Change Your Mind

If you want to think differently from others so that you can achieve your dream, then take a look at the following success tips:


Give Yourself Time to Think.  Most people keep themselves much too busy.  They confuse activity with accomplishment.  If you want to perform well, you need to think well.  You can't do that if you never set aside time just for thinking.


Find a Place to be Creative.  I believe that a person who possesses mental discipline can think anywhere.  However, I also know that some environments are particularly conducive to creative thinking.  I really like running along the trail out at a lake nearby where I live.  It's usually me, a few birds, maybe a rabbit or two, and the waves of the lake.  I even talk out loud to myself. (OK I've startled another hiker every once in awhile).  Figure out what works for you.


Force Yourself to Think.  If thinking were easy, everyone would be good at it - and everyone would be successful.  The truth is that thinking can be hard work.  That's why you need to make it a discipline of your life.  Give yourself a goal to think for a certain amount of time everyday.


See Problems as Opportunities.  People who achieve their dreams don't take no for an answer.  They are undeterred by obstacles.  And they see problems as opportunities.  That, in a nutshell, is the essence of entrepreneurship; seeing opportunities in problems.  Learn to think that way and you have unlimited resources for success.


Challenge Assumptions.  One of the most insurmountable obstacles to successful thinking  is the phrase, "But we've always done it this way."  It was Robert Kriegel who said, "Scared cows make the best burgers."  You can't buy into the same assumption as everyone else and think differently as successful people do.  Don't take anything for granted.


Explore Every Option.  Unsuccessful people think there is one right answer to any problem.  Successful people understand there are sometimes dozens.  The trick is to find as many as possible so you can use the best one for that given moment.


Recruit Other Good Thinkers To Help You.  Nobody ever achieved a big dream alone.  Successful people know that they are not big enough, smart enough, or strong enough to do everything themselves.  They get help.  If you want to succeed, work with others.

"If you have trouble thinking outside the box, then blow the box up."

"A minute of thought is worth more than an hour of talk."

Successful People Just Think Differently

The human brain processes thousands of thoughts per day.  And those thoughts turn into decisions which navigate our lives.  Of course some are more critical than others.  Should I refill my drink when the waitress asks?  Should I tell my boss that...well...let's stop there with that one! Do these shoes go with this outfit?  Do I need to exercise more?  Do I need to have a career change at this point in my life?  My friend could really use some heartfelt advice...should I say something?  


My guess is that many of us have the same thoughts every day.  And in the scheme of things many of us go about life in the same fashion.  So much so that some people describe their lives as living in a rut.  Same thousands of thoughts + the same thousands of decisions = rut.  And "rut living" is not a profitable way of living one's life and getting the most out of it.  


So what's up with people we would describe as "successful"?  How do they think differently from other people?
I actually know the answer to this one.  I was taught it back in elementary school when my fourth grade teacher Ms. Hovde said, "You can achieve wonderful things in life if you put your mind to it."


So with that in mind, here's how successful people think:
1.   They think beyond themselves and their world to see the big picture.
2.   They remove distractions and mental clutter to remain focused.
3.   They break outside of their box and explore options creatively.
4.   They build a foundation on facts to see things realistically.
5.   They create plans that will help them act strategically.
6.   They find solutions in every situation by looking at them positively.
7.   They consider the past and gain perspective by being reflective.
8.   They reject the routine and don't accept it just because it is popular.
9.   They reach out to others to join them and think with them collaboratively.
10. They consider others and add value to them unselfishly.
11. They focus on results knowing that the return comes from the bottom line.


So...what do you think now?

Free Advice - Great Advice

Unlike Lucy from the comic strip "Charlie Brown" I won't charge you 5 cents for the following advice.  Matter of fact it's free!


All you have to do is read it and then apply it where necessary.  Each line comes from someone who has learned it from the College of Hardknocks.  Enjoy...


1.  Battle Picking:  Pick your battles and pick them wisely.  You cannot fight over every issue.


2.  Questions:  Ask more questions...


3.  Put Yourself Out:  If you want to succeed, you have to put yourself out there.


4.  Comfort Zone:  Personal growth is more likely to be realized when you're not afraid to get outside your comfort zone.


5.  Poor Advice:  Never take advice from anyone more messed up than you are.


6.  You!:  There is only one person responsible for you.  You!


7.  Up:  Get up!  Show up!  Follow up!


8.  Three Thoughts:  Enjoy what you do.
                                         The positive people are the ones having fun.
                                         If you don't give, do you really think you will get anything back?


9.  Growing Great:  No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined.


10. A Good Goal:  A good goal should scare you alittle and excite you alot!

Visualization: One Key to Your Goals

One of the goals of any speech or workshop presented by LifeWorks is to help my listeners reach a point where they will "see" what their particular goal looks like so they can recognize it.

Visualization is an important personal development tool I like to encourage people to use..  Although visualization has only become popular as a personal development tool since the late 70's, we as humans have been using it since the beginning of time.

Whenever we have an idea or notion to do something we visualize it first.  For instance, if we're hungry and want to eat, we picture different food possibilities; whether we want to cook a meal or go out to eat, and whether or not we want company at our meal.

What is Visualization?

Visualization is the use of our imagination through pictures or mental imagery to create visions of what we want in our lives and how to make them happen.  Used correctly it can bring about self-improvement, maintain good health, help you perform well on the job, and accomplish goals in your life.

Using visualization as a technique invariably results in much better performance and outcome.   This also holds true in business, or in life, such as in delivering a project at work, asking for a raise, or any other situation that requires preparedness and forethought.

How Does It Work?

Visualization or mental imagery works because when you imagine yourself performing perfectly and doing exactly what you want, you physiologically create neutral patterns in your brain, just as if you had physically performed the action.  The thought can stimulate the nervous system in the same way as the actual event does. Performing or rehearsing an event in the mind trains it and creates the patterns necessary to achieve the goal.

To be effective, like any skill, visualization needs to be practiced on a regular basis.

How To Visualize What You Want

1.  Go somewhere quiet and private where you won't be disturbed.  Close your eyes and think of the goal you want to acquire.  My place is sitting on the shore by a lake.  Choose your place.

2.  Take several deep breaths and relax.

3.  Visualize the object or situation you desire as clearly and with as much detail as you can.

4.  Add emotion, feeling, and your senses to your vision.

5.  Practice it at least twice a day for about 10 minutes each time.  (Yes you have the time!)

6.  Persevere until you success.  No microwave thinking here.

7.  Maintain positive thoughts and a good attitude throughout.

The Benefits of Visualization

1.  Helps you focus better in order to achieve your goals.

2.  Inspires and motivates you.

3.  Helps you to improve a skill.

4.  Can be used to rehearse and then acquire new and positive behaviors.

5.  Can boost your mood by using positive, uplifting imagery to alter negative emotions.

6.  Helps build self-confidence.

Right now what could you "visualize" for your life?  A new job,  starting a new business, meeting that person, going back to school, taking that trip you've always dreamed of, volunteering for a cause, running for a political office, starting that diet?  Close your eyes and "see" it.  Going after "it" will become clear and the path that you need to travel down to achieve it will be revealed!

I can "see" you now!

ON SECOND THOUGHT

It's coming!

  

I received the email notification the other day that said it's coming.  There was a time when I really didn't care about this notification.  Back in May of 1971, my objective was to move on in life and go to college.  And I did just that.  I made new friends in college and really enjoyed it.
  
Then I moved to Oklahoma.  Imagine that. A kid from northern Iowa moving to the Sooner State.  Talk about culture shock y'all.  To this day, in a moments notice, I can switch to my 'southern drawl'.  I made friends in Oklahoma that became my family.


Then life's journey brought me to Nebraska.   So I went from being a Sooner to living with Huskers...ouch!  But once again, I've made some good friends and someone once said you can never have too many friends.


I've had some great experiences in my life.  I've been invited to The White House not just once but twice.  As a short-term missionary, I worked behind the Iron Curtain and had my well-being threatened at the end of a communist gun barrel.  I became friends with Steve Largent, an NFL Hall of Famer, and still remember him running a pass route and me throwing a pass to him.   Shoot, I've even sat down with Ted Giannoulas, aka the San Diego Chicken and had coffee together.  I've participated in adventure runs around the world including an 18 mile run at Whistler, British Columbia the site of the 2008 Winter Olympics.


But now it's coming!  This July the 1971 Class of Webster City High School will be celebrating it's 40 year reunion.  The Blue & Gold Lynx will be back!  Of all the adventures and experiences in my life this was one I can honestly say wasn't high on my list.


First of all it means as a baby boomer I have to admit to myself that I'm that age!  I mean really 40 years since graduation.  I'm not that old...just ask me.


Second, most of the 220+ graduates I didn't like.  I literally, with a couple of other best friends, grew up on the other side of the tracks.  For real.  We lived in nice houses, our parents were blue collar workers, but...we lived on the east side of town not the west side.  My parents did not belong to the country club.  It's funny now.  Webster City was a farm town of 8,000 people!  You know that high class society of farm towns.


Third, I know the guys who thought they were jocks and the girls who thought they were hot will be there...just 40 years older now.  I admit I attended my 35th reunion because a best friend asked me to be there.  Those guys and girls were there for it.  There was less hair and more pounds in most cases...but the personalities were still the same.


ON SECOND THOUGHT I'm going to my 40 year reunion.  I was a wallflower at best in high school.  Other then my two best friends, I kept to myself.  I was on the basketball team, ran cross-country and track.  I was involved in my church and was just a pretty good kid who kept pretty quiet.  I had 2 dates all through high school and both of those scared me to death.  Both were like required attendance as a Senior.  Christmas Formal and Prom.  Ugh


I guess when you're in high school you have NO idea what life is going to bring.  When you live  in a small town and where the high school is everything to the community,  it's hard to see past the city limits.  Then one day you leave and find out who you are and what you're capable of doing and being.  I can honestly say my life has been quite a trip.  The people, places, and events I could have never imagined have happened.  I have 2 beautiful children, four incredible grandchildren and a wonderful woman I deeply love.  Life has been good and exciting.  


So now it's time to go home and in some way complete the circle.  To walk into that same country club my parents could never have afforded to join and reunite with the Class of '71.
So yes ON SECOND THOUGHT I'm going to my high school reunion proud to be a LYNX...but better yet proud to be ME!

What You Didn't Hear Your Teacher Say

I had some great teachers going through school.  Raymond Atwood, my high school art teacher, in a word was unique and really a funny guy.  Ms. Miller, my 5th grade teacher, was dedicated and wanted every student to succeed.  Dave Hilton, 7th grade history teacher, knew every student's family and took a personal interest.  And then there was Professor Brown.  He was one of those guys who often spoke to you without using any words..if you catch my drift!  The two of us still stay in touch as I value his sage advice.  


But...for all these great teachers taught me along with other wonderful educators,  I've learned from another teacher who's name is "Life."  Let me share some of those lessons that have been so valuable and the wisdom I've gained.


1.  As Richard Carlson says, "don't sweat the small stuff," and most of it is small stuff.  When we allow ourselves to get caught up in small stuff we ruin our perspective and don't take the time to enjoy the moment.


2.  Life can be unpredictable and throw you some curves.  Just go ahead and say "never" and see what happens.  To avoid the jolt when life's surprises come your way, be prepared by being open-minded and maintain the positive mindset that welcomes the life lessons offered.


3.  The most boring word in any language is "I".  It's wonderful to be self-confident and self-sufficient, however, it's not all about you.  Being self-centered is not the same as having self-confidence.


4.  People are more important than things.  Relationships are more important than any material goods you may acquire on the road to success.  Setting your values and priorities  can help you establish what's important.


5.  Nobody else can make you happy.  Your happiness and state of mind are your responsibility.  Our relationships enhance our lives and make them richer, but they do not "make" us happy.  We do.


6.  Character and integrity count.  It's important to be a person of honor.  Your good word and deeds inspire trust and confidence from family, friends and employers.  Be the kind of person others are proud to know.


7.  Forgive yourself, your friends and your enemies.  We are all only too human.  All of us slip sometimes and make mistakes.  Holding grudges and past hurts only serves to prevent us from enjoying life to the fullest.


8. Persistence will eventually get you almost anything.  Never give up.  Keep your goals and dreams alive.


9.  It's OK to fail.  Everyone has failed at one time or another.  Failure is a great life teacher.  Thomas Edison had a great attitude towards failure.  he said, "I have not failed.  I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."


10. Learn from the mistakes of others.  There's an old Zen proverb that states: "It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others."


11. Don't be afraid to show and tell others you love them.  Life is short!  So learn to give and receive love.  Love and be loved.


12. Live so that there is only standing room at your funeral.  Be the best spouse, parent, friend, boss, worker that you can be and leave the world a better place than you found it.


"The difference between school and life?  In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test.  In life, your given a test that teaches you a lesson." - - -Tom Bodet

Reinvent Your Future

In my last blog I talked about how to re-energize your life. It's important for each of us to examine regularly where we are physically, mentally, and spiritually in life.  If we don't, we run the risk of having that continual feeling of being run down and mired in the muck of life!


A critical step in the process of getting re-energized is being able to wake up each morning and loving what lies ahead. With that in mind, there may come a time when you seriously need to consider Reinventing Your Life. Without having defined goal(s) in our lives we soon find ourselves in rut that feels like it's three feet deep.  Some people refer to feeling "trapped with no way out."  It's not unusual for these folks to be discouraged and depressed.  They ask themselves things like, "is this all there is?"  The thought of being 
re-energized is a pipe dream at best.  


I've thought about what allows people to lead successful, happy, and energized lives.  Here are some characteristics of these people that everyone has the opportunity to incorporate in their own daily lives:


Successful People...


...have a clear dream or goal.  They pay attention to what makes them feel happy, enthusiastic, and energized.  They use that information to assist them in making the right choices and decisions.


...visualize and affirm their success.  Not all of them sit down and formally focus on visualizations and affirmations.  They picture their dreams and in their own internal dialog they affirm their ability to achieve their goals.


...trust their intuition.  Whether they call it a hunch, an instinct, or Divine guidance, they pay attention to their inner voice.  They listen to it and act upon it.


...take appropriate risks.  They understand that they'll have to move out of their "comfort zone" at times and risk doing something unfamiliar.  They know that everyone feels nervous and anxious when attempting something new.  Despite this discomfort, they persevere.


...have patience and faith.  To achieve their goals they have a long-term perspective.  They know they'll achieve what they desire.  They understand that there will be tough times but they keep at it.


...take action.  They understand that small steps are important.  They have a plan.  If they meet with a detour or an impediment in their path, they simply step back and reassess the situation.  They discover where they may have gone wrong and proceed to take action again...this time in the right direction.


So if you want to feel successful about your life think about the possibility that it's time to re-invent yourself.