The Art of Changing Your Mind Before You Change Your Life
The Art of Changing Your Mind Before You Change Your Life
As I mention in my article, a necessary step to making real, actionable change in one's life is to select alternate options and develop sound strategies for getting things accomplished. Instead of doing things "the way we've always done them," we must learn to shift our perspective and examine every aspect of our existence with a fresh eye and an unbiased mindset. Basically, this means learning how to change your mind, or your attitude.
One of the most difficult aspects of obtaining that new lease on life we've been searching for, is, in fact, making the mental adjustment leading up to actual change, to the extent that there is a noticeable difference in the way we are thinking and behaving. At first, we might sit down and attempt to rewrite all the rules as we know them. However, in doing so we quickly realize that this is easier in theory than it is in practice. Most people establish set behavior patterns over time. In the same way that the development of such habits was a gradual process, the "undoing" and replacing of said actions with new ones, will also tend to occur slowly over an extended period of time.
Some tips for success:
1. Lower your expectations. Believe it or not, when we aim too high we lower our chances for achieving the results we desire. It's important to think big, but don't stop at the dream. Practice the art of trimming and shaping your ideals into a feasible plan that works in the real world. Divide that plan into small, attainable goals that are grounded in practicality. Find ways to reward yourself for the progress you make over time.
2. Go with the flow. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your new and improved workstyle and lifestyle. If you're unhappy, set some improvement balls in motion. If some things don't go as planned, keep moving despite setbacks. Modify your plan according to what's going on around you. Know that in remaining flexible, you're more able to roll with the punches and come out on top.
3. Assess what isn't working. Sure, you may be used to doing things in a certain way. But indeed, that "way" might be heading in the direction of obsolete due to changing times and needs. Instead of operating on autopilot, approach your situation with a critical, objective eye. Ask yourself: what's the problem here? What actions am I taking to try and remedy it? Are those actions working? If not, why, and what are my alternatives? What's the next step in my plan for improvement?
4. Live in the now. Most people have a habit of letting past circumstances color their actions. For example, if you recall that your coworkers reacted unfavorably to your suggestions in the past, you might feel less inclined to approach them in the future. Or, if you expect your husband or wife to respond to you in a certain way, you might try to "beat them to the punch" by being predictive about their behavior. This is a very limiting mindset that accomplishes nothing. Instead of dwelling in "what happened last time," approach each situation fresh and see where your efforts take you.
If this were a business plan we might call this an exercise in "thinking out of the box." Because it's a holistic view of our actual everyday life as we live it, let's call it "embracing a more expansive consciousness." In doing something as simple as opening our minds, we are suddenly able to find new ways of solving old problems, and can develop new habits and attitudes that bring us closer to fulfillment in our everyday lives.
Copyright 2007 David B. Bohl, REFLECTIONS Coaching LLC. All rights reserved.
The Art of Changing Your Mind Before You Change Your Life - To learn more about this author, visit David Bohl's Website.
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In a recent issue of my newsletter, Lifestyle and Workstyle REFLECTIONS, I touched upon the concept of a strategic lifestyle plan. Much like the strategy an entrepreneur might use to develop a sound business model, the strategic lifestyle plan serves as a tool to manage one's life more effectively. The key, of course, being that the lifestyle one carves out for oneself is in perfect alignment with one's values, goals and priorities.
As I mention in my article, a necessary step to making real, actionable change in one's life is to select alternate options and develop sound strategies for getting things accomplished. Instead of doing things "the way we've always done them," we must learn to shift our perspective and examine every aspect of our existence with a fresh eye and an unbiased mindset. Basically, this means learning how to change your mind, or your attitude.
One of the most difficult aspects of obtaining that new lease on life we've been searching for, is, in fact, making the mental adjustment leading up to actual change, to the extent that there is a noticeable difference in the way we are thinking and behaving. At first, we might sit down and attempt to rewrite all the rules as we know them. However, in doing so we quickly realize that this is easier in theory than it is in practice. Most people establish set behavior patterns over time. In the same way that the development of such habits was a gradual process, the "undoing" and replacing of said actions with new ones, will also tend to occur slowly over an extended period of time.
Some tips for success:
1. Lower your expectations. Believe it or not, when we aim too high we lower our chances for achieving the results we desire. It's important to think big, but don't stop at the dream. Practice the art of trimming and shaping your ideals into a feasible plan that works in the real world. Divide that plan into small, attainable goals that are grounded in practicality. Find ways to reward yourself for the progress you make over time.
2. Go with the flow. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your new and improved workstyle and lifestyle. If you're unhappy, set some improvement balls in motion. If some things don't go as planned, keep moving despite setbacks. Modify your plan according to what's going on around you. Know that in remaining flexible, you're more able to roll with the punches and come out on top.
3. Assess what isn't working. Sure, you may be used to doing things in a certain way. But indeed, that "way" might be heading in the direction of obsolete due to changing times and needs. Instead of operating on autopilot, approach your situation with a critical, objective eye. Ask yourself: what's the problem here? What actions am I taking to try and remedy it? Are those actions working? If not, why, and what are my alternatives? What's the next step in my plan for improvement?
4. Live in the now. Most people have a habit of letting past circumstances color their actions. For example, if you recall that your coworkers reacted unfavorably to your suggestions in the past, you might feel less inclined to approach them in the future. Or, if you expect your husband or wife to respond to you in a certain way, you might try to "beat them to the punch" by being predictive about their behavior. This is a very limiting mindset that accomplishes nothing. Instead of dwelling in "what happened last time," approach each situation fresh and see where your efforts take you.
If this were a business plan we might call this an exercise in "thinking out of the box." Because it's a holistic view of our actual everyday life as we live it, let's call it "embracing a more expansive consciousness." In doing something as simple as opening our minds, we are suddenly able to find new ways of solving old problems, and can develop new habits and attitudes that bring us closer to fulfillment in our everyday lives.
Copyright 2007 David B. Bohl, REFLECTIONS Coaching LLC. All rights reserved.
The Art of Changing Your Mind Before You Change Your Life - To learn more about this author, visit David Bohl's Website.
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Cheryl MatthynssensCheryl is a life skills coach, licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a 20 year entrepreneur. Cheryl's dedication to achieving a life of balance led to her expanding her teaching from the simple managing of life's daily challenges to adding financial well being as well. A direct marketer with DrinkACT, she is gaining ground in the online community with her concepts of making sure business owners, entreprenuers and employees have well rounded life styles. She opened up a small affiliate site - The Balance Guide- to help others find resources for mental and emotional well being. Visit Cheryl's blog to see more of the diversity beyond business she has began offering online at www.thebalanceguide.blogspot.com - Visit Cheryl Matthynssens's Website |
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Joe DagerJoe Dager is President of Business901, a progressive coaching company providing no-nonsense direction in areas such as Lean Six Sigma Marketing and organized referral marketing. What others say: In the past 20 years, Joe and I have collaborated on many difficult issues. Joe’s ability to combine his expertise with “out of the box” thinking is unsurpassed. He has always delivered quickly, cost effectively and with ingenuity. A brilliant mind that is always a pleasure to work with.” - James R. If you want to learn more about Business901, start a conversation with us. We can be found @ Web/Blog: Business901.com Web/Blog: FundingYourNonprofit.com LinkedIn Profile Follow me on Twitter - Visit Joe Dager's Website |
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Leanne Hoagland-SmithAre your sales where you want them to be? Will you be one of the few who achieves sales or business success or one of the many who have failed to change? Are you tired of being told you are like everyone else? Then you may find my first book on sales of interest. Be the Red Jacket in the Sea of Gray Suits, The Keys to Unlocking Sales available at Amazon or at http://www.processspecialist.com/red-jacket.htm. This book is a reflection of my no-nonsense approach to improving sales to overall business results. If you are truly committed to making sustainable changes, then I can help you secure a positive return on your investment because I focus on executable solutions not telling you the problems you already know you have. From training to corporate (group) coaching to executive one on one coaching, my approach is to assess, create awareness, build a goal driven action plan and then execute. The bottom line question is "Not do you or your employees know it, but do you or they want to do it?" Please call for a free strategy session at 219.759.5601. - Visit Leanne Hoagland-Smith's Website |
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Anne BarrAnne Barr has over 26 years experience in sales and marketing, six years as a franchisee. She has assisted over 367 business owners and purchasers to achieve their goals in career change, transition and exit strategy. She holds the designation of Certified Franchise Executive from the International Franchise Association, Certified Business Intermediary from the International Business Brokers Association and Board Certified Broker from the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Anne is active in professional organizations, networking groups and volunteers for non-profit entities. As owner/operator of four successful businesses, Anne has proven people skills and enjoys helping clients find the right "fit" in business ownership. Visit www.FranchiseOpportunitySpecialist.com for more information about me and my company. - Visit Anne Barr's Website |
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Dave KurlanDave Kurlan is the founder and CEO of Objective Management Group, Inc., the industry leader in sales assessments and sales force evaluations, and the CEO of David Kurlan & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in sales force development. Dave has been a top rated speaker at Inc. Magazine's Conference on Growing the Company, the Sales & Marketing Management Conference and the Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit. He has been featured on radio and TV, including World Business Review with General Norman Schwarzkopf, in Inc. Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine and Incentive Magazine. He is the author of Mindless Selling and Baseline Selling – How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball. He created and wrote STAR, a proprietary recruiting process for hiring great salespeople, and he writes Understanding the Sales Force, a popular business Blog and is a contributing author to The Death of 20th Century Selling and 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2. - Visit Dave Kurlan's Website |
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George LudwigGeorge Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website |
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