Billy Arcement, MEd.
Professional Speaker

Our Personal Barriers           

This month marks the anniversary of one of the greatest Track and Field feats in the history of the sport.  On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister became the first man to run a mile under four minutes.  I have vivid memories of this feat because it took place when I was participating on my high school track team.  Although I did not run the mile (Do you think I’m crazy?), I certainly had a very deep appreciation for anyone who did. 

Until May 6, 1954, no one in the world, (including me) believed a human being could run a mile under four minutes.  Everyone believed the body could not stand the strain of such a feat.  But, Bannister believed!  With a brilliant game plan and the aid of two friends who each ran half the race, Bannister finished in a world record time of 3:59.4 minutes.  The impossible barrier had been destroyed.

More amazing than Bannister’s record is what happened within two months of this event.  A second miler broke Bannister’s record and, since that time, the record has been broken 19 times by nearly 1000 runners.  To date, almost 5000 sub four-minute miles have been recorded.  What was impossible on May 5, 1954 is now commonplace.

Think about the amazing race run by Roger Bannister and how you might use his tactics to help remove any personal barriers you may now face.  Strive to overcome “barrier malady” the dreaded “disease” that creates inertia.  Recognize that busting barriers can be a difficult task.  Life can easily discourage.  But the beauty of life is that we don’t have to invent every solution.  Using the experiences of others like Roger Bannister, we can more quickly overcome our own barriers.  

Let’s examine the tactics he used.

1.      He developed a strong desire to run the mile under four minutes.  What is the item you most desire to overcome at this time?  Write it down.

2.      He created an unshakable persistence to accomplish the objective.  Can you hang in there until the task is complete?  What will help maintain that desire to persist, in spite of obstacles that might surface?

3.      He studied and learned from past failures.  What mistakes have you made, if corrected, can make a huge difference overcoming your personal barriers? 

4.      He built a great team to help him reach his objective.  Who are key individuals you can utilize on your team to help break the barriers you face?  Who can help you persist when you might otherwise give up?

5.      He developed a very well thought out plan.  What is the plan you must create?  Write it.  Exam it.  Be willing to adjust as needed.

6.      He worked each step of his plan to perfection.  Whatever steps you created in item five, be willing to carry them out.  Refine any skill you might need or learn new skills to make your plan work.  Waste no energy!  Do things right!

7.      He visualized himself successful.  Visualization is a powerful tool.  Vividly imagine how you will feel after you’ve overcome your barrier.

8.      He believed he could do it.  Believing is the starting point to demolish barriers.  Belief builds desire.  Belief builds persistence.  Do you truly believe you can overcome your barrier?

Use the steps Bannister applied to his barrier and add your own creative ideas to the mix.  You now have a formula for building your dreams and bringing more successes into your life.  Not a bad lesson in the school of life.

Thought of the Month—The Magic Motivator

            The only lasting form of motivation is self-motivation.  What drives self-motivation?  From my observation deck, I believe it is HOPE.  So long as we keep hope in our hearts, we can find the strength to take another step towards our desires.  When hope changes to hopelessness, our ability to accomplish is greatly diminished.  When fear overtakes our thoughts, our thinking becomes flawed and hope moves to hopelessness.

            Without hope, we can do very little.  Therefore, a critical step in the improvement process is for us to make a self-discovery—a discovery of what maintains hope in our hearts.  For me, it is my unwavering spiritual beliefs.  They are my strength bank.  For you, it may be something else.  When you discover this information, your life will take on new meaning and motivation of self will no longer be a barrier.

Build Your Victory List

            There have been times when I’ve asked my audiences to build a Victory List.  A Victory List records all the events in your life when you’ve overcome barriers.  Don’t weight the importance of an event.  Don’t worry if the world did not acknowledge your accomplishment in any way.  Simply add the achievement to the list if it fits the criteria.  Go back as far as you can remember.  I believe when you do this you will amaze yourself at how many of life’s difficulties you’ve overcome. 

            Take your completed list and read each item.  Recall the good feelings you felt after each achievement.  Now start using this list to help with your self-motivation when you are faced with future barriers.  Recognize that you have done great things with your life and you still can.  Add to your list as events transpire to keep it current. 

            Besides having a great stimulus in your arsenal of attitude adjustment practices, you will begin to see a pattern.  Use this information to help develop your personal growth plan to reach your full potential.  It’s a simple tool with a very powerful potential.

A Bit About Billy

Billy Arcement, MEd—the choice for your next business meeting, in-house training, convention keynote, workshop, or management-consulting project—has a two-fold focus. He “teaches politically free boardmenship that keeps children first” to school board members and, in the business sector, he “teaches business leaders how to develop a culture of teamwork, productivity, and profits.”

Billy is a seasoned presenter, leader and manager.  His “Cajun Stories” bring a special brand of humor to your meetings, delights your audience and helps drive home the points presented.  It’s a winning combination guaranteed to make your event a success.  Call us.  We’d love to help!  Go to http://www.searchingforsuccess.com to learn more about Billy’s programs and services.  Our results are guaranteed!

Build Your Success Library

Could you use a little more success in your life?  Order my book, Searching for Success.  Apply the principles discussed and watch what happens.  I guarantee you will sense the improvement or I’ll refund your payment!  Contact us and we’ll ship the book to you the same day.  Email or phone in your order and we’ll bill you.  We’re trusting people!

Staying In Touch To Grow

 Please notify us if your email address changes.  Send your new address to barcement@eatel.net and we’ll update our distribution list.  If you enjoyed what you’ve read, please forward this newsletter to a friend who might get a pointer or two from these messages.  Send us their email address, to add them to our distribution list.

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