(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)

 

It’s obviously useful to protect yourself. We know, from the work of Abraham Maslow published in 1943, that humans are wired at a deep level to have a sense of self-protection.

Protect yourself from danger, attack, abuse, or diminishment. Protect yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When you do you will be living in accordance with your deep inner wiring.

However, self-protection, overdone, can be a hindrance to having a satisfying, fulfilling life.

Afraid you’re going to be tricked into buying something you don’t really want? You may over-self-protect and not acquire something which would really help you.

Generally distrusting of people? You may over-self-protect and miss out on some powerful relationships.

Feel that others know more than you? You may over-self- protect and not listen to and trust your intuition.

To avoid over-self-protecting, strengthen your personal foundation by becoming aware of what motivates you, by discovering your core values, by surrounding yourself with abundant reserves, and by becoming masterful at tapping into your feelings (your knowing) as well as your thinking (your understanding).

Self-clarity helps you avoid over-self-protecting.

 

Coaching Point: What is one area where you know you have been over-self-protecting? What can you do to change that?

 

Copyright 2008 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.