Start Minding Your Mind

Mindset changes everything. Mastering your mindset is by far the most powerful tool anyone can learn. (Barb Wade  Business Coach and Mentor)

And yet, it is often thought of as a “soft” topic. Like something that should be considered later… if there’s time. 

Many people think that it’s lack of skill, experience, resources, or knowledge that holds them back from business success.

But the truth is, poor mind mastery skills have been the downfall of more coaches and heart-centered entrepreneurs than you can imagine.

There are probably more diet books on the shelf than you could read in a lifetime. And yet we have an epidemic of obesity. If information and knowledge alone were enough, everyone would be fit and healthy. 

Henry Ford said, “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” 

We’re not talking about wishful thinking here or contemplating your navel until something magically “manifests.” 

I’m talking about have a winning mindset that allows you to take the right actions, and continue taking them, even in the face of challenges, obstacles, and “failures.”

The problem is, that “mindset” is a pretty broad idea. There are so many things that can affect the way you perceive and interpret the events in your life and the world you experience. 

Affirmations and visualizations are fine and can be helpful. But I want to give you some more concrete changes you can make that will shift into a more powerful frame of mind

Take Control of Your Environment

A good friend of mine was able recover from a catastrophic injury by controlling 3 things. The first 2 were mental states, but the 3rd was his environment. He made sure that everything and everyone in his immediate space would only contribute to his recovery. 

What does your workspace look like? Does it bring you joy? Does it reflect your style and outlook? Does it speak to you everyday of abundance? Or is it cluttered, messy, disorganized and piled with “stuff?” 

They say, “the things you own eventually own you.” Make sure that what you surround yourself with (including people!) pulls you forward toward success instead of bogging you down into negativity. 

Take Control of Your Self Talk

We all have a dialogue running in our heads 24/7. It’s a never-ending story we tell ourselves that explains, prioritizes and interprets the events of our lives, moment to moment. And it is this self-talk that shapes our experience.

Unfortunately, for so many of us, the “narrator” of this story is a harsh critic that spends a lot of time criticizing, judging, comparing, and griping. These constant negative messages take a HUGE toll on us. They become the filters through which we see everything. 

But you can take charge and redirect your thoughts. The first step is to just be aware of those critical, unhelpful thoughts when they pop. When you catch yourself you can say to yourself, “Thank you for sharing, but this is what I know to be true…” and consciously focus on a more positive and empowering way of looking at your situation. 

Take Control of Your Money

Many of us have “money issues.” I don’t mean that we need more money, I mean that we have a “story” about money that does not empower us. We may secretly think we don’t deserve to get paid very much for what we do. We may be sloppy with how we account for what we make and what we spend. Cleaning up your relationship to money can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. 

First thing, if you don’t realize this yet, then it’s time to understand that money is not good, bad, right, wrong, immoral, or magical. It is completely neutral. It represents an exchange of energy. 

Secondly, if you have a “fuzzy” kind of notion about your income, it’s time to get clear. Start today by writing down every single penny of money that comes to you on a daily basis. Every penny – even if you find a lucky one on the sidewalk! The Universe provides in many ways, so don’t discount any of it. (Yes, even that birthday money from Grandma).

Track it, follow it, and be grateful for it. That one step alone will begin to shift your focus and attitude with regards to your money. 

As a dear mentor of mine says, “You are the creative force in your life. You and you alone can decide what and how you want to create today.” 

And it all starts with your mindset.