How's That Working for You?

One of the most powerful questions I've ever stumbled across is this: "How's that working for you?" It's especially useful when you or someone you know is living the definition of insanity by doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result! And the question can be applied to virtually any area of life or business.

I ask it this week because for the umpteenth time I've had a conversation with someone who is totally consumed by the gloomy economic picture. And rather than adapt their behavior, try some new strategies, change their mental focus or take some other more creative action, they choose to use their precious creative mental energies ruminating about something they have no control over. So I ask, "How's that working for you?"

The question also comes up in conversations with clients and friends who are frustrated with someone else's behavior and yet keep addressing it the same way in an effort to "make" that other person change. I confess this is me on a regular basis! Once again: : "How's that working for you?"

Imagine if we began asking this question on a regular basis:

• How's it working for you to spend your time and energy wrapped around the axle of someone else's behavior?
  
• How's it working for you to take your precious human capital and use it worrying about the state of the economy instead of doing something to change your economy?
  
• How's it working for you to complain about a situation rather than take constructive action to improve it?
  
• How's it working for you to want the world "out there" to change before you take a step forward?

Whether the issue you are challenged by is large or small, if your response to something isn't working, step back, examine what you've been doing and ask yourself the 64,000 question: "How's that working for you?"

If the answer comes back as a resounding, "It's not!" then it's time to get in gear and start experimenting to find out what does work and start doing that!

Einstein once said that you can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it. So get creative. Break out of the old patterned responses and decide to try something new. Dare to make a mistake. At least by doing something different you learn. By repeatedly doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result you learn what you already know...that something doesn't work.

Here are some ways to break out of the mental ruts that keep you stuck:

• Ask a child what they would do in the same situation.
  
• Gather a group of trusted friends, colleagues or business associates and pose your question or issue to them, then shut up and listen.
  
• Think back to a time when things were working beautifully. What is different now? What is the same? Sometimes a simple shift in perspective can make all the difference.
  
• Ask what you would do if time, money and fear were no obstacles?
  
• Do something completely counter-intuitive. For example: If your current marketing is not working, offer to give a version of your product or service away to a limited number of people, a taste test, if you will.
  
• Make a list of 25 ways to solve the problem or get past the obstacle, without judging them. It's possible a brilliant solution will present itself.
  
• Finally, remember the truth in the old adage: "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've already got."

Dare to examine your actions this week by shining the light of "How's that working for you?" on whatever isn't working in your life and business. And be willing to shift your responses and actions if you want to get different results!

Quote of the Week:

"Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries."

~~James A. Michener

Get Clients Now! Starting March 3!

Still on the fence about whether to enroll in the upcoming session of Get Clients Now? Then join me for a FREE one-hour introductory teleclass on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. to learn the five "secrets" to getting the clients you want, need and deserve!! I'll also include an overview of the Get Clients Now! system so you can judge whether or not this proven professional marketing system is for you. Get all the details about the upcoming Get Clients Now! program on the "What's New" page of my website, www.dynamic-coaching.com. Remember, if what you're currently doing isn't working to bring you the clients you want NOW! then you owe it to yourself to attend this free introductory marketing teleclass. To register, please reply to this email with "GCN! Intro" in the subject line. I'll send you the telephone bridge line and other details immediately.

Living a Five Star Life

Living a Five Star Life, my first book, published by Simple Truths is now available. To purchase one for yourself (and several for friends), either click on the link in this message or go to www.dynamic-coaching.com and click on the link to Simple Truths. Here's what one reader had to say about Living a Five Star Life:

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"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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