Have you ever spent a Friday night with your honey trying to figure out what you're going to eat only to be frustrated because you can't agree?
You both know what you DON'T want but can't decide what you DO want.
The same can happen in business. We always know what we don't want because of the emotions we tie to it but when it comes to stating it in a clear strategy, we can't.
The biggest mistake we make when working with our subconscious mind to seek out our goals is stating them in an unclear way that presumes we’re avoiding something instead of going towards pleasure.
This week on the blog and podcast, we’re discussing the power of positive emotions and how we can turn the things we don’t want into a clear strategy toward what we do want.
The Role of Our Emotions in Goal Achievement
Let's talk about the magic behind the NLP communication model. Imagine your brain as a sophisticated filter, processing life through our five senses. Our senses play a pivotal role in shaping our emotions, which then guide our actions. Each piece of information is filtered through our past experiences, beliefs, and values, painting our reactions with a broad brush of emotions. This process can deeply influence our drive and the paths we choose, especially in the realm of business.
Our brains then delete, distort, and generalize this information to make sense of it quickly. If we invite 2 people to buy from us and they say no, in a misaligned emotion, we can quit asking and then generalize that NO ONE wants to buy from us. This fear of rejection may stem from a time in our childhood when we felt left out, rejected, or like we didn’t belong.
So, when we face a business setback, our brains aren't just reacting to the here and now; they're pulling up an entire history of what this failure feels like, based on our past.
Negative emotions and beliefs overrun our minds like a garden overrun with weeds. Just as weeds can choke out the growth of new plants, these unhelpful beliefs can stifle our growth and success. It’s crucial, then, to be clear about what we do want—to plant the seeds of success, abundance, or health and ensure the soil (our mind) is primed to nurture these seeds.
That is why I like to use TIME Techniques to help my clients shift into a more powerful belief system.
Shifting Into a Positive Emotion
Here's where the shift happens. Instead of focusing on what you don't want ("I don't want to feel sad"), it's crucial to pinpoint what you do want. The subconscious mind loves clarity, but it can't process negatives. Tell it not to think of a blue tree, and all it hears is "blue tree." So, we flip the script. By defining the positive emotions we aim to embrace, we set clear instructions for our subconscious to follow.
To illustrate, let's consider these emotional shifts:
From Unmotivated to Passionate: Reconnect with your 'why' by recalling the reason you started your business. This rekindling of passion can transform the way you face challenges, keeping you committed and motivated.
From Doubt to Confidence: Confidence is like a beacon, guiding our business decisions and inspiring trust in those around us. A simple yet powerful exercise is creating a success jar, where you jot down every achievement, big or small. Whenever doubt creeps in, pull out a note from the jar and remind yourself of your wins.
From Hesitation to Determination: Setting small, achievable goals can help build momentum, reinforcing your determination and helping you overcome obstacles with ease.
Guilt to Self-Forgiveness: Recognize guilt as an indicator of your values and use it as a catalyst for positive change. Journal about the situation causing guilt, acknowledging your feelings without judgment. Reflect on what you've learned and how you can apply this insight moving forward.
Sadness to Joy: Sadness often signals a need for connection or reflection. To shift into joy, engage in activities that bring you happiness or fulfillment, even if they seem small. Write a gratitude list focusing on the aspects of your life and business that you're thankful for, and immerse yourself in a hobby or activity that lights you up, connecting with the present moment and the simple pleasures it offers.
Frustration to Patience: Frustration often arises from unmet expectations or feeling stuck. To cultivate patience, practice mindfulness or meditation to stay grounded in the present and reduce reactive emotions. Reflect on past challenges you've overcome, how you grew from those experiences, and how they might be preparing you for future success. Revisit your goals and strategies, adjusting expectations and plans with a fresh perspective and renewed patience.
Maintaining the Elevated Energy
As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, where our emotions can either be our greatest asset or our most challenging obstacle. Embracing positive feelings is one thing, but maintaining them? That's where the real magic happens. Incorporating a mindfulness routine into your day is like setting the sails on your ship; it guides you through the stormy seas of entrepreneurship with grace and resilience.
Here’s how you can keep those positive vibes flowing:
Start with gratitude: Start your day by anchoring in gratitude. Spend a few minutes each morning meditating on three things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of your morning coffee or as profound as the love of your family. This practice sets a positive tone for the day, reminding you of the good in your life before diving into the demands of work.
Set achievable goals and celebrate milestones: Ambition drives entrepreneurs, but it's the celebration of small victories along the way that sustains momentum. Break down your grand visions into achievable, bite-sized goals. Each time you reach a milestone, take a moment to celebrate. This could be as simple as a self-congratulatory note, a special treat, or sharing the achievement with your team or mentors. These celebrations act as checkpoints, reminding you of the progress you’re making towards the bigger picture.
Focus on progress, not perfection: In the whirlwind of entrepreneurial endeavors, it's easy to fall into the trap of chasing perfection. Instead, shift your focus to recognize and appreciate the progress you're making. This mindset encourages a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Celebrate the drafts, the prototypes, and the beta versions—they are proof of your advancement and effort. By acknowledging that every step forward is a victory, you cultivate a nurturing environment for growth, innovation, and self-compassion.
Surround yourself with positive people: The company you keep significantly influences your mindset and attitude. Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and friends who uplift you and believe in your vision. These relationships can provide not only practical support and advice but also emotional sustenance. Engage in communities—both online and offline—that resonate with your values and aspirations.
The positive reinforcement from these circles can be a powerful antidote to the isolation and self-doubt that entrepreneurs often face
Practice self-care: Lastly, but most importantly, prioritize your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, and your health is your most valuable asset.
Develop a self-care routine that includes adequate sleep, nutritious meals, regular physical activity, and mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga. Equally crucial is setting boundaries to protect your time and energy, preventing burnout, and ensuring you have the resilience to face challenges head-on.
Your Next Steps...
Imagine stepping into a world where every business setback, instead of leading you down a path of frustration and negativity, becomes a stepping stone toward your greatest achievements.
As entrepreneurs, we have the unique opportunity to craft our destiny. But to navigate the stormy seas of entrepreneurship with grace and resilience, we must anchor ourselves in the power of positive emotions. It's not just about combating the lows; it's about elevating our highs, maintaining our energy, and moving forward with purpose and joy.
If you're ready to unlock this transformative power within yourself, I invite you to book an Abundance Activation call with me. Together, we'll explore the depths of your emotions, beliefs, and aspirations, and lay down a roadmap to not just achieving but exceeding your business goals. This is your moment to shift from where you are to where you want to be, surrounded by abundance and propelled by positivity.
Take the first step towards a limitless future. Let's embark on this journey together, transforming challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality. Book your Abundance Activation call now, and together, let's unlock the abundance that awaits.
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