Do You Mind?

Do You Mind?

5 ways to change your mind

What an incredible power we sit on each and every day.

Actually, when you think about it, this power sits on us. 

Sitting on top of our shoulders is arguably the single most powerful thing on earth. Now I am not talking about that new haircut you just shelled out $75 for, I am talking about your brain, and more specifically, your mind. 

Interestingly, our aptitude to use logic, reasoning, language and so many higher-order thought processes is only the foundation for us (human beings) to be pretty cool. Where we realise our true power is via the mindset we adopt; that’s when we can apply these amazing cognitive gifts. 

So here are some simple but effective things to consider to truly realise your full potential, to use that beautiful mind to full effect. 

1. Accept it takes effort

Interestingly, setting our mind a certain way (adopting a mindset) is not usually a preference for us. We tend to live our lives in autopilot, adopting a mindset that is governed by external circumstance and culture. 

To consciously adopt a mindset needed (eg. Possibility mindset, Courage mindset etc) we have to view the world through a different filter and think differently. Our default is to not consciously adopt a mindset, it is to simply accept what is there for us already. Changing a mindset takes energy and effort.

2. Get into routine

I listened to someone just yesterday speak about how they regularly meditated for 30mins to start their day, and the days where they found themselves ever out of routine often were pretty tough days at the office. Choosing a regular method that accompanies your mindset makes sense. Whether it is a meditative practice or prayer, a run in the afternoon to relieve the days stress, or simply a quiet 5 minutes to gather your thoughts for what might be ahead, having a routine or process you engage upon can be the trigger to adopt or reset the mindset you seek.

3. Consider the consequences

Take the time to reflect on the difference that a mindset shift might have. Take the following  series of events; a proposal you put forward for work is refused, later in the day you get a parking ticket, and when you try and ring a friend to seek comfort, they blow you off. 

One mindset might view the whole world is out to get you, and nobody cares. So you stop putting forward proposals, rip upon the ticket in disgust, and text your friend accusing them of being selfish! Ouch.

Another mindset might see the refusal as valuable feedback, the parking ticket as a reminder to watch time more effectively and the phone call as not the right time for your friend and they will more than likely give you a call back. Forget positivity, just look at the facts; same three incidents, very different consequences. Think about the resultant differences between the following pairs of mindsets;

• Cynicism vs Possibility
• Ignorance vs Empathy
• Isolation vs Collaboration
• Loss vs Opportunity
• Miserliness vs Generosity
• Arrogance vs Humility
• Conformity vs Innovation

There’s a huge difference in the results of those battles within our own mind.

4. Mantras work, man.

OK, so you don't have to sit cross legged and chant away like a Tibetan monk wearing a business suit for a mantra to have profound effect on your mindset.

Perhaps it is as simple as a Post it note on your computer monitor, or a couple of select phrases you rehearse before a presentation, or maybe even a recurring word you embed into your writing or speech; however you decide a mantra will work best for you is cool. My personal favourite all-time mantra when I was growing up? The words the late Michael Conrad used to say on Hill St Blues at the end of the morning briefing. “Hey, let’s be careful out there.”

5. No time like the present

So what are you waiting for? Mindset shifting needs not happen tomorrow, it can happen today. Whether it is yourself, your work team or even your organisation, a fundamental shift in how you view your world can start right now. Time’s-a-wasting.

So whatever your current circumstance, no matter how good, bad, or indifferent, it’s worth checking up on your mindset. After all, it’s where your most extraordinary power exists... the power of your mind.

Warm wishes,

Darren and Alison

Invite your friends and colleagues to sign up to our newsletter

The PLUG: Dealing with the Tough Stuff Program

Thursday 24 March 2011

Having trouble delivering results from critical conversations?

'Dealing with the Tough Stuff' gives you, your management or organisation practical tools to deal with the really tough conversations within your workplace.

Many managers struggle with the process of dealing with tough conversations and in many cases actually avoid them completely.  This strategy of avoidance reinforces undesired behaviours and may precipitate further problems.

One of the biggest responsibilities with a leadership position is the importance of addressing and dealing with staff issues.  At times this requires you to 'step up to the plate' and ultimately deal with the tough stuff.

Visit www.toughstuffprogram.com for more information on Dealing with the Tough Stuff.

To register your interest  for Dealing with the Tough Stuff on Thursday 24 March 2011 please contact Matt on 0418 577 277 or matt@pragmaticthinking.com. 

THE GIFT: Zig Ziglar on Attitude.

This weeks free gift is an 'oldie but a goodie'. Zig Ziglar, the grandfather of the motivational movement talks about how attitude is everything. It's like listening to Grandad tell a great story!

Check it out here!