Some of her carvings were appreciated, but other times she got complaints. The wood swelled in damp weather and split in dry. The complaints dampened her enthusiasm for her work and ate away at her self-confidence. She decided she was no good at carving, was never meant to be a carver. She looked around at what she could do and at what she liked.

Weaving. The colours were beautiful. The designs intricate. The fabric appealing. Having little money, she bought cheap thread and set up her stall off on one side of bazaar. No one came. She knew she was too far from center and her cloth not attractive enough.

One day as she was walking in woods trying to decide what she should do, she came across some translucent stones lying in a stream bed. Smooth, deep, and beautiful. She gathered up handfuls, filling her pockets.

Returning to market, she went right to center, and holding two of stones to catch light, showed them to passer-bys. But they pushed past her, paying her no mind. She was bumped into a post, stopping her in bewilderment. “Why can’t they see how beautiful these stones are?” she thought.

- Craig Lock

This article follows on from Part One...

Central to genuine success is a positive and realistic self image. However, throughout course of a given day we are exposed to negative feedback - in form of media and comments from others. Throughout course of our lives, we frequently harbour damaged self images - this stops us discovering our full potential. Don't try to imitate others, but see yourself as a unique person, who can make a mark, some difference in world.

In past many people have not taken seriously what I have been trying to do in my writing. (No, I just think they can't uderstand my "funny occupation"). Or perhaps they are right that I'll never be successful! Cut that negativity out, Craig. You'll do it in time!

* Hindrances to a positive self image:

1. Continual habit of self deprecation*. (example: see last sentence in previous paragraph).

* (What a big word - must try and use it more often to impress you readers!)

I believe many people put themselves down, pointing to their inabilities, inadequacies and weaknesses. People generally underestimate their capabilities and stress weaknesses, rather than their strengths - particularly women and in CV's. I believe this is reason why many people live lives of mediocrity, never becoming what they might have been by realising their full potential.

2. A false sense of security.

Most people plod on in steady secure jobs (which they don't like), rather than stepping out into unknown. Change is not nearly as dangerous as what people think. Says "adventurous he!"

3. Most people remember past failures with guilt, rather than celebrating what they did well. Take credit yourself, no matter how small your achievements.

4. SNIOP = We are all very easily susceptible to negative influences of other people . Even "well-meaning" friends. Don't listen, when others say you can't do it. It just makes them feel better in their "mediocre little lives".

5. Dare to be different and to what your heart says. FOLLOW YOUR DREAM... whatever it may be.

*

How to overcome a poor self- image

"Imagination rules world." - Napoleon

"Imagination is world." - Einstein

(Repeated by a slightly inebriated friend of mine, standing on a table at a nurses dance "many many moons" ago). Thanks Peter "Allie".

Utilise unlimited Power of your IMAGINATION.

Don't think negatively in terms of failure. Change your attitude by visualising achieving your goals. If you want to change your self image, change your imagination by letting your mind dwell on what you want to be in future. A race-car driver, pilot, professional writer, ballet dancer...or even an accountant!

If you want to change your behaviour, quickest and easiest way is to change your own attitude, your mind-set. You don't necessarily need to change jobs or location. That's a big mistake I've made in past! "Bloom where you are planted."

Establish a New Identity. That's why I've done as a writer for past "lucky seven" years, as for so many years I was a "straight insurance man, a square peg in a round hole in conservative corporate world"!

Use your mind. If you identify with a low self image, you will continue to view yourself poorly. Free yourself of your bad memories and fears of failure. If you are not happy with yourself, you may need to use erase button, and record a new image to play back to yourself... on videotape of your mind, but without old negative bits.

Your self image is your most precious asset. Make it a daily task to build it, to nourish it and to feed it.

Be Open to Growth & New Opportunities.