Category: Self-Leadership

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CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS

Unquestionable Rule for Life #5

Negative Thinking Limits Your Success

Controlling your thoughts may seem like something easier said than done. Truth be told it is the hardest thing anyone can ever do. Controlling your thoughts is NOT as easy as saying, “I got this.” YOU GOT NOTHING.

You do not wake up one day and start consciously controlling your thoughts.

Far from it. You have to start off small and intentional.

It begins with know what you can and cannot control. Then it moves on to understanding that there is so much more you can NOT control than what you can control.

Once you have fully accepted that fact you are more than halfway there. The rest falls on you to be vigilant and ready for when what you cannot control tries to control you. Your thoughts will work against you. Your mind will go to the dark place and put you on the offense instead of hunkering down and playing defense against the darkness, the negativity.

When you allow the negative to take over you have no room for the positive. When there is a lack of the positive, there is no growth. When there is no growth there is no success. Yes, that negativity will limit your success all because you are trying to deal with the nonsense. Taking your mind off what is important to give attention to what should never be important is a surefire way to stop your growth.

That is why you must always be on guard for the negativity will pop-up at any time for almost any reason. As you grow older, experience more, and get wiser it will become easier for you to spot and stop the negative from taking a foothold in your mind. However, as you are growing and learning you will fall into the trap of others.

It’s unavoidable, you will fall down that rabbit hole. However, as time goes by your defenses will go up. You will start to recognize the “wolf at the door” along with those with cruel intentions, but stay on guard. Head on a swivel to avoid falling into a future trap or rabbit hole of negativity, especially if the trap is in your own mind.

Guard Your Mind, Fiercely

Wisdom. As anything can change, in an instant, it falls on you to protect yourself, your body, your spirit, and your mind. Guard it all as if your mind depends on it, because it does. Things can get out of hand and spiral to the ground if you let negativity take root. Also, be on guard with who you let into your inner circle.

There will be individuals that cannot help themselves and bring their negativity into your world. Don’t believe me? Give it a minute.

FAIR WARNING: Some of those that bring that negative may be close (in relation) to you. It happens.

What does not have to happen is keeping that negativity close to you. Of course, you can always express your concern and need to keep the negativity at bay. However, if those individuals refuse to respect you (and some will) then you are well within your right to cut them loose. Set them adrift because no one has time for negativity anchoring them to lack of progress, stunted growth, and a journey down a path of misery.

That is one reason why you should protect your mind at all costs. Guard yourself, head on a swivel, and do not be fooled. Many will try to break in through your defenses. Some make through (usually out of a misguided sense of obligation) but the sooner you stop that nonsense the better off you will be.

Once you got the external under control, the next is to pay attention to the internal: Your Thoughts.

You now begin to work on staying positive, all the time, you have no choice because your own thoughts will betray you. Why? Life is not easy. You can only control what you can control, the rest is life happening at its own pace and on its own agenda (otherwise, known as the UNCONTROLLABLE).

Working to control your thoughts will take time. It will be hard work. It will be worth it. Stay Vigilant to Stay Positive.

Thank you,
David Guerra
dave@daveguerra.com

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Accountability blog Change Daily Challenge Inspiration Leadership Motivation positive Proactive Self-Leadership

NEW YEAR’S DAY: I WILL BEGIN AGAIN

New Year's Day...Sunrise image

HAPPY NEW YEAR FELLOW PASSENGERS IN TIME.

Here we are cracking open the door to a new year. 

As I write this overdue post, the world is still reeling from the results of the raid into Venezuela. Whatever, you political views are, please keep them to yourself. I have seen and experience more in my life time that I can honestly say I have stood on the other side of the Berlin Wall. Stood toe-to-toe with my then adversaries (Soviets and East Germans), so please do not start with me on politics.

Where I was going with this post is to give kudos and praise to the Armed Forces of the United States in their ability to work so well together in executing this action with only minimal damage and injuries. This us what Desert One should have always been but when egos and bravado and playing things too close to the vest is what caused the debacle in that Iranian desert all those years ago. Yes, I am old enough to remember.

Things change, times change, people change. When things change it is called an upgrade or reboot. When times change they are called seasons or a new calendar. However, when people change it is usually not considered a good thing. 

When things change, it is inevitable to do so for success. When time changes it cannot be stopped. When people change from the outside others call it bad, from within we call it a necessity to survive. 

No matter what it is called one thing is certain: Things, Time, People, it is a new opportunity to begin again. 

While it is perfectly fine to begin again on New Year’s Day. It is fresh and clean and new however, it does not last long. Sadly, by the middle of February that “new year, new me” BULLSHIT is a faded memory with only the stink lingering. 

Did you know there is nothing saying that New Year’s Day is the ONLY time to begin or begin, again.

There is NO set time or date to begin. What there is YOU. 

You can start as often as you like. There is no need to wait for the turning of the calendar page. You just have to start…to begin…and keep on doing it until it sticks, no matter what it is you want to do or accomplish. 

I have the power within me. 

 That is why in 2026 I know I will begin again, and again, and again. Count on it.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

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blog Decisionmaking Ethical Behavior Ethics Leadership Morality Self-Leadership Tips Training Walking Leader Work Ethic

Own Your Hour: From Darkness to Accountability

image courtesy of wordpress media library.

I came across an article recently about people facing their so-called “darkest hour.” You have heard it too; the narrative that we are living through the worst times in history. That everything feels broken. That it is all because of what someone else said or what someone else did.

Here is the truth: It is incredibly easy to point fingers. It is even easier to blame the system, your boss, your parents, your children, your partner, or the person who disagreed with you last week. I have been blamed too; cast as the scapegoat or the fall guy more times than I can count. In the future, I guarantee it will happen again. Because I have been there, trust me when I say, I get it.

But this is not about me. And it is not really about whoever you have chosen to blame, either.

It is about ACCOUNTABILITY. Being ACCOUNTABLE to YOURSELF, FIRST.

At some point, we all have to stop, take a breath, and ask ourselves:
“What role did I play in getting here?“

We are each responsible for our choices. Our actions create outcomes. Our decisions shape our direction. And when we land in a “darkest hour,” more often than not, we helped turn off the lights ourselves.

That does not mean you are a failure. It means you are human. I am human. You are Human.

The difference between staying in the dark and stepping into the light is ownership.

Because once you own it, you can change it.

So, if you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or even hopeless, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself:

  • What choices brought me here?
  • What am I avoiding responsibility for?
  • What can I do differently, starting today?

Your darkest hour does not have to be your final chapter. It can be your turning point.

Take back the pen. Write the next page with accountability, intention, and action.

You do not need permission. You just need to decide. Get to work.

Thank you for time,
David Guerra

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