Winning Habits

Who you are and what you do are direct results of your habits. Habits are the things you do naturally and automatically, without thinking. Most of these habits were formed at a very early age and are stored in the unconscious mind. So if you want to change, you must begin to form new habits.

Your current thinking regarding your abilities, your product, and your industry is habitual. It is buried in your unconscious mind, and it drives your behavior on a daily basis. Many times, this mindset is limiting, because it has as its foundation things said by a parent, teacher, coach, etc. that were intended to protect us from disappointment, but are actually disempowering. Things like: "Be realistic," "Don't expect too much," and "You can't do that."

To reverse this mindset and build the habits of a winner, follow these four steps:

1. Set a clear and measurable goal.

Make it a goal that you are excited about accomplishing. The human spirit will not invest itself in mediocrity - so if you want to succeed in overcoming limiting habits, your goal must create passion in you!

When you set your goal, keep two other important things in mind: It must be specific ... and it must be measurable. Instead of "I want to go to college" write, "I am attending Texas Tech." This way, you will know exactly when you have accomplished the goal.

2. Write your goal in the present tense.

Notice that in the above example, the goal is in the present tense: "I am attending Texas Tech." There's a reason for doing this. It will cause you to fully associate with the achievement of your goal. Your unconscious mind is totally deductive, and, therefore it accepts anything that your conscious mind gives it without question. Consequently, correct phrasing is imperative. Instead of "I want to attend college." write your goal as if you have already achieved it.

3. Write your goal every single day, carry it with you everywhere you go, and read it as often as possible.

Remember, you are developing habits of a winner - ways of thinking and acting that are new to you. So don't think that this step is redundant. Realize that it has taken years to develop your current habits - and it will take concentrated effort to replace them.

4. Take action and make daily decisions with your goal in mind.

For example, you might ask yourself the question: "What decision would I make right now or what action would I take right now as a Texas Tech attendee?" Answer the question - and act! If you act based upon your current status, you will continue to create your current results.