Adding More Life to Your Years #1

The most recent theoretical studies suggest
that the maximum human lifespan is 125 years.
If you want to have impact, you must be around
long enough to be a person of impact.

If the above is true (which it is), then why are we not living to 125?

Obviously, we’re doing something wrong.

Lack of exercise, GMO’s, hormones, microwaves, fast food, dead foods, and many other toxins are stealing not only your lifeforce, but your life itself!

These poisons affect your mind as well.

The only time you’re not totally vibrant, vital and alive is
when you’re doing something to disconnect yourself
from your unlimited power source.
Plug back in!

The two primary assets you’ve been given by your creator are your mind and your energy.

How are you doing with these assets?

The two most valuable assets you’ve been given by
your creator are you mind and your energy.
How are you doing with your assets?

Everything you do is determined by these two tools that you have at your disposal. If you don’t have the right tools, you won’t be able to create the results you desire and deserve.

These two assets are so intricately interwoven that discussing one without the other is unjust.

What I’d like to do is ferret them out a bit separately as much as possible.

Let’s discuss your psychology and mindset first. We’ll discuss your energy in the next installment.

But please realize that everything affects everything. Your mind affects your energy; and your energy affects your mind.

Most people are anxious to improve their circumstances,
but they’re unwilling to improve themselves.
They therefor remain bound.

There’s no denying or arguing that we live in a rapidly changing world.

Rapid change tends to cause fear.

We’re all creatures of habit; and whether we like to admit it or not, we like things to be predictable. Predictability gives a false sense of security.

Unpredictability on the other hand, tends to set off what psychologists call our “negativity bias.”

We ALL have it.

It’s part of our heredity and genealogy.

This negativity bias keeps us looking for danger and things that may go wrong versus opportunity and things going right.

While this may have served mankind back on the Serengeti, it no longer serves.

Psychologists prove that you have a “negativity bias.”
A bias that’s always on the lookout for danger and what may go wrong.
Your greatest battle, as well your greatest opportunity,
is to defeat this monster of The Resistance within.

Defeating The Resistance within is a lifelong pursuit.

It’s a 24/7/365 job.

Even when you teach leadership and performance this still holds true.

None of us is immunized. But we can build more mental and emotional strength by going to the mental gym day after day.

Science now tells us that your brain is plastic. In the studies of neuroplasticity, we realize that not only can the brain build new neurons, it can literally change its structure.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s easy. It’s not.

Change is hard. That’s why most people don’t do it.

Recognition is the first law of learning and transformation.

Once you recognize something, only then can and will you take steps to improve it.

The second recognition, following negativity bias, is that most of us have been programmed into what Carol Dweck’s research from Stanford calls a “Fixed Mindset” versus a “Growth Mindset.”

Read here for more explanation about Growth Mindset.

You’ve most likely been programmed by society
with a “Fixed Mindset” versus a “Growth Mindset.”
It’s not your fault. But it is your responsibility.

This is a much lengthier conversation than we can have here. But suffice to say that a Fixed Mindset causes you to be risk averse. It causes you to fear making “mistakes.”

A Growth Mindset on the other hand embraces mistakes, it knows that the only way to truly grow is to push off from the known into the dark unknown.

Your greatest teacher is most often your last mistake.

A Growth Mindset can be developed. Three strategies to develop this powerful mindset are:

  1. Recognize: Notice The Resistance within. The negativity bias, the self-doubt, fear and insecurities.
  2. Choose: Once you recognize The Resistance and its fixity, choose to do the exact opposite of what it’s telling you. Choose to see challenge and setbacks as opportunity for growth.
  3. Act: Take action on your new choice until it becomes a habit and is moved to a state of automaticity.

Your move.

More to come.

Stay Awake, Love Life, and Be Epic!

James

P.S. Like to have more detailed and personal Leadership and Performance Coaching? Get a free Ultimate Performance Coaching session here.