3 Inspiring Ideas

I had the pleasure of seeing guitar entertainer Mike Rayburn speak in San Diego at a conference this week. I had never heard of this musical motivational presenter before and was rather cynical as to whether it was going to be worthwhile at first. But he made three tremendous points in a ‘less is more’ approach that is something we can all learn and benefit from.

1. Ask yourself ‘what if?’

Since life does not follow even our best laid plans, be more willing to face problems and challenges by asking yourself, ‘what if I did do that?’ After all, you are not saying you WILL change, but at least you’re entertaining some fresh ideas. Rayburn pointed out that too often we aim (and settle) for mediocrity and do not use our resourcefulness and creativity enough.

Many people do not think of themselves as creative but the truth is more likely that we are not asking ourselves the right questions. ‘What would it look like if I did (ex.) add product a and b to my business?’

The most fulfilled people create change rather than manage it or react to it. He advocated using the question: ‘what have I got to lose?’

Lastly he encouraged the audience to poke some fun at our problems because using humor can help us come up with more helpful solutions and an outside perspective.

Do yourself a favor. Take some quiet time to reflect on a key ‘what if’ question. It will help you develop some fresh insights and possible solutions.

2. Set ONE huge goal that doesn’t seem possible

A goal that is a fairly small step above where you are is not going to get you thinking very hard nor is it going to motivate you that much. You’re most likely to say: I need to work harder, smarter and meet 2-3 new clients each week/month.

However, when your new goal seems beyond you, you must think in more creative ways. Write down your goal, commit to it and do something about it within 24 hours. Rayburn also commented that your leap of faith will be rewarded and “the universe will come to your aid. I don’t know why it does that or how it does that - and I don’t really care, but it does!”

Complete the statement “In a perfect world I would” and avoid shooting down every thought you have! We know the world is not perfect but you will see no progress if you start cautiously. Rayburn played at Carnegie Hall recently and said he was feeling that he did not belong in the company of the other greats who had performed there. But as he waited to be introduced, he said to himself: “This may be intimidating but it’s exhilarating!” He focused on the exciting part of pushing himself to his limits and not on the fears that we hold ourselves back with.

Note: he suggests you set one huge goal not 10.

3. Resolve to be the best. Answer the question: what would it take for me to become the best?

This is rarely difficult to answer. It is not about working 80 hour weeks but simply about leading a more fulfilled life by challenging yourself to reach higher.

He made a very interesting remark about what motivates us. Many believe we are driven purely by pain and pleasure. He thinks that each of us should be driven by connecting to our sense of purpose. “If you’re still here, believe you are here for a reason!” This too may likely require some thought on your part. What is your purpose? Why do you do what you do?

Interestingly, when he was advised to ask himself this question, the first thing on his list was ‘take lessons’ even though he’d been playing guitar for over 30 years. He shared that he will be in Spain for a week next month to learn from one of King Crimson’s guitarists. It’s refreshing to hear someone so accomplished acknowledge that consistent self-improvement is so important.

“If it makes you better, bring it on!”

Do something!

a) Ask yourself ‘what if?’ ex. I change my target market, business plan, relationship situation, business location. What would that look like? What have I got to lose?

b) Complete the statement: “In a perfect world” to identify a goal that exhilarates you

c) Answer the question: what would it take for me to become the best?

Who else would appreciate you forwarding this on? Who should you print this off for and give to?