The first Step

Let’s face it, I believe in one way or another, we are all craving to live in a deeper and more mindful state of being. I see so many awakening to this concept and working so hard to become better versions of themselves. For all of you, Congratulations! This is the very first step in achieving the success you truly desire in every aspect of your life.

There are many inspirational books out there, positive podcasts and some companies and businesses are implementing amazing practices to motivate their teams to create a more mindful environment. Let me just shout out, “Kudos” to those companies and individuals that realize how crucial and important this really is. This is the very first step that one can make and take and should be recognized in a very positive way. What happens next is critical.

The second phase of this MUST be Consistency

Consistency is the key and major ingredient needed to allow those mindful practices to blossom into fruition. Going back to personal lives or relationships, business practices as well as leadership.

Let’s be honest, once you’ve read that book or listened to that speaker you are “pumped up” and ready to hit the road running. Perhaps you’re feeling unstoppable. Don’t get me wrong, this is fantastic! It’s what comes next that I want to talk about.

A little time goes by, and we become creatures of habit and go back to our old ways and comfortable patterns. Momentum becomes lost. For example, a bad day occurs or we are faced with some sort of challenge and little by little we become feeling defeated. Before you know or realize it, that previous drive and motivation revert back into negative thoughts and discouragement. All of a sudden, that unstoppable mentality shuts down and gets deflated. Why? Because we are human. Our set ways and how we are and have been programmed for all of our lives becomes our “norm” and our comfort zone. We’ve all heard the saying… “you can’t teach old dog new tricks”.

We do not need to give into that though. We are actually capable of so much more than we even think and we can change if that’s what we really want to do. Let’s talk about that. Because It is what you do next that really puts the wheels in motion. There must be continued action to keep the momentum flowing. It is called consistency. However, there are a few factors that you have to be open and honest about within before you can set the stage.

Let’s begin

For example; what exactly is it within you that needs changing? Not an easy thing to admit or do, but, here is where you must dig very deep and be completely honest with yourself. Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.

• Ask yourself “What it was that inspired me in the first place?” Write that down.
• “What is the goal or outcome I am looking to achieve for myself?”
• Be very specific and clear about what that is and write that down in full detail.
• Identify the problem that lies within you and the patterns or habits that may be holding you back from achieving those particular goals you desire. These tend to be the negative traits that you may not even realize you are doing. Most of the time they happen on a subconscious level. This why Self-reflection is extremely important. Once you can identify and discover what these are, you can now focus on how to change them and be more aware as they happen moving forward.

So, Write them down.

TIP: Here are some great questions to ask yourself

• • Is my attitude? Maybe my attitude towards myself, others, work.
  • My thoughts throughout the day? Are they mostly negative and self-sabotaging?
  • Is it my pride or ego getting in the way

Make a decision

• • Decide that you are committed to changing this, and how you will do it… with no excuses!
  • Commit to it fully. Write down whatever effort or action needs to take place in order to achieve the outcome you desire.
  • Add it to your daily calendar or schedule and allot the time necessary to accomplishing it. Just as you would any other meeting or function you need to attend to. Create a chart or timeline and be sure to hold yourself accountable.

Recognize that change is not easy. It is hard work and sacrifice. You may even have to put some other things aside for a bit, if necessary, but I promise it will be worth it in the end.

Lastly

Practice, practice, practice every day! The more you do it, the easier it becomes. Uncomfortable at first. But consistency is needed in order to create the change and goal desired. That change will create a better you, with more clarity and higher self-confidence resulting in a better life and ultimately, overall, much greater success.

DO NOT GIVE UP!