Though no one can go back and make a brand new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

Anonymous

This is the way out of regret. This is the way out of judgment. This is the way out of guilt. All three sabotage your confidence.

But how can you start from now and make a brand new ending?

1. Is there something you need to learn from the past? Be specific.
I was privileged to meet and host Bonnie St. John many years ago. She is an
amputee athlete who excelled in Olympic skiing, as a scholar at Harvard in
economics and business, as an author of 6 books and as a wonderful parent.
Bonnie teaches her most valuable lesson about making a brand new ending with
her true life story, when she skied in the Paralympics.

"I was ahead in the slalom. But in the second run, everyone fell on a dangerous
spot. I was beaten by a woman who got up faster than I did. I learned that people
fall down, winners get up, and gold medal winners just get up faster."

 

2. What mistakes, faults, errors, deficiencies and inadequacies do you need to
forgive in yourself and/or others?
I am sure that Bonnie would tell you that the winners and gold medal winners
forgive themselves faster, because to not forgive slows you down.
Forgiveness can be complicated, so take a look at my blog on forgiveness for
help with this difficult step.

3. What skills do you need?
Bonnie St. John needed to practice getting up faster after she fell down.
Forgiveness is an attitude and a skill.

4. What support do you need?
A coach? A mentor? A class? A You Tube video or a book to read?
I’m sure that Bonnie worked with her skiing coach to get up faster when she fell.

5. Practice, practice, practice.
Practice what you need to learn. Practice forgiveness. Practice the skill. Practice
receiving support. Then rehearse until you feel confident. A certain amount of
confidence flows from competence.

You know that any athlete, particularly an athlete who excels at the level of the
Paralympics, practices a whole lot before racing.

6. Make small mistakes.
Practice in a safe environment until you get it right.

7. Develop confidence and courage.
The word courage means “to take heart” or “to come from the heart.”
Confidence means ”with trust”.
Both of these attributes can be developed, cultivated, the same way you would
strengthen a muscle or cultivate an orchid.
Every day is a fork in the road from yesterday, when you need to make a brand
new ending.