Now we come to the 3rd and final “D” of Defeat — Dissuasion.

We have already explored Delay and dealt with Distraction.

What is Dissuasion?

Dissuasion is the act of convincing someone NOT to try or do something.

Although it may appear as if the reasons why something cannot be done are coming from another person — a friend or loved one — that is just an illusion.

The doubts that are being expressed are coming from within.

Think of it this way.

Image that you are trim, fit, and good looking.  You are well groomed and well dressed.  As you are walking down the street, a poor beggar says to you, “You are fat and ugly.”

Would you give any thought to what they said.  No, you would consider the source and keep on walking.

Let’s change the image.

Imagine that you are a bit overweight.  You are still well groomed and well dressed.  You are walking down the same street, and the same poor beggar says to you, “You are fat and ugly.”

This time the words sting a bit.  You are sensitive to the word “fat.”

This is where the power of dissuasion lies.

It is in the self-image you have of yourself.

How to Overcome Dissuasion?

The opposite of Dissuasion is Persuasion.

So to overcome dissuasion, you need to convince yourself of all the reasons why you can do, be, or have whatever it is that you desire.

In cartoons it is that little black devil sitting on your shoulder that speaks the negative defeating words.

Sticking with that image, you must give your attention to the positive affirming messages from the little white angel.

You need to consciously and deliberately affirm to yourself daily that you can do it!

There are various ways to do this:

• – write out your affirmation on a small card,  carry it with you everywhere you go,  touch it and read it often
• – speak your affirmation to yourself in a mirror multiple times during the day
• – write out your positive affirmation multiple times during the day

 

Choose any or all of the ideas and commit to use the same positive affirmation daily, consistently, without fail, for at least 30 days.

If for some reason you miss a day, start over.

The negative, self defeating thoughts were programmed into you by constant repetition over time.

To replace those negative thoughts with positive, affirming thoughts demands the same kind of dedication.

You can do it!

Please share how you have Overcome Dissuasion in the comments below!

all the best,
Derrall