Mindset Matters

Do the lonely work. Start today. Just because you deserve good things doesn’t mean they are going to give it to you. You have to go and take what’s yours. Usually, being capable of taking what is yours takes place during those lonely hours of sweat, blood, tears, and exhaustion. It takes place when no one is looking. It takes place during a lonely session where no one is watching.

Because our mindset is so important, we need to realize that our attitudes not only have an impact on those around us, but they impact us in a serious way. If you indulge in sarcasm, put downs, pessimism, and self-deprication…stop! Stop right now. Put those thoughts and attitudes aside. They aren’t good for anyone, and they are contagious.

Be fully present with someone. Today when you meet with someone, spend time really engaging with that person. Listen, open your heart, and express your appreciation and love. When is the last time you did that? If you could do this one time a day, how rich and fulfilling would your life become? Work on it. You can do it.

The great one’s want to be coached. They want to explore the forest. They want to climb that mountain, and they want to run that triathlon. They want to push their limits. They want a guide in deep waters. They want to coach to help them navigate the rapids. They want to face their fears, and chase new frontiers.

The word Enthusiasm comes from the Greek words, “En Theos” meaning, “God within” or “From the Divine”. Isn’t that a cool definition? When we are being enthusiastic, we are displaying a God like characteristic. We are literally displaying that we are “From the divine”.

--Here’s my challenge for today. If you are on the playing field, if you are in the board room, or out in the sales field, there will be noise. It comes in the form of social media, gossip, and your own mental chatter. Find a way to listen to that voice inside of you telling you that “you can.” It is a whisper, but if you listen, it is strong. If you listen closely, it is precise, and it is clear.

Start saying no. Say no to everything. Remember, when you say no, you are saying yes to the important things in your life. Sometimes saying no can be just the right thing to get your life back in balance

We all get angry, frustrated, and upset. The people who are able to control their emotions and who are able to control their minds are the one’s who perform at the highest levels. If you can control your emotions and your mind, then you can control your body. If you can control your body, now you can start to control performance. If you can control your performance, the sky is the limit. You can do it. So can I. Let’s do it together.

If you are in the position of mentor, or coach, or you are a leader, don’t be surprised if there is resistance from time to time. Be patient. Help anyway. Lead anyway. You don’t know the complete and individual story of the people you work with. Be willing to help regardless of attitude. They will come around. It will hurt for a moment, but the rewards are great to those who don’t give up on people.

What you focus on matters. Make an effort today to focus on what you are thinking about. Have you ever noticed why you are thinking the way you do? Have you taken any time to notice what you are thinking? It can help.

Write down your ideas and your solutions. Many times we have inspiration and clarity at odd times. Keep a small notebook next to you, or better yet, since we all have our phones, start writing down your inspirations in the “notes” section on your iPhone

Caring is key. If you are putting your heart into anything, caring matters. That includes caring for others and for their goals, aspirations, and commitments. Find someone to mentor, someone that you can help on their path. Giving to others and caring for others helps us to care about ourselves. When we care about others, and we care about ourselves, it makes it easier to stick to our tasks and fortify our commitments

Small changes can make a huge difference in our lives. Change can slow things down a bit. Push reset this week, and see if you can clean off the grime that is holding you back. Most importantly, be the change you want to see in others. When I do this, I am quickly reminded that people usually mirror the way I am acting and feeling. So I am going to start acting positive, feeling grateful, and walking with purpose on purpose. I think you should too.

Enthusiasm. From the Greek word “En theos” meaning from the divine or the divine within. Challenge others with your zest and enthusiasm for your hopes and dreams. Usually we back down to others and acquiesce to others when will feel fear. Enthusiasm is a great barrier to put between fear and belief. Use it to your advantage.

Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to do any of the above activities. You are the captain of your ship. You are the CEO of your own life. Make the decision to be balanced, and then go out and be excellent to yourself and to your loved ones. You will be glad you did.

Authenticity is something we could all use a little more often. When we are authentic, we are true to ourselves, and the people around us begin to trust us more. As they trust us, we become more confident. As we become confident we try more things that will be beneficial to ourselves, our families, and our communities. We need the benefit of you in our communities. Come out of your shell. Risk some vulnerability, and be the confident, standout person that you are.

If you play a sport for yourself, or if all of your endeavors are for your own ego and pride, success will always be fleeting. It will almost always escape you. The research is in, and people who are only out for their own interests don’t score as high on the grit scale as people who play for others, or for a greater purpose. If you know your why or your purpose, studies have shown that you will be much more resilient and you will be able to endure the tough times more efficiently.

This week take a risk in the company of others. Stop trying to save face and let yourself goof up now and then. Tell a joke at the risk of it bombing. Dance in front of other people, but do it because you like it, not because you’re worried what others may think. Sing. Sing a lot. Smile and give a compliment. Practice one minute of pure unadulterated guts per day. Ask her out. Ask for the deal. Ask your boss for a raise. If you don’t ask the answer is always the same. Asking is movement. And as my coach once told me when I was chasing athletic dreams, “God can’t steer a parked car”. Go out and do it. Start by practicing guts every day.

Every time we say no to something that is not important, we are saying yes to something that is important. Keep the important things your life a priority! You know what they are, guard those important things in your life with the word no! It’s really that simple.

You are in charge of how and what you focus on. There are plenty of negative things out there that can distract you from your real purpose. Why would you waste time focusing on a negative radio show, a negative conversation, or a negative tv show. Never in the history of this world has there been more positive things to focus on. Find those positive items. Water them. Fertilize them. And make sure that they get the sunlight they deserve. I can’t guarantee you that focusing on the positive will make you a success. But it does up the likelihood of success. I CAN guarantee you that focusing on the negative will ensure that you are not successful. I think it’s an easy choice. Now, go and focus on the good in your life. Get a little bit better today than you were yesterday. There are great things to come for all of us.