Have you ever noticed that there appears to be more than one person inside your head?

There’s you and then there’s this other voice observing everything you’re doing and sometimes that voice does not have good things to say.

EXAMPLE:

I have been in the real estate business for over 30 years and have been a Top Producer for most of those years. It hasn’t always been easy. Especially last year when I represented a Seller of a South of Market condo in San Francisco. They wanted to list way over market price – I discouraged them not to – if we put it on at a competitive price we’ll get a bidding war and then you’ll get your price and then some – I said. But by the time they put it on the market, the economy had shifted. We did get an offer, but only one. The sad news is that the Seller expected much more. So now he’s mad at me. What’s most aggravating to me about this whole situation is not him being mad at me, but what is going on it my head – when I had no control of what was happening with the real estate market.

I should have – I need to – I’m wrong – I didn’t do it right.

It is a never-ending tape that goes on and on and on. And the tape changes shape – Just when I think I’m over self-criticizing – it starts again.This inner voice or tape, many people call Gremlin as described by Richard Carson in his book, Taming your Gremlin – a Guide to Enjoying Yourself – is a great insightful read. I highly recommend it.

So how do you let this revolving tape in your head not run your life and ruin your day?

I’ve noticed it’s helpful to recognize as soon as the inner critic has gotten hold of you.
And how do you do that? First note your language – what words are spewing out of your mouth?

Should, Oughta, Gotta, Have to, Need to? CHANCES ARE you are in the presence of your Gremlin or Inner Critic.

To get out of this critical trap write down 10 things you are grateful for to shift your thoughts from positive to negative. Here’s mine:

1)2009 is over
2)My husband and I love each other
3)I still have a job as a real estate broker and have loyal clients
4)All my family members are healthy
5)I am healthy
6)I have an adorable Maine Coon 18 lb cat
7)I still own my house and cat
8)I love music
9)I love to dance
10)I believe somewhere someplace watches over me and helps me through tough times

Read more on the 8 Virtues of Selling, Chapter Six, “Power - Disciplining the Mind”, “Secrets of a Top Salesperson – How Emotions Make or Break the Sale”. Available on Amazon and a best seller in real estate and sales in July 2009. Or visit www.SecretsofaTopSalesperson.com.

Author's Bio: 

Paula Pagano is a leading authority on sales success. Originally from New York, Paula moved to San Francisco in 1980 and became the top real estate sales agent in her office her first year. With awards for Rookie Salesperson of the Year, Top Listing Agent and Top Sales Agent, Paula was the epitome of success.
Like many successful professionals today, she felt her life was out of balance. Paula took time to travel the world, to gain perspective on her life. She gained balance and an empowering life vision which included giving back.

Paula and her firm, ClientConnect.us, motivate, and inspire sales professionals, managers and leaders, to achieve extraordinary sales results, while building the balanced life they want based upon their inner strengths and core values. A trained business coach with Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and a sales trainer for Real Estate Power Training in Santa Clara, Paula’s experience in the “selling trenches” gives her credibility that other motivational speakers lack.

Paula’s success stems from her business expertise, enthusiasm, integrity, and an indomitable spirit to see the positive in all situations.

Her programs on selling, balance, and living your potential are guaranteed to motivate, inspire, and help you accomplish whatever it is your heart desires.

In July 2009 her recently published book, “Secrets of a Top Salesperson – How Emotions Make or Break the Sale” became a top selling book on Amazon in real estate and sales categories. For more info go to www.SecretsofaTopSalesperson.com