Stop Listening to the "MUSTN'TS"

One of my daughter's favorite books is Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, and my husband and I both get a little choked up every time we read one particular poem called "Listen to the Mustn'ts." It goes like this:

"Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me--
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be."

(Excerpt from Where the Sidewalk Ends, Copyright 1974, Evil Eye Music, Inc.)

So much of our lives is filled with negativity. It can come from our friends, family, co-workers, bosses or clients, but sometimes when it comes to negativity, we are our own worst enemy. The dialogue of negative self-talk that is recorded in our brains can be stifling. And as a result, we find ourselves making excuses, blaming others, doing only what is required, settling for less, and giving up on our dreams. I, for one, find this unacceptable, and I would like to encourage my friends and readers to join me in reversing the cycle of negativity.

Here are a few ways you can begin doing this today.

1. Make a pledge to stop complaining. There's a wonderful Web site that is helpful in getting started (Complaint Free World).

2. Replace your own negative self-dialogue with positive, affirming words and phrases. Remove the words "I can't" from your vocabulary.

3. Quit criticizing others. It only brings you down and makes you look like a negative person. This is particularly important in your professional life. People like to do business with positive people.

4. Write down a list of your hopes and dreams. And develop a written plan to make this become a reality.

5. Surround yourself with positive, successful people who will support your plan to follow your dream.

6. So much of today's media is filled with negative thoughts, images and ideas. While you cannot avoid the news altogether, find ways to fill your mind and spirit with more uplifting messages.

7. Be an example for others and follow the "golden rule."

Six months ago I took my own leap of faith and decided to chase my dream of becoming a PR consultant and business owner, and I've never looked back. One of the ways I've been able to accomplish this is by telling the "MUSTN'TS" that I'm not going to listen to them anymore. Won't you join me?