You have heard of the Art of War, the Art of The Deal but what about the Art of Fear?

What is the Art of Fear you ask?

Good question.

Like your values and goals, your beliefs are at the heart of what makes you your authentic self.

And just as a portrait reveals the artist’s vision, our internal assessment shows the strengths, weaknesses, boldness, and subtlety of our personality. All combined, this creates the canvas from which we carve out our authentic self.  Of course, no one trait determines who we are any more than a single brushstroke defines the entire painting.  It is in the blending and the contrast on canvas that the intricacy and depth of the portrait is conveyed.

In essence, beliefs are at the core of our foundation and influence our desire to change or move or try something else.  This is a principle that I covered at length in my first book, entitled Customize Your Career (2004).  Beliefs or “perceptions of self” determine your values and ultimately the goals you both set and work toward achieving in terms of your future success.

Given the above, upon what are your beliefs based?

In painting your self-portrait, do you believe that you can and will succeed, even when faced with the inevitable challenges and setbacks we have all encountered at different points in our lives?

As the artist of your own success, do you focus on perceived weaknesses and obstacles, or do you consider your strengths and seek out the pathways to success?

The fact is that each and every one of us is a beautifully unique work of art in the making.  If we work in shaded tones of greys and blacks or what I call the colors of fear, that is the image we will portray and ultimately the portrait we will become.

However, if the brush that we put to canvas is bursting with an optimistic palette of golds and blues and bright tones of unlimited possibilities, then our portraits will stand out and positively move those with whom we come in contact.

From which belief palette do you work?

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