Home
>
Success
>
Success Through Short Memory

Success Through Short Memory

Normally a long memory is an advantage but not if you keep programming your mind with 'tapes' of past failures.

Abraham Lincoln must have had a short memory for his past failures. Many self-help books list the many failures he experienced throughout his life before he became one of the greatest presidents America has ever known.

He failed in business and in politics several times, yet he was still confident enough to stand for President. If he had focused his mind and memory on his past failures, he would never have stood for election.

More recently one of England's greatest rugby captains realized the importance of a short memory. England had a record which included many abject defeats by other rugby nations but they managed to forget about their failures and went on to win the rugby world championship in November 2003.

Martin Johnson, considered by many to be the greatest captain that English rugby has ever had, helped his team win that championship in 2003. He knew how important it was to forget past defeats.

He has now retired from international rugby but recently advised the English team to forget their first two defeats in the six nations' championship in February 2005. England (despite being world champions) have made their worst start for years.

He advised: "You've got to get over it. I remember losing against Wales. After the game I thought I'm never going to think about that game again. You've got to have a short memory or you will get beat again."

Too many of us reflect endlessly upon our failures. It is not surprising that our dismal thoughts lead to more dismal experiences. You get whatever you focus on whether it is good or bad. Some people replay their failures for years and years and even end up killing themselves. They cannot stand the endless regret.

Instead, we need to empty our minds and memories of past failures and fill them constantly and consistently with visions of future success. We need to make these visions as real and as vivid as we can. Our subconscious will then start to help us achieve these visions.

If you keep counting the number of times you failed to achieve what you planned to do, your future will simply replay past failures.

The two goal kickers on the team had let England down by missing some fairly easy goal kicks. Johnson did not advise their replacement.

Instead, he advised the England coach to put the two men on the next team list in order to boost their confidence. He knew the huge difference that confidence can make to anyone's performance. Confidence can transform the way some one plays. Johnson believed these players could forget their failures and do better. He was right.

Any player can have a bad game. Dropping them from the next game is not always a good idea for them or their team. They will inevitably lose confidence and have more time to reflect on the past mistakes that lost them their place on the team.

However, England are still planning to draft in a great Rugby League forward as a possible replacement kicker. It is always worth having back up!

When an interviewer described Martin as a great player, he answered: "I wouldn't class myself as a great player. I would class myself as quite a hard working player."

Hard work was one key to his greatness. He never let up even when the team looked like losing. Victory came in the last minute in the world championship in November 2003.

Johnson also had a great bias towards action. In discussions with his coach he would often end the conversation with the words 'Let's get on with it then'.

Martin Johnson teaches a great recipe for success:

Forget your past failures; have confidence in your future; work hard up to the last possible minute and don't waste too much time talking - just get on with it.

About the author

John Watson is an award winning teacher and martial arts instructor. He has recently written two books about achieving your goals and dreams. They can both be found on his website http://www.motivationtoday.com along with a daily motivational message.

The title of the first book is "36 Laws To Ignite Your Inner Power And Realize Your Dreams Now!" The book can be found at this URL http://www.motivationtoday.com

The book uses acronyms, stories and pictures to help readers remember 36 laws that can gradually transform your life.

You are welcome to publish the article above in your ezine so long as you do not alter it and keep in the words about the author and the 36 Laws.

Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..

In The News:

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers solutions to fixing a personal computer that freezes up. There are a number of reasons this might be happening.

The rollout of Apple's iOS 17 brought a subtle "Rebound" notification tone that's gotten some criticism. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains a fix.

Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.

Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.

A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.

The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.

Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.

Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.

If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.

Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.

The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.

Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.

Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.