Realising Your Potential
by Paul Barrass

If you asked me to name one of the most important friendships in your life, I would, without hesitation, say being a friend to yourself. A friend is someone you like, enjoy being around and can genernally count on not to let you down. Sadly, there are a lot of people who deep down down really dislike things about themselves and their lives.

Whole industries thrive on this simple but seldom spoken of fact. Think of the advertising that is spent convincing people that if only they use brand X or wear dress Y or drink beer Z they would feel happier, or be more attractive to the opposite sex, or look better, or feel more in control of their lives, and so on.

Consider the large numbers of the “walking worried” who pay for “therapy” or invest in crystals, exotic remedies or courses of inner healing administered by some doubtless well-intentioned person.

Why do some people take drugs? Why do they abuse their bodies and minds way beyond the point of reason? Why do they take risks that seem barely sane when examined in the courtroom or on a mortuary slab?

In my view it often stems from this same root cause. Some people dislike themselves deep down. They do not see the great potential we at the UIOF see in every living person. That potential is there. You just have to convince people to see it within themselves

The Steps to Unlocking Your Potential:

• The first step to unlocking that potential is to acknowledge it exists.
• The next step is to face the truth about yourself, both good and bad.
• The next is to decide what you really like about yourself. What would make you a good friend?
• Then play to your strengths, not your weaknesses. Build on those parts of you that you like and others can come to respect.
• If you can find nothing to like, think again. There will be something, however small.
• Then if you need to make changes, work out a plan.
• Do things only in small easy stages.
• Reward yourself for your successes.
  Tell others about it.
• Seek the company of those who support you in the positive way you are choosing to take.
• Start to think about the positive contribution you can make to this life.

I do not say this way of looking at things is easy. I do assure you though that it works. It worked for me and it can work for you. You are not alone. We here at the Friendcraft organisation are here to help. The next move is yours but after that we will be there for you.