age. I also remind myself that no one was born knowing how to create Web pagesùas an exampleùand that everyone who is good at a task had to learn it at some time. This helps overcome the age issue. As I get older, I will have to reverse the process and realize that if I am 55 and want to take on a new task that takes four years, when I am 59, I will have a new skill. Otherwise, in four years I will still be 59 but lack that skill. This also helps me respect older people now when I see them trying something new.
Confidence is the subject that Schwartz addresses in Build Confidence and Destroy Fear. This seems to be closely related to the first chapter of believing in success, but also builds on that concept. Schwartz encourages taking action to overcome fear. Doing nothing retains the feeling of helplessness that often accompanies fear while doing something, even if it is not the best something to do in the situation, helps overcome fear and build confidence. The example that Schwartz gives of teaching sailors to swim is similar to how I learned how to swim in that once I had lessons as a small child, the instructor threw each of us into the deep end of the pool and we had to swim to safety. Remembering that and taking action in other situations, including volunteering to give a speech when I am afraid of public speaking, can help overcome fear as I learn that I am able to overcome these fears successfully.
How to Think Big focuses on the actions and words that we use everyday. I know a woman who always responds to the question of "how are you?" with an enthusiastic "peachy!" It almost always makes strangers smile and she says it helps her stay positive. This is similar to the example given in the book about creating positive feelings and thinking big on a daily basis. Improving my vocabulary is important, too, and I hope to use more positive approaches so that I can also "think big." I have decided
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