Let's illustrate this with an example. I was at my old school UC Berkeley last year to meet up with the director of the UC Martial Arts Program (UCMAP), Dr. Russell Ahn. He was interested in checking out my product line. While I was there, I had him sample the vanilla flavored meal replacement. He liked it and bought some along with a fat burner and a muscle/joint recovery supplement. What would have been a real good thing to do, at the time, was take a picture of him and I enjoying the meal replacement. I would then post it up on my facebook page and add credibility for the taekwondo world to see, thus potentially boosting interest immediately.
I was overconfident that he will simply be a continuing customer right away and that the Cal taekwondo team will get on the regiment. If that were to happen, then there would be plenty of time to take pictures. However, it was my overconfidence that led to temporary self-sabbatoge. I say temporary because I feel I can take a trip up there again soon to make further headway. It may not be the martial art world. Perhaps, I'll gain success in the referrals or even old friends and family in the area. Who knows?
The point is, there are many cases like these and worse where I underestimated the value of the moment, or was blatantly unprepared (no marketing material, for example), due to either an overconfident attitude or a nonchalant one. I'm doing my best daily not to lose those "inches" of opportunity to advance. I want to be in a position that will give me more credibility and value in the market place. I set forth a goal to acquire a promotion that will award me an article in a prestigious magazine. The deadline is in mid-July and though I'm working hard to attain this goal, I could be still self-sabatoging by having the "poor me" mentality.
This means feeling sorry for myself, since I've slaved away in an attempt towards a goal but not obtaining it. I must constantly tell myself I am worthy. I must constantly tell myself that success is attracted to me like a magnet. I can't doubt or condemn myself for past mistakes and current shortcomings or weaknesses. I must focus on the present moment, for that's all I truly know I have for sure. It's important to know my reason for reaching for this type of undertaking. Otherwise I will wither like a dying leaf, cowering at the very sight of opposition. I will only work on thoughts and actions that will override my negative programming. Let's make it happen!
