Getting into the right state of mind
Changing your mindset isn’t just a case of toggling your brain from one thought to another. It’s not like flicking a light switch: Happy? On! Sad? Off!
Mindset is a state of consciousness that you must first, turn your attention to and then, allow to wash over you. Once you think it, you must be in it. The easiest way to do this is to remind yourself of a time when you embodied the mindset you’re seeking.
For instance, perhaps you've noticed a loss in confidence in your intuitive decision making abilities. You're an accomplished leader, so at some point(s) along your journey you know you made some great decisions. Think back to the last time you remember feeling confident in your authentic self, in your intuition and the decisions you were making. It doesn't matter how long ago it was. Think about where you were, who you were with, what sounds, sights and smells you recall from that time. Then pull something out from those memories that you can use to help prompt that mindset when you need it most.
In a case of coach heal thyself, this is what happened to me recently....
I woke up with the Monday morning blues. Head full of cold, not enough sleep and an inbox screaming for my attention. I also had to leave the house earlier than usual which meant I wouldn’t see my little boy before he left for school. I hate that. I could feel myself slipping into a negative and distracted head space.
Absolutely not the right state of mind to be in when I'm about to coach a team of super smart leaders. Wishing myself to feel better wasn’t cutting it and I wasn't in the mood to do any positive self-talk, affirmations or power poses. I was falling into a funk, so I put myself back in the place where I always feel most nurtured and resourced. New York City!
I took a few minutes to scan my phone for some pictures of my hometown, friends and family. I reminded myself of the joy and power I feel every time I’m in that place, with those people. If you know me well, you can visualise the next thing I did...
Blowing my nose and channelling my inner Alicia Keys, I started singing at the top of my lungs...
"There's nothing you can't do now you're in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New Yoooork!"
Ten minutes later and voila! Empowered, badass, creative and fully resourced professional at your service!
Regularly exploring your memories and senses in consideration of your mindset is akin to developing a long-term muscle memory. The more often you repeat the practice, the easier it is to access the perfect mindset exactly when you need it most. Usually with little conscious effort.
So, start thinking, is there a particular mindset you wish you could embody more often? Think about the last time you were in that headspace and consider each of your senses. Pull out something that you can refer to, a photo, sounds, smells, location, anything that can help trigger that ideal mindset whenever you need it.
New York is my personal power place. Is there a special place that puts you in the right state of mind? Start practicing your mindset memory development right now and tell me about it in the comments below.
