From The Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
Ignorance – I didn’t know I could ask
The first basketball game I covered, I hastily scribbled notes on who scored, turnovers, running score, the times. By halftime I was exhausted. I wandered up to the press room where I was given a complete list of stats, far more accurate than I had compiled. Who knew?
Erroneous belief – incorrect assumptions
Dad gave me a 1961 Buick Skylark for 
graduation, and installed the motor from my brother’s car. Dad said to be sure it had water before I drove it. I had no idea what he meant, but I figured that a little water wouldn’t make much difference one way or another. Then it was KYCG – kiss your car goodbye.
Fear – I am afraid of negative feedback
Through circumstances beyond my control, I began to like a girl in high school. This went on for months in secret. I wanted to ask her out but could not work up the nerve. I picked up the phone dozens of times but just could not dial all seven numbers. At last I called, managed not to throw up, and she asked what took me so long.
Pride – I didn’t want to look stupid
Until recently, I would rather drive to
Low self-esteem – I don’t deserve better
My first free-lance writing gig, they asked for my rates. I researched Writer’s Market, asked writer friends, and decided on a dollar amount, then cut it in half. I was good, but there was just no way I was worth $30 an hour. They were prepared to start negotiations at $20, and that’s what I got, but I learned later they expected to pay at least $30. I did that job 50 hours a week for 104 weeks. That extra $10 cost me $52,000. I hate when that happens.
