Break the Pattern

We human beings are creatures of habit. We fall into ruts and routines with the greatest of ease. I know I have been in a bit of one lately, and frankly I'm ready for a change! Maybe you can relate?

How is it that we so effortlessly fall into counter-productive patterns? For one, we have a habit of describing our limitations, talking constantly about what we aren't doing and why. Think about the conversations that are epidemic right now, filled with economic doom and gloom. It's enough to discourage even the most cockeyed optimist! The more we describe the "reasons" why we can't do this or that, the more limiting those excuses become. A second reason is that we act our way into counter-productive patterns by default. We plop into the comfy chair after dinner, zone out in front of the TV or spend hours web-surfing and then complain about the results we're reaping instead of asking a pattern-breaking question: "What would be a more effective use of this time?" We wonder why we feel tired all the time, or bored with life or out of shape. In short, we become what we consistently talk about and do. Have you had enough? Are you ready for a change? Then I invite you to declare this the week you break the pattern!

First, I believe it's important to forgive yourself for all the ways you've been self-sabotaging up until now. Then, decide what you want to change in your life. Everything starts with a decision, a declaration, a clear intention. I declare that I want my health and well-being to be #1. I declare that I want to live my life and quit living others lives. I declare that the old patterns will no longer define me now, and I can make other choices that produce more positive results. Issue a declaration about what you are ready to change. And make sure your declaration is written down in clear, positive language.


Second, create a plan. In a conversation this week with a coaching client we were discussing her sales activity. As we talked it became apparent that unless she had a clear, focused plan that was moving her toward her bigger goals, she would likely keep finding ways to sabotage herself. In her words, "If I'm not productive, I become destructive." So pick 2-3 goals you're ready to move forward with and make a plan for how to get there. Include things in the plan like what it will mean when you achieve the goal, and how you'll reward yourself. Energize the plan with emotion by describing how you'll feel. Another powerful tool is to create a dream board of your goals with pictures that energize and inspire you. And when you talk about your goals speak with passion and excitement.

Third, take consistent action. Nothing will replace action. No amount of wishing, hoping and concentrating on your plan will ever replace the power of forward movement, one step at a time. While others are sitting around bemoaning the economic conditions you'll be out taking consistent action, creating and seizing opportunities and growing your business. I had the most wonderful conversation recently with a realtor friend who has already set the wheels in motion to have her best year ever in 2009! How is she doing that when others in her business are dropping like flies? She has a plan and she's working it. Every day, she sets certain activity goals: to meet someone for coffee or lunch, to do what she calls a "pop by", making an "I was in the neighborhood" visit to a prospect, past client or referral source, or she sends a card or note. As a result her referral engine is humming along, and her phone is ringing. It was a joy being in her company. The key is consistent action.

If you have had it with feeling stuck, treading water or just not knowing where you want to go in 2009, I can't urge you strongly enough to break the patterns that are keeping you stuck. Give up the conversations that reinforce all the so-called "reasons" you can't move forward. Take the time to decide what you're ready, willing and able to change, create a plan for how to reach those goals, and most importantly, take actions everyday to move you forward. You have the power to live the life you dream of. You have the power to break old limiting patterns and create new self-fulfilling goals and prophecies. And remember this: "the answer to 'how'? is a resounding "Yes!"

Make it a powerful, pattern-busting week!

Quote of the Week:

"I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake."

~~George Bernard Shaw

Living a Five Star Life

Ready for a powerful dose of inspiration on living with greater joy and authenticity? Then "Living a Five Star Life" is just what the doctor ordered. This, my first published book, is a collection of my most requested Monday Morning Coach articles, combined with beautiful four-color photography and inspirational quotes, published by Simple Truths, www.simpletruths.com. Perfect as a gift for yourself or someone you care about! And be sure to request volume pricing if ordering in quantities.

"Transforming Your Potential into Performance!"
Betty Mahalik, PCC Life & Business Coach, Trainer bettym@dynamic-coaching.com www.dynamic-coaching.com	Dynamic Solutions 5240 Mustang St. Las Vegas, NV 89130 tel: 702 658-4425 fax: 702 658-5802 mobile: 702 443-0175
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