Training Wheels

Do you remember your first bicycle?  Did it have training wheels on it?  Training wheels help a rider to maintain balance as they learn how to use a new mode of transportation.  They are temporary and should be removed at some point as skill level and confidence grows.  They enable you to increase your comfort level before you take full control of the bike.  Don't use them as an excuse as to why you are moving slowly or falling behind.

While you may no longer ride a bicycle, there are probably other figurative training wheels that can help you in life.  They may include:  relationships, health, finances, failure, and vision. 

• Relationships include family, friends, love, work, neighbors, etc.  Your relationships should help you grow. However, sometimes they can hinder you.  Know the difference between the people that are holding you back and the ones that are pushing you forward.
• Health (physical and mental) impacts everything that you want to do.  Everyone has health setbacks periodically.  Take the necessary steps to deal with and manage your health challenges.  Once things are under control, continue to pursue your goals. Don't use your health as an excuse for not doing things.
• Finances are often an obstacle to achieving your dreams.  Have you ever said "I don't have the money" or "I can't afford it" about something that will help you reach your goals?  While it is smart to budget wisely and live within your means, don't use money as an excuse for not doing things that will help you develop.  Instead of focusing on the finances you don't have, look at what you spend and what is truly a necessity and what is optional.
•  Failure often exposes your weaknesses and identifies things you can do better.  It can also introduce fear and cause you to not try again.  Use it to help you improve your approach, skills, and strategy.  Failure is the blueprint for success.  What went wrong is the foundation for what will go right. 
• Vision can limit you if you're only concerned with what you can see right now.  Be forward thinking.  Use virtual binoculars to see what's ahead of you, but out of sight.  You can be better prepared for what's coming if you get a sneak peek.  Get connected with the right people that can provide accurate forecasts concerning where you want to go.

Leave a comment and share what training wheels you will remove this week.