5 Steps to Figure Out How to Break Free From Whatever Is Holding You Back — Featured in Addicted2Success the #1 Motivational Website

by Michael Annese

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Superman might leap tall buildings in a single bound, but even he can’t ward off its paralyzing effects. Is there something in your life you consider kryptonite? Maybe it’s, a person, someone who always brings you down when you reveal your true self.  It’s almost as if they have the ability to suck the blood out of your soul, like a living Dracula. Taking your otherwise positive outlook and transform you into what they are: a negative, defeated person.  It could be a boss or co-worker who, as soon as you see them coming, prompts you to feel you can’t do anything right.  Whatever the case your rendered powerless and weakened.

Maybe your kryptonite isn’t a person; maybe it’s a deadbeat job.  It could even be a certain food you can’t resist, and you overindulge and gain undesired weight. It could be drugs or alcohol, or smoking. Even peer pressure from friends and loved one’s can, in reality, be a disguise for those looking for their own benefits from you that in the end pull you down. How about your past, replaying your past failures and missteps can wreak havoc on your present holding you in fear of the next step? The result in all of these examples are the same: they drag you down and paralyze you from taking control of your future. Ask yourself, “What am I getting from all this?”

Instead of allowing you to reach your full potential, your kryptonite pulls you into its world. What happens to the true inner you? You end up muted, struggling to get out, trapped in a body and mind burning to be free. Do yourself a favor and break out! Even if you stumble and fall, rise to your own expectations and be the true you.  Whatever your kryptonite may be, take steps now to separate yourself from the circumstances that hold you back. Identify possible issues in your life, see them for what they are, and bring clarity forward in your heart and mind’s eye.

Here’s a few ideas to break free from your Kryptonite

What is it?

Take time to sit in a quiet place and think it through, the answer lies within you.  You already know what it is however,  you want to be sure about this before you move on.  Knowledge combined with your experience provides the clues here in filling in the blank, this is one place where the past can provide you with some answers.  Think it through from front to back before you prepare to apply this knowledge to change things for your future.

Make a Decision

You’re already on track with this one.  You recognize the situation, now see it for what it is and change it.  Simple enough right, however this requires you to not only decide but commit to avoiding the issue that holds you back and avoiding its power over you.   Easier said than done, however you must turn this into a “must do” and not a “should do” otherwise you will slip backwards into the kryptonite’s clutches once again.

Distance Yourself

Shield yourself from it by creating distance or boxing it out of your life, but make sure you control it – YOU control you.  No more excuses for yourself, no more giving in to what’s held you back.  You now recognize the issue, you’ve created space, rest up, and get ready for the next step.

Enlist Some Help

Sometimes we all need a little extra help to start the process of changing things in our lives. Don’t be afraid to admit you need a little extra push at the beginning.  Let go of your pride and reach out, there’s nothing wrong or weak about reaching out for help, in fact it’s smart and admirable. Someone you can bounce ideas off of, and someone holding you accountable goes a long way at the beginning

Take Massive Action

Step up, not down to the problem.  It’s time to act and take control of the situation and your life. Doing nothing is just that, nothing.  It’s time to move forward with precise action towards where you want to be and whom you want to be.  No more giving into the paralyzing effects of what’s held you back.  Break free to be the person you know lives within you, take action now, empower yourself, separate yourself through blood, sweat, and perseverance for your chosen future.

It’s time to believe in the person looking back at you in the mirror.  Reality check, kryptonite isn’t real and neither are these handcuffs.  We put these on ourselves as excuses to fall back on when things get tough in our lives.  It’s not a matter of whether you consider them real or not.  It’s the meaning and influence you allow yourself to attach to them that changes your course or halts your progress.

You have a choice to let these handcuffs dissolve before your eyes or stay chained to your fears. No matter where you are or who you are; you have the key. Decide today to unlock your true potential and leap to your destiny, it’s up to you.

 

Co-Founder at The Victory Group
Michael Annese is the author of The Victory Cycle: 7 Progressive Steps to Forge a Lifetime of Everlasting Personal Growth and Change. A Battalion Chief/EFO for a South Florida fire department, Michael is also a co-founder of The Victory Group—home of a team-building workshop called “Leading Victoriously.”
 

 

Testimonials

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I don’t remember who suggested Michael Annese to speak at the 2016 National Fire Academy 27th Executive Fire Officer Graduate Symposium, but I am glad they did.

After attending all the EFO Symposiums and helping to develop the content, I can count the number of speakers I chased down after their presentation and bought their book on one hand. Mike is one of them his book is The Victory Cycle.

Thanks Mike. I hope others read your book and invite you to present The Victory Cycle...

Michaels’s passion for his work came through the instant he began to share his personal experiences that guided him to conceive of VICTORY, an acronym that stands for: Vision, Inspiration, Commitment, Timed Steps, Obstacles, Rejoice, and Yearlong Adjustments. Recently I attended an event at Cucina Caruso Italian Market in Oakland Park, sponsored by the Italian American Descendants Business Network where I had the opportunity to be present at Michael Annese’s inspirational and motivational...

Five Stars! An enthusiastic personal guide to a new you!

- Stanley O.

Mr. Michael,

 

It was an honor and pleasure to have you in the presence of our teen group here at the Marti Huizenga Boys & Girls Club. Our teens range from ages 13-18years old; to be frank, they were not up to hearing yet another presentation. Mr. Mike, (as the teens would call you) you came and encouraged them to get involved mentally. Not only were you able to get them involved but, you were also able to grasp and keep their attention on the SEVEN STEPS to VICTORY. Read Full Testimonial

The workshop benefits every aspect of development; personal and professional.

- Debbie S.

Just read The VICTORY Cycle! To say that it was “Inspiring” does not do this book justice. I actually started the journal suggested in the book. I have already noticed that in the beginning of my journal, I started statements with “I hope to….” and “I would like to….”, etc. By the time i finished the book, my journal entries began with “I am going to….” and “I will….. “. I am so ready for VICTORY!

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I cannot believe the change I am experiencing! The Victory Cycle is so simple to apply and slowed me down long enough to remember who I am and who I want to be! I am now charging ahead to my Victory, Thank you Victory Cycle for clearing my mind and filling my soul!

- Kelly Z.

I’ve never felt lighter, I just begun working towards my Victory and that mountain seems so close. Too many years have passed where I was afraid, and not focused, just plane lack of belief in myself. After reading the Victory Cycle for just two days I found myself looking up again, I was starting to think not only could I make the climb to that mountain top but nothing will stop me! I have started training, and without trying I am losing weight already, I can’t wait to reach the s...

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At first I thought that was another book just like everyone else in the market, however there was something different on the cover of the book that forced me to buy it, and I don’t regret it. I recommend it to everyone, because additionally of win a great book or a manual full of experiences and solutions, that inspire and motivate your daily life, we gained a friend and an adviser, that with his experience and his beautiful soul and heart, he has a great vision to be a beautiful light ...

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Revealing, insightful and effective – I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, though I knew it was worth a try since I’ve lost control of things, a while ago actually, and I need change. I am so impressed and very grateful to the author for the lessons to be learned here. This book teaches you how to make changes for the better AND gives you the tools and the knowledge to do so, and what I found most helpful was the Victory cycle itself, the model that the author uses t...

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The workshop reminded me what my vision is for myself.  It made me think about the obstacles I need to overcome or work around in the business and in my personal life.  Seeing the cycle helps me stay on track.  Going through the exercises really opened my eyes and writing everything down made it so real.   Even successful people need a coach!

- Lily C.

We all have goals we want to achieve in this life. Some are big and some are small, but they are all important to our journey. For me, I’ve not been doing well I’m achieving my own because of my own fear or fund restraints. I honestly needed motivation to get back on track with them. The author gives us seven steps to follow in order to achieve them. I felt like Michael Annese understands that life happens. We all have things that pop up in our lives that prevent us from staying o...

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This book is beyond inspiring! Not only does it make you want to dive right into your goals, but it gives you the tools to do it. The author is so positive and motivating. The examples he gives are very easy to relate to. He gives you the step-by-step path to start TODAY to reach your goals. I suggest the reader keep the journal that the author suggests, as it is very helpful. This book shows you that you don’t have to be a superhero or “wait till the time is right” to start...

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I really enjoyed your workshop.  It helped me remember what was really important in my life and how to focus on it.  It’s all up to me and that’s a great feeling!

- Chris C.

A must read guide to a better life – A must read for everyone who wants to change their lives with simple yet sure ways to look at life and work differently. Author Annese has written a step by step guide, if you will, to look at yourself, see who you are and where you want to go. Then, following his clear language guide, get on the “cycle” and make yourself better at work, school, and life utilizing proven management tools that can be extended to any area you choose. Annese...

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This book “The Victory Cycle” by Michael Annese, is truly inspirational and moving. It was easy to read and had a major impact on my psyche. Usually I don’t buy into these self help books, but this one is totally different. It seems to motivate you as you are reading it and being interactive makes the reading that much more pleasurable. I think the author has struck a nerve and I am intent on following the path that he leads us down. All I can say is “Thanks for writing it..!!!”

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I love the cycle itself.  It just makes me feel powerful when I look at it.  7 steps and 7 letters, makes V-I-C-T-O-R-Y is easy to remember and keep me on track.

- Rob Y.

If anyone wants to truly lead themselves to a better life, then this is the book to read. There is no way I could give a review that would do justice to Michael Annese’s book. Be prepared to learn a simple 7 step process to overcome the obstacles that life presents, all while gaining valuable leadership skills and tips on how to manage and overcome the fear of failing. This book is an easy read that will help you set and obtain goals with tips on how to self-analyze and make adjustments...

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