January 19, 2009

MINDSET MONDAY: Mindset for CHANGE

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
William James
US Pragmatist philosopher & psychologist (1842 – 1910)

Change is a topic that provokes a response from people.

Change has a considerable psychological impact on the humna mind.  To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse.  To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better.  To the confident it is inspiring because he challenge exists to make things better.    King Whitney Jr.

Change is constant.  In the corporate world it is often imposed upon individuals. Re-orgs happen and all of the sudden you are working a new job, with a different group, or forced to look for a job with another employer.

The one thing that is certain is change is constant and the mindset that will focus on the gains of change will benefit during times of change.

Today as I watched CNN’s “From MLK to Today” and their presentation of Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” Speech I was moved to explore the mindset of change.  Our nation has made a change for the positive and more is in store.

This week let’s explore change here on this blog. I am inviting guest bloggers to share some of their insights while also sharing what I know and am learning.  Please jump into the conversations with a comment of your own. I am looking forward to learning from you this week.

July 13, 2009

Today I choose to MANIFEST LOVE

Today I choose to manifest love.  Love with freedom of expression, open communication, peace and security.

I choose to love without restraint, to express my love without fear, to offer and accept an abundant flow of love.

I choose to manifest a lifetime of great love, great compassion, and great friendship.

I choose to manifest a lover of my body, my mind, and my soul.

Today I choose to manifest a lover who challenges me to be a better person, who welcomes me into their life and wants to be a part of mine, who knows my weaknesses and provides a safeplace for their exposure.

Today I am Choosing2Love and be an expression of that love to …

July 13, 2009

Today I choose to MANIFEST STRENGTH & POWER BEYOND THAT OF MY OWN

Today I choose to draw on God, my Wiser Self, and those who guide me from the Spiritual Realm.

Today my heart is broken.  Please gather it’s pieces and fill it with love for all those I encounter.

Today my mind is cloudy.  Please bring me peace and clarity so that I may engage in the here and now without worry for the future or regret of the past.

Today my body is tired.  Please bring me strength and endurance so that I may fulfill my purpose and perform my daily duties with grace and ease.

Today my spirit will somehow miraculously soar because today I chose to manifest strength and power beyond that of my own.

February 7, 2009

How to Create the Abundance Mindset

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Steve of Freedom Education.

Give away what you got.

It’s not that complicated, really.

But let’s think for a minute; what do a great number of people do instead?

When someone has a great idea, they hoard that idea. They don’t give it away. They shelter and protect it. They keep it to themselves in fear that someone else might take it. They think, “I better save that idea for later.” They don’t share their ideas or give them away – they keep them.

Well, let’s think – why would you do that?

The problem isn’t that your ideas aren’t any good. It’s not even because your ideas aren’t worthy or that you aren’t worthy – because you are. The problem is your thinking. You think that if you give one idea away that you won’t come up with more great ideas. And that fear has got you living in the lake of lack.

Instead, you could start by giving what you got.

Let’s look at Bloggers

Why do a lot of bloggers fail to be successful online? Bloggers don’t fail because they’re terrible writers (although there are some). And they don’t fail because they don’t have something valuable to say; they all do – they fail because they stop writing; they stopped giving and providing valuable ideas to others.

To create the abundance mindset, be willing to give.

It’s no different than with money.

Are you Mr El-Cheap-O?

Maybe you’re one of those people who holds onto every penny you’ve got – save money for a rainy day sort of thinking. I know because I used to be that person. Maybe you’re really frugal with your money or what I like to call Mr El-Cheap-O.

There’s nothing wrong with being frugal. What I’m talking about is something completely different. I’m talking about the hoarders, the real savers – the people who are scared to spend their money.

Just remember that holding onto your money doesn’t bring more of it to you. It does just the opposite. Holding onto or hoarding your money (in fear) is evidence enough that you don’t think there is enough. And when you don’t think you have enough, you’re projecting the scarcity mindset or what my friend Julia calls the “scare-city” mindset. This mindset is based in fear.

Are you short on time?

Some people are always running out of time – like it was cash or some commodity. They’re always in a panic to get stuff done. They’re time vampires. They literally devour their time and suck the life out of themselves – until there is no time left.

These time vampires live in the lake of lack. The don’t give away their time because they don’t think there is “enough time” to give. And when you don’t think there is enough, you’re coming from scarcity or lack.

The way you do anything is the way you do everything. If there is lack in one area, then there is lack in all areas of your life. It really comes down to your mindset.

So, how do you break the pattern?

You’ve got to be willing to give from where you are.

Give what you got because giving signals “more-than-enoughness.” It signals abundance. When you’re in a state of giving, and giving willingly you’re telling others (and yourself) that there is plenty. That there is more than enough for everyone.

“You receive through the same doorway through which you give. The way to receive freely is to give freely. Quality is more important than quantity, since the universe amplifies thought into circumstance. Begin giving, and let God perfect your giving.” ~ Brad Jensen

Here are 6 ways to give and create the abundance mindset:

Are you short on time?   If that’s the case, give away some of your time. Take time to give to others. You don’t have to dedicate 90% of your day to serving others – that’s not what I’m saying. Just find that balance between giving and receiving. Find an organization or a person that you really love and volunteer some of your time. Give your time away.

Don’t feel loved? You’ve got to give some before you get some. Give away some hugs. Go out right now and give 5 people you know a big hug. I guarantee right after you do this, you’ll feel great. You’ll feel like a million bucks! Why? Because you feel loved. And you can only feel loved when you give that love to others. Go out right now and hug 5 people!

Short on Cash? Give some away. Yes, you heard me right. I’m not saying you should sell the farm, far from it. But you may consider giving money to a charity, giving money to a friend who needs it, or even giving money to a panhandler in the street. Givers gain.

Are you stuck? Do you want to get unstuck? Help others first. Think of someone you know that is having a similar problem. And think of a way that you could help them based on what you know. Write down what you plan to do to help this person and then go out and do it. I’m telling you this works! When you help others wholeheartedly, help will always come back to you.

Lacking self-belief? Yup, you know it. You’ve got to give it away! If you lack self-belief, then give away that belief to others. What do I mean? Find someone you know who is lacking in self-confidence or in self-belief and give them a boost. Spend some time with this person and feed their mind. Tell them how much you believe in them. Tell them how successful you see them becoming; how you always knew they could make it. Tell them how proud you are of them. Fill their mind with positive ideas. Instill belief in others and belief will come flowing abundantly to you.

Short on ideas? This is my favorite. If you’re short on creative ideas, give them away! Give others creative ways to increase business, find a new stimulating career or improve their health. Give ideas away and ideas will flood right back to you.

With all of these tips, you have to start with where you are. You can’t give what you don’t have. Be willing to give what you got from where you are and I promise you – abundance will flow into your life.

You will be actively creating the abundance mindset.

Steve is a Life Coach and the creator of Freedom Education - Mind Power for Your Personal Growth. He is also the author of the ebook, The Genius Within YOU. You can download his ebook here.

January 22, 2009

How to Be Open To Change

by eHow Health Editor

In order to be successful in life, we must learn to embrace change, not just endure it. Many of us resist and fear change. Change does present challenges, no matter what area of life it’s in. Families change, careers change and bodies change. Learn to be open to change to make transitions smoother. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

Step One

Accept the fact that change is inevitable. Nothing ever stays the same forever. Anything that is alive and well is constantly changing and growing. Change can be a very positive thing when it improves your lifestyle. Be open to change for what you can learn from it.

Step Two

Fight fear as you are learning to be open to change. Many of us simply fear the unknown. Change will never be effortless. It always brings challenges. Learn to trust that you will have the courage to meet the challenges that come along.

Step Three

Change your way of thinking if you want to learn to be open to change. Negative thinking patterns always resist change. Thinking determines emotions and so many of us live (mistakenly) by our emotions. Focus on the positive aspects of a situation. A rebellious attitude often wants everything to stay the same in order to maintain a feeling of control.

Step Four

Decide that you will do all you can to learn how to be open to change in your life. Visit your local bookstore and find books on self-improvement, leadership and motivation. To develop a new mindset, you must work at it. It won’t just happen without some effort on your part.

January 19, 2009

MLK’s I Have A Dream Speech

January 12, 2009

Mindset Monday Challenge: BELIEF

My Mindset Matters definition of BELIEF:
A chosen interpretation of events as evidence to how life works; confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof.

Mindset Monday Challenge:
Select a challenging area of your life; list 3 empowering, 3 limiting and 3 adopted beliefs related to that life area.

Here is an example, when it comes to money one empowering belief I have is I can always make more, one limiting belief is I have to work hard for it, and an adopted belief is it is best to live debt free.

Later this week we will further explore empowering, limiting, and adopted beliefs. We will look for the truth in these beliefs. And I will share how to transform beliefs that do not serve you into beliefs that empower you.

January 12, 2009

My Mindset Matters Definition: BELIEF

BELIEF: A chosen interpretation of events as evidence to how life works; confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof.

January 10, 2009

How to Breakthrough Mindset Limitations

The MyMindsetMatters.com definition for MINDSET is a chosen attitude or intention that determines a person’s responses to and interpretations of situations.

 

In previous articles I have shared how to choose your mindset and examples of when I and others have made intentional mindset choices.  I share these to help you easily explore new ideas and new possibilities.  I share these to help you set aside any limiting beliefs from yourself or others so you can freely explore new ways of living and dealing with life.  My want for you is that you will freely imagine how your can live beyond your present limits. 

 

Many times we set limits on ourselves without even realizing what we have done.  We then carry those limitations around with us for years, some even a lifetime.  When you were a child you formed a great deal of your beliefs about the world, others and yourself.  Think about it, what do you believe about your looks, your athletic ability, money…name the area of your life and you have a belief about it.  And you have gathered a lifetime of evidence to “prove” your beliefs true. 

 

Taking on an innovative mindset does not make you the Thomas Edison of today, I simply allows you to look at your world as though you were an innovator.  You have a new perspective, a new filter to experience life through, a new way of doing things that will render you a different result.  Taking on a new mindset is experimental.  In spite of this you may find yourself stuck, unable to act as if you are your chosen mindset.  If you are having trouble taking on your chosen mindset here are few questions to ask yourself:

 

“What is stopping me?”  There may be something real or perceived stopping you from living your chosen mindset.  Take an honest look at the beliefs that are stopping you.

 

“Who else lives this mindset?”  Finding a role model can be extremely beneficial.  You can model their behavior and ask them about their beliefs around this specific mindset.  You may be surprised to learn many who act with such confidence have merely found ways to get all their nervous butterflies to fly in formation.

 

“Could there by anyone who could live this mindset?”  Answer that question before reading the next line.  This question is to test your belief about if this mindset is possible or not.  I think most mindsets can be lived within the proper context, if you think this mindset is impossible check the context you view it in, maybe your context is impossible and a slight tweak would bring it into the realm of possibility.

 

“What would happen if I did have this mindset?”  Are there any concerns about your safety while you have this mindset?  Explore that, if you are putting yourself in harms way, reconsider the context of your mindset.

 

“Have I ever lived this mindset in the past?”  Pull from your past. Do you associate this mindset with any negative results from your past?  Put aside any judgment and explore your history.

 

“Is there a part of me that would have a problem living this mindset?”  Follow your feelings they will lead you to any internal conflict with this mindset.

 

“What else would I bring into my life if I lived this mindset?”  Exploring all the positives this mindset could bring into your life will provide you with additional positive motivational leverage.

 

“If my wife/husband/brother/sister/best friend were here, what might s/he say I am not seeing about living this mindset?”  Choosing another perspective will open you to more options and solutions.

 

“How would it feel if I could find a way to live this mindset?”  Break out your crystal ball and start seeing the future.  Partner this question with “And how might I find a way to live this mindset?” 

 

And finally, “And if I could find a way to live this mindset anyway, what might I have to do first?”  This is where you uncover the first step to living the mindset of your choice.  This is where you train your butterflies to fly in formation.

 

When you take the time to honestly explore these questions you will uncover your limiting beliefs, you may even show some of your self sabotaging behaviors, but you will take a giant step towards claiming this mindset because now you are aware of what has been holding you back, what could happen if you make this change and how to start the change process.  With this new awareness you are already living the mindset you have chosen.

 

Continue exploring how to break through limitations around your mindset when you accept the FREE gift of the My Mindset Matters Speaker Series.  This is a series designed to allow you and I to gather at the feet of the experts and learn how to create the mindset for success in all areas of our lives.  Please join me for this life changing speaker series, http://www.mymindsetmatters.com, and make 2009 the year you break through.

January 7, 2009

Mindset: How to Choose Your Mindset

The MyMindsetMatters.com definition for MINDSET is a chosen attitude or intention that determines a person’s responses to and interpretations of situations.

 

According to this definition I can chose my response to situations before anything happens to provoke a response.  Everyday I can choose my attitude.  I can choose joy.  I can choose innovation.  I can choose high achievement.  When I awake in the morning and visualize my day…What?  You don’t visualize your day?  You do to some degree, if it is hot outside you do not put on a heavy wool sweater.  If it is snowing, unless you’re my daughter, you are not wearing flip flops. 

 

We all put varying degrees of forethought in to our days.  As you do this, what beneficial character trait, positive attitude or affirming intention comes to mind?  Don’t restrict this thought at all; don’t worry about what you are good at, comfortable with or how someone would describe you.  Just claim it.   For example, today (as I write this) I choose to be a high achiever.

 

Today you have chosen ____________________.  Put a tiny bit of context around this.  For example, today I choose to be a high achiever; I will do what is most important for my business, my family and me.  Now, just as you have put on your clothing, put on this chosen mindset and embrace your day.

 

In all ways today use this chosen attitude or intention as your filter.  When putting together your TA-DA List (some call this a To Do List) remember your chosen attitude.  Make a post it or screensaver with this chosen mindset.  Repeat it a few times to yourself today.  When situations happen, stop for that nano-second, recall your chosen attitude and respond as if you were that attitude in action. 

 

My mom once jokingly told me she never prays for patience, for fear that God would give her situations where she would need to practice and strengthen her patience muscle.  I also believe if she were to focus on being patient, she would attract and be drawn to situations which would require her to be patient, like traffic jams, supermarket lines, and other time wasters. 

 

The more you practice your chosen mindset the more your mind will start looking for the opportunities to put your attitude in action which will strengthen this attribute in you.  To gain more information on how to create a mindset for success in all areas of life listen to the FREE My Mindset Matters Speaker Series.  12 experts in their fields will share how to create a mindset for success at http://www.mymindsetmatters.com