You Are An Incredibly Awesome Person.

We’ve all heard the saying ‘True strength comes from within’. Successful people (and by that I mean those really annoying people who make us feel crap because they are out there actually living their dreams) know that a healthy mindset plays a strong role in their performance.

The mind (especially the subconscious mind) has incredible power that many people don’t acknowledge or use to their advantage. Let’s be logical here, our inner worlds must create our outer worlds. I mean, how else would we make decisions and then actually go out there and do stuff? It all comes from the mind. Our thoughts dictate everything we do, say, and, erm, think (duh).

Our minds have the ability to make us stronger, more resilient, more confident, even wealthier and happier. Sounds like the kind of thing you hear before someone tries to sell you $40,000 worth of books and CDs for only $5,000 because you took control of your life and attended their seminar, doesn’t it?

If you’ve heard it all before my apologies and commiserations because (a) you already know it all, and (b) it’s easier said than done, and (c) I don’t have $40,000 worth of books and CDs to sell you. If you haven’t heard it all before, then perhaps this article can help you avoid the trap the rest of us fall in. The dreaded mindtrap. It goes something like this:

1.                  You think about something you want

2.                  Thinking about it makes you feel good

3.                  Then you think about what you need to do to get it

4.                  Thinking about that makes you feel bad

5.                  You think about something else instead

Let me put it another way: you know what you WANT to make your world a better place but DOING it is another matter altogether, so you toddle off to wash the car instead. What you end up with is a clean car and your dream of sailing a yacht around the world is safely tucked away in the deep recesses of your mind where it can’t hurt you. Well, for a short while…

When we think something is possible – even better when we have proof that it is – it is easier to make it a reality. But if we don’t believe or we don’t have any proof that it’s possible the chances of us getting what we want are kind of slim.

So how do we train our brains so that we avoid the mindtrap? The way to start is to be honest and realistic with ourselves about what we really want in our lives. Let’s go back to that thought – the one that makes you feel good. Is it something you really want or just an escape route from your present reality? Is it something that will lead you towards happiness and fulfillment? If it really is something you want, are you prepared to do whatever it takes to get it? If not, then it’s time for some serious soul-searching.

Unless you’re the sort of person who just has to think about what you want and da-dah! there it is (I know people like that. What’s their secret?) then it is crucial that you have clear goals and realistic plans. I know it sounds cliché and washing that car right now probably sounds like a hell of a lot more fun, but this is your life and your dreams we’re talking about. You don’t want to end up on your deathbed with regrets. Be prepared to do what it takes.

For starters follow these four points:

1. Set smart and authentic goals.

2. Create a strong, clear mental picture of these goals using visualisation techniques.

3. Reinforce these ideas often using affirmations.

4. Maintain a positive focus on your objectives and employ interventions such as negative thought-stopping techniques.

If it all sounds too much, then download a copy of my ebook, ‘help yourself to a new life‘ (it’s free, folks). It’s got some great basic information about goal-setting and the benefits of training your brain. Basically, what I’m saying here is that getting what you want isn’t based solely on talent, skill and hard work, but on mental strength and a clear vision of where you want to go. Decide what you want, know why you want it, and that will naturally equip you with a strong desire to achieve it. It’s all good, folks. It’s all truly and unequivocally good

All the best to you,

Tracey