Tony Robbins was 3 weeks ago. I’ve been doing some experiments with his recommendations and re-reading notes. None of it is rocket science (as we were reminded many times over the weekend). Any of us can do these things. So far these are the keys for me:
1. Energy is everything
And it’s a really interesting concept. We think we don’t have enough. But maybe we aren’t using it wisely. You think you are exhausted and need to go to bed but if someone offered you a free trip overseas I’m sure you would suddenly perk up and be full of energy to get packed! We learnt so much of this during the event. There were pretty much no breaks, not much food and more jumping up and down than I’ve ever done in my life. And yet I felt energised!!! So I’ve been testing two key things since coming back. The first is not hitting the snooze button on my alarm. I was a shocker at doing this. For the last 30 years I’ve hit the snooze button. Occasionally I’ve tried to stop it but convinced myself it was too hard and gave up. This time I’ve convinced myself it’s worth it, and surprisingly it is worth it. I have so much more energy. More than I really could’ve believed possible. And more time is the additional huge bonus. The other thing I’ve been trying is having a few days a week vegetarian. This is also working really well – my body feels lighter and that it’s not having to work so hard to digest things. So therefore I think I get a better sleep which is part of the good cycle that then helps me to not snooze in the mornings and have more energy when I get up.
2. A better than average life requires more than average effort
Does a hot body come from eating pizza on the lounge with netflix?
Is a new business hugely successful by sitting around talking about it?
Do musicians learn their instruments overnight?
You get the point.
Be willing to do what others don’t and won’t.
Transformation rarely happens sitting down (in your comfort zone).
“Good timber does not grow with ease. The stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.”
Quote by Marriott
3. To get something you have to get really clear about it
We did a brilliant exercise about clarity around goals. You took something you achieved you were really proud of, and also something that didn’t work, then reviewed how you tried to make them work. Did you have a really clear precise specific outcome, a timeframe, action steps to get there? Could you visualise it – was the picture close or far, bright or dull, clear or fuzzy, big or small. The clearer you get the more likelihood of achieving it. And the BIGGEST FACTOR in reaching your goals and dreams? Your why. I realised that my half marathon happened because I had all these things very clearly defined. And my why was watching a friend of mine cross the finish line. And the look on her face (apart from exhaustion) was pure ecstasy and joy for having done it. I decided I wanted to have what she was having! And why couldn’t I? She’s my height, nearly my age, not really a huge runner in life. So maybe I could. Maybe she was showing me what was possible because I had never let myself believe I was someone capable of something like this. It was for ‘other people’. So this huge motivation lasted until I got near the train station and started thinking about what was required – long hours of running, I hate running, I can’t run and then a billion excuses in my head not to do it. And just as I talked myself out of it I saw him. A guy about 25 in a wheelchair. And I realised it was totally because I could that I would. Because maybe I’m better than I think I am. Maybe I can deal with a little pain to become a better person. AND IT HAPPENED! Then I look at my coaching business which hasn’t really moved forward. There has been no clear vision, purpose, picture in my head, a timeframe, specific actions. So last week I changed this. I got really clear on why and what I wanted. I started writing goals, seeing big bright crystal clear pictures in my head and doing the actions. And suddenly 4 people are locked in for coaching within the next couple of days.
Being pulled towards something is easier motivation to make happen instead of being pushed towards it. Find a why that makes it impossible for you not to do it.
4. The rest of the day, the rest of your life
What will you do with it? 1% improvement every day means 365% improvement a year. Pretty phenomenal hey? If you can do something every day imagine what you can achieve in a year. Start now. Not tomorrow.
5. Our brains are wired towards pleasure and away from pain
Simple wisdom. If we think something is too hard, then it will be too hard. We avoid anything we associate with pain. If we believe we can do it, we can. And we are more likely to at least try. If we believe something is going to feel good we are more likely to give it a go. If we have experience of something giving us pleasure, then we are definitely going to do it again. So what things that give us pleasure can we use as motivation for a better life? Can we see short term small pain as worthwhile for future big pleasure? (eg exercise, good food choices, studying, facing fears). Can we focus more on the end result of pleasure to minimize the pain?
6. The past doesn’t equal the future
Unless you keep doing the same things. Change beliefs, change patterns. Because you can. Don’t believe that because something has always been a certain way it will always be that way. If you haven’t done something in the first 50 years of your life it doesn’t mean you can’t in the next 50. Technology changes, how we learn changes, our experience makes us different people. You can change the belief, be curious about what might be possible, and be interested in the things that excite you. Learn to write, run, dance, sing. Whatever makes you feel good. If we change what we are doing, take a different action, try something new, learn another skill then we can 100% have a different outcome, a different future.
7. Gratitude gets you through (nearly) everything
Through fear, through anger, through sadness. It’s hard to feel bad when you are grateful for all the amazing things you have – walking, friends, music, laughter, sunsets, breath, never ending knowledge on the internet, flowers, weekends, a home, good food, flying on a plane.
The other day I felt like ‘old’ Wendy and was feeling sorry for myself that things weren’t going as I wanted. Then I realized it was all about me being focused on me and only me. Once I realized I was being selfish it gave me space to remember all the amazing things I DO ALREADY HAVE in my life. And I felt so much better. From a bad mood that would normally last a few days for me and see me being miserable and closed off to other people, I was back to normal in a couple of hours. Incredible huge achievement for me.
8. Your words matter
One of my favourite things right now. What I tell myself is what I believe which is what happens. If I believe it’s going to be a bad day I will subconsciously look for signs to prove it’s a bad day. If I believe it’s going to be a good, it will be a good day. I will focus on the good and I will find it.
What is real and possible is what I believe is real and possible. I am the conductor of my own life. I can change the music whenever I want.
9. Raise your standards
The most talented person in the team isn’t necessarily the best player. It’s the one that practices the most, works the hardest. Expect more of yourself.
There are only winners and learners.
Why would you criticise yourself for trying?
Any of these seem helpful? Tony is a wonderful human being. I cannot believe what he does for so many people. With an open mind it can definitely change your life.
Be kind to yourself.
Wxx
