little teaser to keep you thinking ... and anticipating!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Tim Cline is a graduate of Coach University, and has recently earned the designation of Professional Certified Coach. He supports people in attaining what they REALLY want out of life. From planning through completion, Tim coaches his clients in taking the actions needed to reach their goals and to enjoy a true sense of fulfillment in their personal and professional lives. Tim coaches individuals and groups around the country via telephone. His services also include motivational speaking, workshops, seminars, and retreats. An experienced scientist, health educator, psychotherapist, project manager, consultant, athlete, fitness trainer and skills training specialist, Tim is well qualified to coach anyone who is interested in attaining good health, career success, personal growth, spiritual development, relationship fulfillment, financial success, and in leading a balanced, prosperous life. Use the contact information below to schedule a free consultation.

Copyright 1999 by T. R. Cline. All rights reserved