You Deserve a Second Second-Chance

No one will ever be as critical of you as yourself. Why? Because deep down you know that you are capable of doing better. We all are. But it’s easy to let that self-doubt and feeling of loneliness take control and drive us to believe we can’t change our lives. I’m living proof that’s not true – and I want to help you learn how to make the changes in your life to help you earn those second chances.

What do I mean by a “second second-chance?” Simple – once you start thinking of all of your past mistakes, whatever they might be, as a continuation of bad habits, lack of self-control and confidence, you have really only had one second chance. Without effecting positive change in your life, nothing can change for you either.

A second second-chance is where you take a stand against your own demons and commit to make the changes that will actually guide you to a new path. This isn’t easy, as I have said many times before. And I can tell you that depending on where you are in this journey it could take years, but I am offering you a hand – reaching out to you. Not to pull you up. But to help you realize you’re not alone, and that someone believes in your capacity for change.

Owning Your Mistakes

One of the most difficult parts of bringing about change is acknowledging that you need to change. In my book The Upside of Fear I detail more about my journey through this process, but one of the most important things I had to learn was how to take responsibility for my actions.

This doesn’t mean that you need to beat yourself up – you’re probably already doing that. What I mean is that you have to accept that it wasn’t some outside force who made the mistake, and it wasn’t someone else telling you to do something that caused you to do it either. You ultimately made a decision that led you to where you are right now.

I know that’s a tough pill to swallow, but you can’t begin to change without taking that first step.

Show, Don’t Tell

Once you acknowledge your mistakes, you need to start taking action – and here is where a lot of people take the wrong path. Taking action doesn’t mean that you can fix the past – you can’t. What’s done is done. But you can atone, and you can start to do better. Actions speak louder than words.

I know it sounds cliche, but it’s the truth. I have said before that sales saved my life, and I mean that. Sales was, for me, the vehicle through which I could begin to show not only other people, but myself that I could do better. Be better. Accomplish things the right way.

I knew that without that commitment to improve myself I wouldn’t have even begun my transformation. What’s more is I realized that when people make a commitment to change, too often they don’t take the next step, or the one after that. The commitment is just the beginning of a long journey, and you can make that journey if you just start to take the right actions.

Consistency As A Way Of Life

You’ll hear me throw around the word “consistency” a lot, and for good reason. Consistency is the key to success in every aspect of life – from personal to business. When you first make the commitment to change, you have to make it your daily mantra – a consistent part of your life.

I speak to groups around the world about my journey and how to take steps to improve their own, but you don’t need to take that step right off the bat. Without access to books and other tools, I know my own second second-chance would have been nearly impossible. That’s why I offer Virtual Training for teams and businesses as well as my books to help you find your own way.

In The Power of Consistency, for example, I lay out the core foundation and tools that anyone can use to start building a better life for themselves. That’s all you need to take that first step toward your new future – along with a commitment to take action to do better.

I saw the outstretched hands of Anthony Robbins, Viktor Frankl, and Dr. Stephen Covey, among countless others, when I began to commit to change. But they didn’t drag me out – they served as a reminder that I could do this, and helped me find value in myself and my potential for a better future. I’m honored to be able to add my hand to theirs and reach out to you – if you’ll only reach for it.

What About MY Second Second-Chance?

Your opportunity begins as soon as you are ready, but you need to find your vehicle – your means of escape from your current path. And only you can do that.

For me, as I said, it was sales. It provided me with a job I was good at, let me prove that I had changed through my actions, and created opportunities to achieve my dreams – both with my family and my career.

No matter what you decide is your means to take action and reach for the stars, your second second-chance is possible. Going back to jail for the same kinds of mistakes and getting released simply to just do the same thing again is not a second second-chance, as I learned from experience. Until you change your actions, nothing is going to change for you.

Still not sure where to start? Check out another recent blog post where I lay out four techniques you can start right now to begin the process of improving your life.

I always say, “If I can do it, anyone can.” And I mean it.

Contact Weldon Long

Book Weldon for your next speaking engagement, or sign up for his online Virtual Training, at www.weldonlong.com. For inquiries about specific dates or events, or to find out more about what Weldon can do for you, click here to complete our contact form.