Like attracts like

Have you ever noticed that some people just seem to focus on the negative, so much so, that really you don’t want to be around them, as they kind of drag you down? 

I am sure we all have acquaintances who are always complaining.  Even when their comments may be valid, it is hard to buy-in and listen because you’ve heard it all before and nothing has changed.  They are stuck on that negative cycle, going round and round. So we switch off, tired of giving advice and no change made.

At a recent training session, Brendon Burchard shared that he’d had someone who attended one of his programs complain about his language.  In fact, she’d made a point of tracking the number of times he used certain words. 

First he refunded her money which was her request, and also apologized for his word choice, noting that he had to watch his words and be more careful not to offend in the future. 

But then as he thought more about it, he asked his team to replay the tapes and count up the number of times he’d spoken about hope, confidence, believing in yourself, etc…  The end number was impressive and far out-weighed the negative words.

So in his response to the woman who complained, he made the observation that unfortunately, when you focus on the negative, which in essence is what she did, you miss out on the good stuff.   How true.

When we spend our time zeroing in on what’s wrong in our lives, we give attention and energy to the negatives, and that is what we attract. On the other hand, when we focus on the positives, and take an abundance approach, we attract more of the same.

Let’s face it.  If you had to choose between doing business or being friends with someone who is always doom and gloom, versus someone who gives off positive energy,  – who would you choose? 

Recently a friend observed that no matter what, she always managed to find the silver lining in negative situations.  Not easy, and sometimes it takes time, but that attitude will take her places.

As we start a new year, let’s start with a positive attitude, because as Rosalie Wysockie used to say “Your attitude determines your altitude.”

Sharing the wisdom

I recently attended a four-day conference with Brendon Burchard.  It was an intense and amazing experience, packed full of information, and now my challenge is to turn the knowledge gained into action. 

He gave us a 90-day challenge and while 10 days have now passed and nothing concrete has happened on my part, I am determined to succeed.  It’s a case of scheduling off time, getting over my fear all things technical and just doing it.   

Meantime, what I did want to do is share some of the sound bites I gained from the conference.  They are short and thought provoking and perhaps will prod you into action too.

1.              In three years there will be three billion more people on the Internet. Now is the time to ensure you have an online presence and material.

2.              If a skill is important to your overall success, master it.

3.              Pick one thing.  Do it well, and then move on to the next thing. Don’t try to do too much at the same time.  Just one thing.

4.              If you knock on the door of opportunity, don’t be surprised that work answers.

5.              If you don’t love your website, change it.  It is the face of your business.

6.              Never let your small business be small-minded.

7.              You need to build creative time into your day and stick to it.

8.              Look at your top three revenue streams and focus on them.

9.              When you question your self worth, it impacts your net worth.

10.           Your personal financial reality should not be a factor in your pricing.

He also advised that what you want to do doesn’t have to be perfect, you just have to start.  So I am.

My hard drive is full

Attending a four-day conference is something I haven’t done in years, and for any of you who have attended events in the US, you will know that they pack a lot into their day.  It was 9-7pm – making for a long day when you are taking in new information.

Most of the information was new to me, especially on the technical side so I could almost physically feel my brain swell up and expand to accommodate these new insights. But it wasn’t just an information-overload, it was a people-overdose too.  And I am an extrovert.

There were around 750 people there – all shapes, sizes and backgrounds – all with a similar goal of learning how to package themselves as an expert – but that is where the common denominators ended.  It was a mixed group, several of whom we had to hug throughout the day. 

As someone married for 42 years to the same man, I don’t think I have ever hugged so many men who were strangers to me.J

But don’t get me wrong… it was a wonderful experience, one that pushed me beyond my comfort zone to look beyond and recognize the potential opportunities ahead of me. 

I am in total awe of Brendon Burchard’s ability to stay focused, motivated and physically able to talk after four days of presentations.  He was amazing and just the type of speaker I best enjoy – one with humour and the ability to laugh at himself, while delivering useful information.

People have been asking me about what was major takeaway and to be honest, I am still synthesizing the experience, but I know I have learned a lot, and bit by bit I will be implementing the knowledge gained. In fact, Brendon gave us a 90-day challenge – so stay tuned.

Like the hard drive on my computer, I need to clear some space so I can incorporate this new learning, which means I have to delete some prior perspectives and adapt to this new reality.

It speaks to the fact that someone in her sixties still has room to grow, and right now, like children, I am on a growth spurt.