Photo by latvian
Does it really matter whether or not you anticipate things will go well?
Things are going to go the way they’re going to go, right?
Wrong.
Your performance is significantly influenced by your state of mind. So, make it work for you instead of against you.
Let’s say you’re about to go on a job interview. If prior to going your mind is running circles around doubt, fear, discomfort, and even your negative anticipation that you’re just not going to get the job: You’re hurting your chances.
You see… if you get in that chair and believe the outcome is going to be a loss, what does that do for your motivation? In short: It kills it. With a lack of motivation your performance will certainly be compromised. Far better to get into that chair with the fire of heaven in your belly.
If you were running a race and you anticipated you wouldn’t do well, how would your mind and spirit convert that anticipation? Would such an anticipation fire you up? Would it give you strength and focus? Would it make your strides long and true?
It would do none of the above. It would slow you down.
“To be a great champion you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.”~Muhammad Ali
For you writers out there, right before you put the pen to paper, what are you telling yourself?
Here’s how I do:
I stick my hand into a giant jar of toothpicks that is always on my desk. Bring the pick to my mouth, insert it, and let it dangle from my mouth while I type. I’m not making this up either, I don’t make things up.
I simply don’t pen a post without a pick. Son.
And while I’m typing away with the fire of heaven in my gut I envision great things. I envision my dear readers taking a glimpse at my post and coming away with something valuable. I envision an “ooooh, aaaaah, only at Mattress Giant,” kind of feeling that my readers will take away.
I envision an aftermath too. Tweets, stumbles, diggs, and general adulation.
I told you I wasn’t playing. I anticipate things will go well. That I will make a great product. And that people will appreciate reading me and my bro’s blog. I set myself up with my attitude.
In short: I believe in myself.
What’s your next challenge? You going to kick-ass?
You’re damn right you are.
Photo by jasonpratt
Got the fire inside you? Welcome to PI, kiddies.
Bamboo, you’re acting like a real dimwit.
You write,
“And that people will appreciate reading me and my bro’s blog.” It’s “my and my bro’s.”
Do you not understand simple grammar? You need to read my published book on knowledge.
By the way… Is that baton the young man is holding above one of those cocaine filled batons your brother spoke of recently? I really need to get my hands on one of those. Red bull isn’t cutting it.
Are you still bitter about losing the PI Election (http://tinyurl.com/p4og9e)? Geez… it’s over. Please, let it go.
And don’t you remember? I tried reading your book on knowledge, but it was like reading Chinese. Really terrible writing.
So true. Great post it really is all about positive self talk and one’s real subconscious intent. If you believe you will fail, you are actually intending to fail. You have to get yourself into a mindset of success. Thanks for sharing the great perspective. I like the use of toothpicks to attain your state, it might make you look cool too. I gotta give that a try.
@ Matt: Thanks for the good words.
You write, “If you believe you will fail, you are actually intending to fail.” That’s deep, bro. Love it.
Yeah, it really does. Makes me look way cool.
Definitely, try it.
BF -
Am I delusional or does my memory serve me well? The last time I was here…no, the last time I looked at anything other than the post I was reading…there was very little to find. Perhaps some ‘coming soon’ promises.
Now here I am, completely taken back. By the great post, sure. But more so by the stories you tell of your earliest of days, and of the others that are part of this PI space.
I am both confused and delighted. As with a dream, I know not whether it’s true or fiction, but it’s left me feeling just right.
Thanks for that.
I think I can hear Queen in the background playing We Will Rock You.
My problem is that I start out thinking I’m the best but then I have a setback and I lose my consentration as well as my determination and hope. How does one combat a week mind?
@ Jeb: Hmm… Yeah… What’s been here has been here to the best of my knowledge
Though, we are relaunching in this month. Our site will be new.
Thanks for the good words. Glad you enjoy your stay in the PI Universe.
@ Ryan: That’s the highest compliment I could receive, hearing that song in the background. Thanks.
I think… try a little at a time to push a little more than you have prior. So next time a setback occurs, tell yourself: Just this time I’m going to push on just a little more. Do that over and over again.
What you’ll begin to realize is that ultimately, you have what it takes to be relentless. You need only focus your mind and as Nike says: Just do it.
Do it when it hurts and when it doesn’t. The circumstances become irrelevant. Only your resolve is what counts. It’s what gets you into action. And your action is not dependent on a setback.
Setbacks don’t prevent us from success. They always come. It’s our level of resolve in the midst of setbacks that determines where we end up.
I’m still striving to master this myself. The important thing, though, is that I go in the right direction.
You are absolutely right. Positive thoughts bring positive things. Am loving the quantum physics angle!
I like your process Bamboo. Set your intent from the moment you sit at the keyboard.
@ The Lawyer Mom: I believe our thoughts are the fuel for our actions. The higher the quality, the higher the quality of our actions.
@ Marelisa: Well put. That’s right.
Smart thinking. It’s reminds me of scenarios like “I can do this and overcome any challenge” vs. “Maybe I can do this. I hope there are no challenges.” I like your “I can do it” approach. It’s a winning set-up.
@ Laurie: I think so. I think it’s good to have confidence. Confidence has a better aura than doubt.