Not so long ago, I was searching for quick fixes to change everything or at least one huge thing in my life. That magic pill, process, break in life, etc. I thought if only I could find it I would be happy.
Why did I search?
So, if you’re anything like me, you are always looking for results of some kind. Whether it’s healing from an injury or sickness, improved fitness, being happier, better job, or whatever else it is that could add to your life. We’re always looking to improve things. It’s a very human trait and I think if used properly it is a magnificent strength.
As a species because of it, we have things like electricity, running water, flush toilets, cars, computers, pretty much every modern convenience. All of these things because a person or group of people wanted to make an improvement. That sounds pretty awesome doesn’t it?
Why Couldn’t I find it?
The problem I had was that I thought that whatever “it” was at the time, that it was missing from my life. It caused me stress not to have it. My entire attitude was one of lack because it wasn’t mine.
Many times I tried planning things out down to the smallest detail and it failed. So I learned that didn’t work. Also big on the list was me following someone else’s process very strictly. Well, not everything about their process really resonated with me, so I eventually hit a roadblock that I didn’t have the enthusiasm to overcome and quit.
Ok, so everything I tried did not get me the results I was looking for. Had I failed? Should I quit? I have been blessed to have kept my “child like curiosity” about me so that I continue to question almost everything (What is that? Why do we do that? How does that work? Etc.). So I hadn’t failed, I was learning what didn’t work and making room for what did.
What did I do?
There were many other things that didn’t work for me. As Thomas A. Edison said when figuring out how to create a filament that would function in a light bulb “I have not failed, I have just found 10,000 ways that will not work.”. Let’s just say if I wanted to write a book on all the things that didn’t work, it would take me a long time, I would use a small font, and it would still be a formidably sized manual.
My epiphany/success plan came in 3 parts.
Part 1 – The realization that there is no magic pill to easily fix everything. I needed to find a process that would work for me. Not anyone else, just me.
Part 2 – The absolute understanding in my mind that I was already sufficient (maybe I even used the words perfect as a mantra), I’m alive, living in a 1st world country, I have food, water, shelter, and people who I like and love that like and love me back. I removed the lack attitude and created a gratitude attitude. It’s amazing how much more efficient and powerful I am when I’m happy and confident as compared to stressed and overwhelmed.
Part 3 – of my epiphany was to use my superpower of analysis (some may say I over-analyze things, but it helps me for the most part and I’m REALLY good at it, so I consider it one of my superpowers) to see that the things I wanted to change were actually the result of many smaller things. So, thinking of it like a boat, if you want to have nice things in your boat that was sinking, would you keep buying new nice things and keep letting them get destroyed time and time again? Wouldn’t you rather patch the holes in the boat and then buy some REALLY nice things that will stay nice and as a side affect your boat will float much better? I know I sure would.
Armed with the knowledge of what the foundational issues were and changing them, I was able to make radical changes in my attitude, body, and lifestyle. Happiness, fitness, more love, money, and cool experiences are now something I enjoy on a moment-by-moment basis right now.
If you’re interested in taking the concepts applied above and bringing even more success to your own life, I would also suggest you arm yourself with my articles Habits and New Year’s Resolutions – Pick ONE! If you’re looking for a different approach, John Assaraf, author of the book Innercise has also recommended the following 3 step process.
Step 1 – Pick one desire and get very clear on it. Write down what that change is, in detail. You’re not looking at how to achieve it, just create the change description. How will you feel? What is your life like with the change? Make it so detailed and real that you can visualize and actually feel it.
Step 2 – Make a list of things that you could easily do right now to begin to move closer to your desire. Pick 2 of them and commit to doing those 2 things every single day for 100 days.
Step 3 – Every morning when you get up, first take six breaths. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Purse your lips on every exhale like your are blowing through a straw. After you’ve done your 6 breaths, then close your eyes and visualize your desire as if you have it for 1-2 minutes.
I have not tried the above process, but John Assaraf is known for his neuro science research and behavior modification for successful mindsets. So it may be worth a try. If you do try it, I’d love to hear back from you on your experience.
That’s it! Thank you for reading! If you’re looking for more help in optimizing your own life and would like to engage my services, or have an idea for a blog post, feel free to contact me.
Wishing you happiness, health, and success!
-Gregg
