Many people believe that positive thinking is an important tool that propels us towards our goals, but what about the opposite? Negative paradigms can be as much of a burden as positive thinking is a boon. It is one of several ways that we self-sabotage our success. If you aren’t sure what negative paradigms are, here are nine examples. If you engage in these thinking patterns, you must address them, or your success might suffer.

Today, society demands that we always be on our A-game. Not just “on the ball,” but “in front of the ball.” Whatever your preferred metaphor, to function successfully in the world today, you need to be focused. But this can be difficult. Between distractions, brain fog, and too much jitter-causing caffeine, getting through the day can be a struggle. Here you will learn four easy ways to cut through the fog and gain better focus for your busy and meaningful days.

Strategic thinkers are not born, they’re made. Strategic thinking is a skill like any other, and one that is highly valued by recruiters and executives. It is a key element of good leadership and can be inspiring and motivating. Strategic thinking is a skill anyone can choose to learn and develop – if you want to. If you want to get ahead and be seen as top talent, here are four qualities of strategic thinkers you’ll want to cultivate.

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks at work. There are so many demands on your time, from the never-ending cascade of emails to meetings, presentations, and conferences. The trouble is, you often just don’t get time to spend thinking about anything other than what’s right in front of you. If you struggle to find time for strategizing, doing some long-term planning, and competitive analysis, try these tips to make strategy part of your regular routine.

Personal and professional growth is paramount to a well-lived life. You know that the more you learn, the better you become in whatever you pursue. You’ve reached your goals and have no desire to move on. Staying in this place is not ideal. It holds you back from achieving new goals and reaching your full potential. Innovation is one of those skills that will lead you to bigger and better places. So, before you settle for less than your best, why not consider the importance of innovation?