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Jim L. Smith has more than 45 years of industry experience in operations, engineering, research and development and quality management. You can reach Jim at faceofquality@qualitymag.com.

Jim's Gems: Facing Challenges

July 2, 2009
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Everyday we are faced with challenges that seemingly put roadblocks in our path. We need to train ourselves to view these challenges as opportunities. Some of these opportunities are professional in nature and some are personal. Whatever the case, how do we prepare ourselves to face those challenges? Here are a few thoughts that you might find of interest.

Want to do more than merely wish for success? We can help ourselves by imagining, in detail, what success will look like. In your mind's eye, see yourself reaching the goals you have set, or which have been set for you. See and feel yourself living the dreams that mean the most to you.

Whatever your goal may be, clearly imagining it is a critical step to achievement. See yourself going there and you’ll develop an understanding of precisely how to make the successful journey.

Success is turned into reality when you imagine yourself working your way through every step of that opportunity. Imagination is the starting point in bridging the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.

The very act of imagination forces you to accept that certain things are indeed possible for you. Once those possibilities gain a foothold in your belief system, they begin to grow into real, tangible achievements.

Everything you’ve ever done, you have first needed to do it in your mind. Many professional athletes use imagination to give them an edge. They lock into a zone where they see their goal actually unfolding before their eyes. Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University basketball coach, said “I always won in my imagination. We always hit the game-winning shot or made the free throw. Or if we missed, there was a lane violation and we were given another one.”

Imagine the very best, and you’ll find yourself a winner as you make it happen.
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Visualization

Sara Davies
July 13, 2009
I always look forward to reading Jim's thoughts on motivation, etc. This one had a special message for me. If we can clear imagine something it has a highler liklihood of success. Thanks Jim

Inspiring

Jim Larimore
July 13, 2009
Good advice. Imagination may not make it happen but it can be a powerful aly to give us "an edge."

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