Paralegals & Legal Secretaries

By Patty Dietz-Selke

"U R the only problem U will ever have & U R the only solution. Change is inevitable, personal growth is always a decision." Bob Proctor

This powerful message came to my attention recently as I was in the midst of making plans to live a more healthy life and lose 10-20 lbs.  Now let me confess up front that I contemplate losing those same 10-20 lbs with the start of each New Year and that many years have passed since I started this annual contemplation.  Despite numerous successes in my career and other areas of my life, this particular challenge/goal continues to elude me.  I find this conundrum very puzzling and a bit humiliating.  After all, a successful professional as I should be able to do??to achieve?..anything, right?!?!? 

Looking back over the years, I realize that throughout my life I have been my own worst enemy and critic as well as my own best friend and champion.  I have been the solution and at times, I have also been the problem just as the above quote states.  So, why do I excel at times and fail alas at others?  In contemplating this sticky situation, I recognize that the answer lies in the second part of the quote, ??.personal growth is always a decision.?  I am the key.  It truly boils down to my making a decision to succeed from the outset and then setting myself up for success to achieve my goal.  Moreover, I see now that making that decision to lose weight, to achieve a goal or to overcome an obstacle is much less about willpower than it is about ?wantpower? - when you want something so badly, you?re willing to sacrifice and give it your all to get it.  It?s that feeling?.that state of being?..when I want something so badly that I can taste it.  It?s then that I succeed. 

In looking back and analyzing my personal victories, I now understand their basis.  I was successful, because I had 1) a clear vision of the outcome (I was fully committed and had no doubts ? Willpower), 2) a comprehensive plan to achieve my goal ? (the strategy was well thought-out with no confusion ? The Plan) and 3) a strong, personal motivation to see my mission through to the end ? (I was confident and strongly motivated ? Wantpower.)  I see the importance of willpower and a good plan, but truly the key to my success was my ?wantpower.? 

My mission now therefore is to locate my weight loss wantpower.  I am hungry to achieve my goal and get started, but first....as I'm really hungry.......I?ve got to get some lunch. J So, stay tuned!

Patty Dietz-Selke is an immigration Paralegal at Troutman Sanders in Atlanta, GA as well as a Lecturer/Speaker and Instructor for Paralegal Certificate Programs.  She may be reached via email at Patty@ParalegalGateway.org.