The Power of Conviction

“You will be a failure, until you impress the subconscious with the conviction you are a success. This is done by making an affirmation which ‘clicks’.” ~ Florence Scovel Shinn

It is a vicious cycle. We make a commitment, be it getting in shape, creating a new habit of productivity at work, or finishing a project. Maybe it is a new year’s resolution (which I stopped doing years ago in favor of goals). After a while, our behavior tracks off or slows down or stops altogether.  Then comes the rationalization. “I will start back next month.” “That was an unrealistic goal.” “There is no way I could keep that up.” We all do it, including myself.

I want 2015 to be a year of convictions.  I want to stand behind the beliefs that I have and not back down.  I want to prove to myself that I can reach the goals that I have set, but not to impress anyone or make a name for myself. There are no record books for most worthwhile goals. It may not earn me a national spotlight, a Nobel Prize, or even first place in a race.  Then why should I even care? First, we have to believe that the goal is worthwhile.  We have to stand on a conviction that the issue or goal is important; important for the world, for my family, or for becoming a better version of myself. Second, we have to remember that we can only accomplish more than we have ever imagined if we push ourselves farther than we think we can go.

I also have a theory that you may or may not believe. It goes like this: Some people fear success more than they fear failure.  What I mean by this is that failure can always be compromised, rationalized, or explained away. You can always say “Ill just do better next time,” “I was so close,” “It is the thought that counts,” or “At least I tried.” I don’t know all the psychology behind why people fear success, but I know that they do. I have feared it in the past as well. I do not play the lottery, but it is funny to hear people say “What if I win? What will I do with all that money?” Interesting. So you are saying you don’t play the lottery because you are afraid of winning? Or are you afraid of the consequences of winning? A better question might be: Can you handle the success? We must not fear success, lest we fear the very nature of what it means to be human.

So what is the difference between a goal/resolution and a conviction? In my definition, a conviction is a strongly held belief for which you would be willing to fight, face ridicule or persecution, or even die. A more palatable version might be strongly held beliefs that you hold dear; ones that push you on to greater achievements, build your confidence, help others, or change the world. Everyone has different convictions, but you must be willing to face the consequences, either negative or positive, for the convictions you hold.

Having said all of the above, I am going to make conviction my Word of the Year for 2015.  As I go through the coming year, I have to ask myself the following questions daily:  (1) Am I conducting this activity with confidence and enthusiasm?  (2) Am I committed to the results of my activity, be it good or bad? (3) Am I pushing myself beyond the mediocre and not fearing the success that comes from this activity? (4) Am I being faithful to the knowledge, habits, and practices that make the larger activity possible? (5) Am I conducting an activity that helps someone, strengthens my confidence, or benefits the world?

If you are going to be a person of conviction there are a few things you need to consider.  Never believe that you have arrived and never take for granted the fact that you are never alone in your successes.  If you begin to take credit for every success, you will be all alone on your pinnacle at the end of your life. Be kind to those who have contributed to those successes and they will be there to share them with you.  The people you thank may also be a friend when you need one. If your convictions are of the religious sort, remember to thank God for the gift of life and the ability to have goals in the first place. Finally, use the success that comes with these convictions to help those around you, especially those who are different from yourself.

Being a person of conviction takes time, practice, and commitment. Begin the journey today.  I promise it will change your life.