A shift in thinking. It’s the ability to think outside of preconceived notions. To consider a different point of view. To step aside from habitual thoughts. To believe we create with our thoughts and with our intentions.
It’s not something that is typically taught in school where we learn rote behavior and memorization. Where we’re taught, “This is the correct, and only, way to do something.”
To mimic.
It’s no wonder we have a proclivity for making sure every day is consistent. No surprises. No distractions. No change in worldview. It seems natural to simply go about our daily business with no intention of thinking differently.
Lao Tzu said it beautifully,
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
A shift in thinking would be, “I’ll lead this.”
It would be, “I’m going to take a different route today.” – to work, to a business decision or solution, to a new product, to a dream, to collaboration …
What if your personal mission was to inspire & empower yourself with a shift in your thinking? Hmmm? And if you haven’t been too successful going it alone, how much longer are you willing to stay on that path?
An old friend used to say, “Low standards … that’s all you need to be happy.”
I seriously disagree.
Fortunately, there are a myriad of solutions available to you. You can find a mentor, you can hire a coach, you can collaborate with partners, you can join a brainstorming group – and, you can do this today.
So, what’s the moral to this story?
(Comments are always welcome!)
**********
If you’ve wanted to do something new or different and you haven’t taken action yet, why not take me up on my offer of a free 30 minute consultation? I guarantee you’ll walk away with a shift in thinking or an actionable item. Follow this link to get in touch with me. It’ll be fun!
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{ 41 comments… read them below or add one }
It is always good to play Devil’s Advocate, and see things from others point of view.
Chris@Hillsborough County Restraining Order Blog recently posted..Love Is Blind – Trying To Break Bad Relationships
Hi Chris! Welcome! I recognize your photo from twitter. How great that you stopped by! Playing Devil’s Advocate is an awesome way to shift your thinking. It’s a great way to challenge ideas, too. I really appreciate your comments here this morning. You got around and looked at some posts and I’m thrilled you participated. Thank you~
~Theresa
The moral of the story is that if you want things to be different, then you have to think differently. And then you have to do differently. I have a friend who throws something out every day in an effort to stay ahead of the deluge of junk that seems to show invited or not. I’m going to do one thing differently every day for the next 30 days and keep a record. You?
Great idea! 30 different things over 30 days. I’m going to take you up on it. Want to be my accountability partner?
Let’s DO differently together!
~Theresa
If we don’t go and try new things we don’t ever change as people, while everyone around us does. Essentially we have to try new things, because like in blogging, if we don’t change and everyone else does, we become boring bloggers because we just keep doing the same thing over and over.
Hi Peter! Well put! You’re a good example of someone who does try new things and explores new ideas. Your blog title says it all.
~Theresa
Hi Theresa,
If we could only blow up our brains with dynamite and build again;) Then install new brains with new attitudes and creative and fun approaches to life and busines.
Or maybe we don’t need a dynamite. Perhaps all we have to do is what you suggest: find a mentor, coach, master mind group. Maybe they are THE DYNAMITE;)
My type of post.
Derek
PS: I’m on my way to meet an expert in real estate and I’m buing dinner in a cool restaurant in an up and coming part of my town. I hope he likes the food and ambiance and I learn something new;)
Hi Derek – It’s too bad our original brains have so much taught out of them. Like creativity and fun. Remember how you were as a kid? I bet you’ve retained a lot of it. For example, who does blog posts while jogging??? I loved your videos! They were so fun to watch. And I know I’ll be back to your blog again and again. I love to see people having fun with what they do.
I believe you’re right. Groups, mentors and coaches are the dynamite. No question about it.
I hope your dinner is awesome. Hey, maybe you’ll post about it.
So glad you came by,
~Theresa
I agree with everything in here, particularly about turning into a boring wart. Normal is just boring, as Fido Dido said like two decades ago. It’s true, what Peter said. We could be left out, become obsolete, uninteresting and just boring. Ugh. Wouldn’t want that to happen to me!
That’s actually what got me to blogging, online writing and teaching others the basics of VA work. Because the day job has become a routine. Although there’s a lot of interesting turns every now and then, I was no longer pushed to discover new things. Even so, some aspects of the day job has been restricting, putting my passion for writing and trying new ideas at a slow-mo. A few years back, I saw myself an old boring wart by 2011. But here I am! And the shift celebrates the best of who I am and what I can be. What a life!
Wow! I’m so hyper just thinking of what areas of life needs to get shifted as well!
Thanks, Theresa. This space I just filled is all about me reading your posts from hereon. You got me!
ruzcarmen diromo recently posted..How to prep a winning virtual assistant portfolio
Welcome! Your comment got stuck in the ether overnight, sorry about that! I have to confess I just Googled Fido Dido – nice reference! According to fidodido.com his creators, Ferrone & Rose, “named him Fido Dido and gave him a belief in the benevolence of the universe to provide (albeit in often unexpected ways)”. I wholly embrace this philosophy.
Your site is great. I love to see some support out there for virtual assistants. It’s such an incredible service. Nice work! Or, rather, it isn’t work at all is it? It’s a passion. And that is wonderful. Your attitude is so inspiring. I adore how you said, “the shift celebrates the best of who I am and what I can be”.
I’m going to enjoy following your explorations through your writing on your blog. Congratulations on starting it! Here’s to shifts in all areas of life! Wonderful comment!
~Theresa
btw – Do you prefer Ruzcarmen? It’s a beautiful name.
Hi Theresa! You just spiced up my birthday today! Wonderful words from you and I’m good to go for the next four or more decades! LOL!
And yeah, am glad you find my attitude in that light. I do know some who sees me as a b**tch. Though it’s true – LOL! LOL! -, I do have my good points. Am just adjusting as the situation calls for it.
Again, you made my birthday happier
It’s Ruzanne. But you can call me Gorgeous if you want. LOL!
ruzcarmen diromo recently posted..How to prep a winning virtual assistant portfolio
Happy Birthday Gorgeous! I’m so glad I made it a happier one! I think we all have a little of the bitchiness in us. Just take a deep breath and count to 10 before you bowl someone over. LOL. I know you’ve got some great points.
What are you doing to celebrate your birthday? Something outrageous I hope.
~Theresa
Hi Theresa! I did something MORE than outrageous. I overslept, ate lasagna like there’s no tomorrow and waited for hubby to be home. Then we watched American Idol with the little one. So abnormal! And I totally love it! LOL!
Yeah, that count-to-ten idea works a lot. But sometimes I choose to skip counting and let off some steam. Only if I really, really, really have to, though. Wouldn’t want to ride around town in full battle gear all the time. LOL!
ruzcarmen diromo recently posted..How to prep a winning virtual assistant portfolio
Hi Ruzanne! What a great day! I totally hear you on letting off steam. I can just see you in full battle gear. You’ve got a way with words that is wonderful! LOL. You made my day!
~Theresa
I think this is the reason I can’t help but get involved in so many side projects. I’m currently doing school full time for a masters degree, working two part time jobs, starting up an exporting company, and competing in an internet marketing competition at my university. I just get so excited by all these things and can’t imagine not keeping myself busy with all these projects.
I’m trying to get outside of myself and try new things so I don’t get stuck in the same day to day grind.
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Hey Mitchell!
Wow! You are one busy man. What masters degree are you studying for? I’d love to hear about your exporting company (anything that can be divulged at this early stage, of course) and I would really love to hear more about the internet marketing competition. I’m rooting for you. How can I help?
It’s fabulous that you are involved in so many things. Way to go! The day to day grind can really bring us all down. I’m so impressed with everything you are doing.
I hope we get to hear more!
~Theresa
btw – I just installed the replyme plugin thanks to your great post. I changed the background color — if it looks awful, please let me know! Thanks. I’m going to love this plugin!
I used to be stuck in the same routine every day. Until ironically I learned to plan my days and weeks.
What happened was that I freed up so much time with planning that I had so much more time to be spontaneous.
It is a great source of happiness to know that each day can yield all kinds of results.
Daniel M. Wood recently posted..What is The Subconscious Mind
Hi Daniel!
You should meet my husband Richard! He really loves planning and was telling me about some great strategies recently. One that I remember is he gets the least appealing activity out of the way early in the day. Planning is the way to go.
And, I just love the fact that with planning your net result was spontaneity! Go figure. Great tip.
Here’s to great results.
~Theresa
I’m with you Theresa
Go for it, try something different, something risky!
I love the saying…
“Everything in life is sweetened by risk.”
And if you can’t manage a risk… you can always fall back on the “low standards”.
Keith Davis recently posted..Oscar Speeches and the 3 G’s
Hey Keith!
How are you? How’s things in the UK? Did you watch the Oscar speeches?
You always have the best sayings Keith. Trying something different almost always involves a little risk. Probably why people love those nasty old routines. I really like the point of view that life is sweetened by taking risks. It’s true. Thanks for sharing.
So, I take it you liked the low standards comment. I’m not at all surprised that you pointed out my favorite line in the entire post.
~Theresa
Hi T
I thought that it was a great line.
I’ve already stolen it for a future occasion.
Now where can I use it…….
Keith Davis recently posted..Oscar Speeches and the 3 G’s
Good! Good! Will I see it on a post? My friend’s line is going to get some mileage. I love it!
T
Sorry T
Only just spotted your question.
Things good in the UK and I watched the BAFTA’s and posted this…
“Hi Everyone.
I’m watching the BAFTA’s on telly in the UK.
“Helena Bonham Carter appeared bemused and delighted as she picked up the award for Best Supporting Actress.”
Will Colin Firth win best actor award?
My wife has never been the same since she saw him in the lake scene in Pride and Prejudice.
Even now if you mention Mr. Darcy… her legs turn to jelly.
Best British film – “The King’s Speech”
Best supporting actor – Geoffrey Rush – “The King’s Speech”
Leading actor – Colin Firth – “The King’s Speech” Colin Firth did a super speech.
Best film – “The King’s Speech
BAFTA’s all finished for this year.”
The King’s Speech did really well but will it do so well at the Oscars?
I thought that it was a good film, but not a great film.
Keith Davis recently posted..Oscar Speeches and the 3 G’s
Hey Theresa, beautifully said, as always. As I was reading this, I though about Wayne Dyer’s work, ‘The Shift’…..I was curious if you’ve ever heard of it before, but it talks of the different ‘shifts’ we deal with in life, especially how we change as we get older.
Personally, I love trying new things—more and more as I get older. I don’t want to be like a dog and take the exact same trail every time I go from point A to point B. At this point in my life, it’s all about the uniqueness of experience.
Love your recommendation to others about mentors, coaches, etc. They work– no question about it.
Thanks for your great thoughts T’
Marcus
Marcus Sheridan-The Sales Lion recently posted..10 ‘Content Rules’ That Will Help Your Business Rule The World
Hey Marcus – Ahhh yes, the uniqueness of experience. What a nice way to say it. Beautiful actually. And, you would never be like a dog anyway, would you? You’re a cat. A big lovely cat… with a marvelously curious mind.
I am familiar with Wayne Dyer. This quote of his comes to mind, “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” Quite apropos for this post. I have not heard of “The Shift” – that is until now. Thanks for sharing, it sounds really interesting. I’ll look it up.
And thanks for tweeting this post. I love how you said, “Hey folks, it’s time to stop taking the same route to work everyday!!
”
~Theresa
Hi Theresa,
Thanks for your offer of a free consultation. I just sent you an email from your contact page so we can set it up. Can we connect on Skype?
I wanted to leave a comment here as well to point out that although I am a coach, as well as a mentor, we all need coaches. It’s not always easy to coach yourself.
I have some things I’d like to get going on and I think you are the perfect person to motivate me. I’m looking forward to it.
Sharon
Hi Sharon – I’d really like to thank you for leaving this comment. Coaches need coaches. Just like Tiger Woods has hired some of the top coaches in the world. And has a coach today. I wonder why that is … actually I know why. We cannot possibly be our best on our own. It’s impossible. We don’t know half the things that we don’t know. We’ve got to surround ourselves with team. With coaches. With mentors.
I have had four different coaches in the past four years. Each one brought extraordinary experience to the table. And I hired them for various reasons. One was a top coach on the psychology of strategic planning and thinking. Another coached me on putting big deals together. I cannot imagine doing half the things I’ve done without having great coaches in my life. This in addition to the fabulous mentors I have in my life right now.
It’s so awesome that you want to do this Sharon. I’m looking forward to our call. Skype is perfect!
~Theresa
Lovin’ the comments here! I believe your post, instantaneously, created a shift in thinking.
Two adjectives you would hope people don’t associate with you: “Stale” and “Stagnant”.
We’re taught to conform and it’s easy to be “standard, usual, and customary”, isn’t it? Conformity takes no effort, no creativity, no energy, and certainly not a shift in thinking. It’s vanilla. Plain vanilla. I don’t know about you, Theresa, but I don’t want THAT!
Wonderful post.
Melanie Kissell recently posted..20 Best Blogging Tips – Compliments of Members of the Tweet Like Comment Club
Stale and stagnant? Nope! Never! I don’t want that either.
I loved your comment Melanie! No kidding… you nailed it. We are taught to conform. I love how you took what I wrote and ran with it. Who could resist a shift in thinking with comments like these? They are fantastic.
Let’s think of some great words that would be the opposite of “standard, usual, and customary”… how about unconventional, remarkable & incomparable?
~Theresa
All I can say is “Wow”! What a wonderful and inspirational post. It has me thinking about how I “go through” my day and what changes I can make for me. Also loving the quote from Tzu. Thank you so much!
Welcome Sherri! That’s a great question … you’ve got me thinking too. Sometimes I ignore the clock and do things completely backwards. It’s weird though. I feel like I need permission to do this sometimes. And who’s going to give it me? The answer is … me. Odd isn’t it?
So glad you liked the quote. I’m thrilled you’re shifting your thinking. I’d love to hear what changes you come up with!
~Theresa
My vote’s in for “unconventional, remarkable, and incomparable”. And for a little added measure of zest … let’s toss in “unstoppable”. These words will kick those other stale ones to the curb!
Melanie Kissell recently posted..20 Best Blogging Tips – Compliments of Members of the Tweet Like Comment Club
I like unstoppable Melanie!
I seriously need to shift something! I am avoiding promo work on my site for teaching readers who are struggling. I know I can help them. I want more students. But I hate promotion, and I put it off again and again. Always something else that needs to be done.
I’m going to allot an amount of time per day to work on the posts that will answer parents’ questions. I’ve been dreading it, because it doesn’t feel as good as teaching does! But I’ve GOT to do it! Whew.
Thanks for the kick in the pants!
Paula Lee Bright recently posted..A Kitten Her Toy And of course Stephen Colbert
Hmmm … maybe this would be a great topic for my free no B.S. phone call! Want to take me up on it? You said three things that stand out – you’re avoiding it, you dread it and you hate it. There’s a lot there in those three astute observations Paula. An easy shift might be at your fingertips.
Take a look at this really short post from July. You Gotta Know You’re Good. You said it when you stated, “I know I can help them.”
I agree, setting time aside each day to do this is important, if you really want it. I’d be delighted to talk.
~Theresa
Hi Theresa,
I love doing things differently! I had to laugh at your example of schools. Even though I think it is true, I do try to do things differently. I do try to teach my students to think. Almost on a daily basis, in my classroom, I will say, “Boys and girls today – ” and my students will finish my sentence “- we’re going to do something different.” They will say, “You always say that.” Many of my students look forward to coming to school, just to see what we will do differently each day!
Anyway, I think that is part of my personality. I think that is why I’m not content to do the “same” job day in and day out. I like each day to be different with new challenges and opportunities.
(By the way, I am loving all of your creative thinking posts! Thanks for helping me to keep my belief that anything is possible, and I can be successful!)
Stacey
Hi Stacey,
I know, I was being a little bit tongue in cheek with my school comments. I’m glad you laughed.
That is so cool you do something different every day. And that the premise is doing something different every day. What a totally amazing message to your students!
By the way, what things do you do differently each day? I’d love to hear this!
As I follow your blog Stacey, it is so clear you rarely spend each day the same way. Your challenges and opportunities are great and varied. Never, ever boring. And always inspiring.
Thanks for your wonderful comments today. And I’m really glad you are enjoying my creative thinking posts. Keep being the amazing person you are!
~Theresa
One thing my students love to do is shout out their multiplication facts with different accents. Our favorite is an extreme southern twang. We also do all kinds of different kinds of dances and songs to remember things. Sometimes we do our subjects in a different order. Sometimes we do yoga so that we can stretch and focus. Before our standardized testing, we yawn like lions. (I don’t know if you remember how Apollo Ohno, the speed skater, always yawned before he raced. When asked about it, he said that lions always yawn and they are the most powerful, feared, and respected animal in the jungle.) Today, I joined in with their gym class, even though I had a million things to do. Sometimes one of the students has a wonderful idea, so we do that. Sometimes what we are doing isn’t working and seems to be a complete failure, so we change right then and try a different strategy. I could go on and on. For me, it makes learning more of an adventure!
Stacey
Staceybeginnerbusinesswoman recently posted..Writing
Stacey, these are all wonderful ideas! I do remember Apollo Ohno’s yawns. You’ve really inspired me to write a post about kids again. And about how much we can learn from them.
You are so very creative. I’ll bet your students adore you!
This approach to the day (and life) would benefit adults too. I can just see these activities being done in the corporate world! Can you imagine?
Do you know what I think is really wonderful? When you all realize something just isn’t working you stop and work on a new strategy. See what I mean about applying in this in the business world?
You are brilliant. Thank you so much for coming back and answering my question. What a wonderful, fun reply. You made my day!
~Theresa
Hi Theresa! For me a shift in thinking means a state of mind wherein you let go of all the negative aspects in your day or life but instead focus on the more positive and better part of your being. Don’t dwell on the past but strive harder for a better and prosperous life.
anne @ shitzu puppies recently posted..Shitzu Puppies Shitzu Puppy
Wow Anne, I was just talking about this very thing with my husband two days ago. He would absolutely love your comment!
What we were talking about was this. I have hired property management companies for the past ten years or so. It’s a tough business and they can drop the ball easily. I find myself having to document everything and so often I’m writing about things that did not go well.
I have to remember it is critically important to talk about, and recognize, all that is going well. We’ve got to focus on the positive. Your comment is so timely. And motivating! Thank you
~Theresa
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