In business, geographically and in life, everyone has challenges and troubles.
After nearly three decades of working with clients of all business sizes in locations around the world, we’ve learned that some things apply no matter who, or where you are. Whatever trouble you have, you are likely not alone. Today I want to help you discover that the solutions are also likely not as complex as you think!
What is the Magic Pill?
Those who know me will tell you, I LOVE to learn. Over the years, I’ve studied with some of the best, read more books than I can count, and have attended workshops and seminars on everything from office organization and decluttering to powerful CEO leadership, team building, and industry-specific training. By far, what I enjoy studying the most, is the power of the mind.
It’s a true statement that a majority of the problems we encounter in business can be dealt with, not through a huge investment of money, not with a radical change in tools or technology or staff, and not by switching industries. Sometimes those things are needed. However, in all my many years of working with businesses, from the CEOs to the front-of-house administrative support, the “magic pill” to remarkable, life-changing results, lies between one’s own two ears.
My mentor, Bob Proctor, has studied with some of the world’s most renowned thought leaders. He introduced me to masterpieces like Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret”, Napoleon Hills “Think and Grow Rich” and Wallace D. Wattle’s “The Science of Getting Rich”. Through these and many other powerful books, conferences and personal experiences, I discovered that truly, the change I was seeking was waiting inside me to be nurtured and brought to light.
So what are the tangible lessons I can give to you to begin the process of transformation of deep and lasting change?
Learn to understand how your paradigms were formed, and then how to let go of them. Paradigms (or belief systems, what you have been taught since childhood, right or wrong) are yours and yours alone, however, at some point, those paradigms no longer serve you. A great illustration called “the stickman” by Dr. Thurman Fleet is a great beginning to learning about the flow of thought and the power of your mind.
One small example could be, if you were wired from a young age to never talk to strangers and now you are trying to be a successful salesperson, you are likely experiencing discomfort. Sales involves reaching out to new people who don’t know you! Another example could be remarks that people have said to you about you, your looks or your behavior, etc. that you have accepted as the truth.
There is so much more to truly understanding paradigms, but let’s start with a simple exercise that will increase your level of awareness.
Step 1: Grab a notepad right now and write out as many of your belief systems that you can think of. Then, explore how each of those might be preventing you from growing and moving forward.
Step 2: Next, across from each of these beliefs, write down what you REALLY, REALLY want to believe and desire. This is the beginning of creating a new path of thoughts and beliefs. You can learn how to create effective affirmations in my blog, 5 Tips to Put Power in Your Affirmations for Better Results.
Step 3: Create a daily routine, preferably in the morning, to read your affirmations. The mind is a sponge. Garbage in, garbage out. Positive in, positive out. What do you feed your mind daily?
For me, I like to start each day with a review of some key items:
- At least a verse from the Bible, centered around a word for the day that’s on my heart or mind, as well as readings from other devotionals.
- I like to read or listen to recordings of my personal affirmations, which anchor my current highest aspirations.
- A reading on serenity, which brings me to an absolute state of calm.
- The Self-Confidence Formula from Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”.
You will have your own ritual. Whatever it is, include time to clear your mind and enrich your soul. Also, during the year, I change up my morning routine. The important thing is to have a routine EVERY day that sets your mind in the right direction.
Step 4: Accountability ensures a higher rate of follow-through. This may come in a variety of forms. You may have a spouse, significant other, or close friend who provides accountability in your personal life, whereas you might prefer a business colleague or coach to hold you accountable to professional commitments. Many of our clients retain multiple accountability partners for a variety of needs. If no one is holding you accountable, your odds of following through are surprisingly low.
When you reflect on these lessons, you see that most of what troubles you is in your head. The important thing is to be aware of the thoughts you are thinking and to take responsibility for how you respond or react to those thoughts. If you believe that there could be a magic pill, then I would say it is your thoughts. How you choose to select different thoughts. How you create positive actions to achieve the results you desire. Like taking a magic pill, feed positive thoughts into your mind every day!
At McLean International, our mission is to help people reach their next level of living professionally and personally through strategic planning and processes. We developed this eBook, 5 Key Steps to Achieve Business Growth and Stability to give you a jump start on growing your business to the Next Level, whatever that looks like for you.
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