energy that can be used to transform your
shortcomings.
b) Finding help: If you have not yet contemplated
how to overcome your shortcomings, do so now. For
example, you might find a voice teacher if you want
to improve your singing, join an anger management
group to work with your rage, or buy a book that
gives you guidance on how to improve your marriage.
c) Accessing your inner determination: In this next
step you learn to access the determination inside
yourself that helps you to work on overcoming your
undesirable qualities. First remember a time in your
life when you pursued a goal with strong
determination. Let yourself relive internally how it
felt. Then watch a movie, using conscious awareness,
in which a character was able to accomplish
something that was important to him after facing
major obstacles. The focus of this movie does not
need to be about overcoming shortcomings
specifically. Pay attention to the determination,
strength, and courage the character displays and
what you feel as you imagine that you are exactly
like him. Preferably you should choose a film that is
familiar to you, in which a character impressed you
with these qualities.
If no movie comes to mind, choose from the
following list:
The Accused (1988), A.I. (2001), Babette’s Feast
(1987), Billy Elliot (2000), Dances with Wolves
(1990), Gattaca (1997), Gone with the Wind (1939),
Frida (2002), I am Sam (2001), Il Postino (The
Postman) (1994), The Insider (1999), The King and
I (1956 and 1999), L.A. Confidential (1997), Like
Water for Chocolate (1992), Local Hero (1983),
My Left Foot (1989), My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Powerful Tools for Healing and Growth — The Growth Matrix 169