At a time when many people are chiefly concerned with keeping their business stable (even afloat), it seems rather superfluous to be asking this question. But I would argue that keeping our heads in the right place is even more important at the moment and the outlook or philosophy we have on life can make a significant difference – if we truly buy into it.
I was reminded of this recently re-listening to one of the most motivating and insightful audio programs I own: John Eliot’s The Maverick Mindset.
A strong philosophy can help us focus on:
1. Our purpose rather than on a specific outcome or goal that may or may not happen.
2. Seeing the world in an empowering way – why would you not want this?!
3. Who we are going to BE which must come before we can have and do anything, right? If you want respect, first we must be respectful; if you want love, be loving.
A strong philosophy can help us avoid:
‘Someday living’ – I’ll take that trip/spend more time with family/buy that cool gadget
(=someday) when I have enough money. Or: As soon as I lose that extra weight
(=someday), I’ll start dating again/buy some nicer clothes.
A strong philosophy can help us avoid:
Create a philosophy that gets you thinking in terms of what’s possible not what’s probable.
Tiger Woods’ philosophy may surprise you:
“Expect to perform and expect to do well. Don’t expect success.”
Remember:
1. You only need one!
2. Give it time – truly work on crafting something that fits you and resonates deeply!
Here are some examples:
I can think any way I want and, if it’s possible, I’m the one who can do it
You’re born. You live. You die. (Only one of these is in our control)
If I am not failing spectacularly, I’m not in the game. I’m dying and I don’t know it.
Life is about finding out what I’m capable of doing with my God-given talents
Everyone has to sit on the toilet (reduce your fear of prospecting!)
All I can be is the best I can be
My life is what my thoughts create.
My decisions, my confidence and how I want to feel every day is up to me.
The thrill is not arriving; the thrill is the challenge of getting there
Appreciate your competitors because they help take you to the next level
Life is not worth it unless you feel it
If I can see it in my head, I can accomplish it
The thrill of a project comes from the uncertainty of its outcome
I see every obstacle as an opportunity to succeed
I see every obstacle as a potentially funny story to tell
I see every obstacle as a tale I can tell my grandkids
Life is about finding as much meaning/happiness/fulfillment (what is that for you?) as possible, not about the money I make or the title on my office door
I evaluate myself based on heart, character, effort, attitude, will power, and soul (not on goals and numbers.)
I only can control what I can control
I get to write my own autobiography
For every great innovation, somebody had to do it for the first time
I do what I do and I do it tenaciously
Every day that you smile, laugh and cry is a full day
I always look for a reason to be successful
It’s not about the money I make, it’s about the people I touch
What I can also attest to is that for the past three years I have either had my philosophy posted on my bathroom mirror or is something I’ve said aloud most mornings to myself. I always find it beneficial to have mental strategies that keep me resilient and optimistic. Good luck crafting yours. Please forward these ideas to other people who matter to you and share the wealth.
