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Introduction

Every now and then you will come across unique individuals who have an insatiable desire and strength to persist despite the obstacles that stand in their way. No matter what happens to them they just keep moving forward with unshakable confidence and self-belief. These individuals seem to have no limitations and no weaknesses, in fact, they seem somewhat superhuman. However, the truth is they are just like you and me. They have fears, limiting habits and quirky behaviors that make them uniquely human. Nevertheless, they accept their weaknesses for what they are and yet still have the Resilient Willpower to overcome any obstacle, disappointment or problem that stands in their way.

These individuals realize that their only limitations are the limitations of their mind. And so they develop their mind on a daily basis ensuring that it is in prime condition to help them Do, Be, Have and Achieve whatever it is that their heart desires.

The Human Mind is like a muscle. With practice and time it can be conditioned to perform seemingly remarkable feats that strengthen the body and harden our emotional resolve. In fact, your mind is the one and primary key that will help you develop Unstoppable Resilient Willpower in the face of adversity.

What is Resilient Willpower?

Resilient Willpower is about finding the inner strength to overcome laziness, procrastination, temptations, disappointment, failure, limiting habits and negative beliefs.

Resilient Willpower is about having the courage to make the toughest of decisions in the face of adversity.

Resilient Willpower is about completing actions that are aligned with your objectives despite the problems and setbacks that stand in your way, and regardless of the resistance, difficulties and discomfort that is pulling you back into your comfort zone.

Resilient Willpower is about learning to adapt to changing conditions and to difficult and unpredictable circumstances.

Resilient Willpower is about bouncing straight back up after the worst setbacks you have ever experienced.

Resilient Willpower is about overcoming personal limitations that would normally stop you in your tracks and weaken your spirit.

Resilient Willpower is about learning continuously from your failures and mistakes until the world has nothing more to teach you.

Resilient Willpower is about personally rejecting the temptations of instant gratification.

Resilient Willpower is about cultivating the self-discipline to direct your focus, persist and commit to a desired outcome despite the chaos and adversity that is trying to rip you apart in multiple directions.

Yes, this Resilient Willpower thing does seem somewhat complex, and yet it is within this process of complexity that the answers you are looking for can be found.

Cultivating Resilient Willpower

Just like a farmer needs to cultivate his crop throughout the year, we must also be prepared to cultivate the necessary skills, beliefs, traits and actions that are required to strengthen our resolve and grow the superhuman powers of a resilient individual.

Required Skills

Resilient Willpower requires us to learn to think critically [see: thinking critically] and creatively [see: thinking creatively] when under intense pressure from outside circumstances. It requires us to master control over our emotions under all conditions [see: emotions]. It requires us to become more socially aware of others and self-aware of ourselves and our own personal tendencies [see: personality equation]. It requires us to learn to prioritize our time effectively [see: time management], to manage our levels of stress proactively [see: stress management], and learn to make better and more effective decisions on a daily basis [see: decision making].

Mastering these skills will naturally allow us to develop the necessary habits [see: habits] that are requires to develop the superhuman ability of Resilient Willpower.

Indispensable Beliefs

Resilient Willpower requires an inner strength, confidence and a self-belief [see: beliefs] that does not break apart in the face of an insurmountable force whose only desire is to shatter our spirit and destroy our sense of reality. Hence for that reason, Resilient Willpower requires us to cultivate 4 indispensable beliefs that will naturally harden our soul and entrench us firmly into the ground.

I can do and be anything I choose..

Anything is possible to do and achieve..

I have unlimited potential..

All the answers lie within me..

If all the answers lie within you, than you really have nothing to fear, nothing to worry about and certainly nothing to doubt.

Critical Traits

Resilient Willpower requires us to cultivate certain and specific traits that will help to solidify the foundational building blocks of our psychology. These traits will not only shape how we think, but they will also influence every decision and action we take and consequently the results we create.

Ambition

Resilient Willpower requires ambition to reach for the highest peaks, to sail the unpredictable seas and to fly in the face of uncertainty. In fact, ambition will allow us to see beyond our present moment, providing us with a long-term perspective that will motivate, inspire and push us forward to ever greater accomplishments.

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is like a “long-life” battery that keeps our spirits high in the face of uncertainty and adversity. It strengthens our will to persist, resist temptations while enabling us to see things from a new perspective.

Persistence & Determination

Resilient Willpower requires us to persist despite the adversity that life throws our way. It requires us to persist with determination so that life has no choice but to give us what we want each and every day.

Childlike Curiosity

Curiosity opens doors that have been closed, windows that have been locked and opportunities that have lying out-of-sight and out-of-reach for far too long. In fact, curiosity forces us to ask better and more effective questions about our life and circumstances. This naturally forces us to think differently, to consider new understandings and gain unique perspectives.

Optimism

Optimism is the light that keeps us moving forward when darkness is all around. It is the beacon that shines brightly in the night sky unveiling the hope for the present and the potential of a future that is yet to be scripted [see: positive attitude].

Faith

Resilient Willpower requires faith to believe in something that cannot be seen, cannot be touched and cannot be experienced – except in the mind. It is about believing in something that is physical yet imagined, real yet surreal. It is about believing in the power of creating something out of nothing despite the odds that are stacked against you.

Unshakable Self Discipline, Confidence & Control

Resilient Willpower requires self-discipline to focus wholeheartedly on what needs to get done, the confidence to push forward despite the problems that are weighing you down, and the control to resist the distractions and temptations that life throws your way.

Smart Actions

In order to develop Resilient Willpower you must act with purpose in a proactive manner each and everyday. At the same time your actions must be flexible and adaptable to the changing conditions and circumstances of your life, and most importantly they must be focused and directed at what you want to Do, Be, Have and Achieve.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you think. It’s within your actions that results are realized and opportunities are found.

Learn to Develop New Habits

Habits are at the cornerstone of our decisions and actions. They are in essence pre-programmed behaviors that we have cultivated over an extended period of time. They define who we are and they can effectively predict what we will achieve today and in the future [see: habits].

Resilient Willpower requires us to cultivate a set of unique habits that will enable us to persist and keep moving forward despite the obstacles and setbacks standing in our way.

Anticipate Problems

When you develop the ability to anticipate problems in advance, you can better prepare yourself for what’s yet to come. Some would say that the habit of anticipating problems in advance would effectively turn you into a pessimist. That would be true if all you saw was problems on the horizon.

The key is to anticipate problems and look for solutions, answers and opportunities that you can take advantage of if the problems do arise.

Acquire Necessary Resources

The habit of acquiring necessary resources in advance is critical to success, because when you are confronted with setbacks, it’s the resources you have on hand that will determine how quickly and effectively you are able to overcome these obstacles.

Resources can include skills, knowledge, information, tools, strategies, techniques, and support that you may need to help you move beyond difficult moments in your life.  You must therefore anticipate your problems in advance, determine what solutions and opportunities these problems could present you with, and then acquire the necessary resources that will help you to take advantage of what life throws your way.

Accept Mistakes & Setbacks

Mistakes and setbacks are only temporary pit-stops along your journey that present you with an opportunity to learn from your experience and therefore make better and more effective decisions in the future.

Understand Self Intimately

You must get into the habit of discovering more about yourself each and everyday. Get to know yourself intimately including your fears, levels of discomfort, emotions, weaknesses and strengths. The more intimately you know yourself, the more intuitive you will become when making decisions and taking effective actions. Your actions will subsequently focus on your strengths while managing your weaknesses to ensure that they don’t get the better of you during decisive moments of your life [see: strengths & weaknesses].

Understand Opportunities for Growth

It is within the moments of greatest difficulty that present us with the greatest opportunity to grow and develop ourselves on multiple levels. And it is within these moments that you must become aware of your weaknesses and limitations – learning from them as you would about anything else to better prepare yourself for the future.

Keep An Open Mind

It is easy to become closed-minded when circumstances overwhelm you, when a series of decisions seem to be taking you nowhere, and when your dearest beliefs are tested in the face of adversity. It’s during times like these that you must think Outside the Box and begin viewing things from a different perspective. And it is during times like these that you might need to start questioning your deepest beliefs and convictions that could very well be preventing you from moving forward in life.

Keep Things Fun

When you are having fun doing what you love, life seems easy and carefree. You’re no longer overwhelmed with problems and setbacks and you see things from a more positive and optimistic perspective.

Keep Focused on the Present Moment

It’s important to have a long-term view of life. However, at the same time it’s important to stay grounded in the present moment. Problems and setbacks can become overwhelming very quickly if we view them from a wider global perspective. However, by focusing on the present moment – on what you can control and do now – you are grounding yourself and this helps focus your mind on what’s most important Right NOW that will make the biggest difference to your future.

Keep Moving Forward

When obstacles and setbacks get the better of you, it’s easy to hesitate and step away from the danger. This is all well and good if the risks seem too high. However, as you step back you must at the same time keep moving forward in other ways. Only through this type of effort will you maintain your level of momentum and motivation that will help pull you across the finish line.

Take Personal Responsibility

Those who cultivate Resilient Willpower make no excuses for anything that they do, or for anything that happens to them. They fully realize and understand that in order to achieve their objectives, that they must account for and take full responsibility for their decisions and actions at all times.

By taking responsibility for everything (the good, bad and the ugly) signifies that you are in control [see: law of control] and in charge of your destiny. On the other hand, by not taking responsibility, you are in essence giving control away to events, people or circumstances that you simply lack the influence or skill to control. In the long-term this substantially weakens your resolve and sets you on course for failure.

Resilient Willpower Strategies

Resilient Willpower is built upon the foundations of taking Massive Action on a daily basis to achieve your goals and objectives [see: smart goals]. This action must however be focused and directed accordingly to maximize results, strengthen motivation while minimizing mistakes as much as possible.

Never Hesitate

The moment you hesitate to make a decision or to take action is the moment you lose the momentum you have created. Furthermore you lose self-confidence in yourself and your own abilities, which can lead to fear, doubt, procrastination and a plethora of other limiting habits and emotions. This is not saying that you should take action despite the risks. What it is saying is that you must take calculated risks that are based on solid research and feedback.

Never Procrastinate

Procrastination is comprised of nothing more than an avalanche of excuses and imaginative stories that you tell yourself on a daily basis about how you can’t do one thing and instead prefer to do something else [see: procrastination]. It leads to a vicious cycle of doubt, fear and insecurity that can plague you for the rest of your life. Moreover, it halts the momentum you have created thus far along your journey towards the achievement of your goals and objectives.

Never Diminish Positives

When fixated with problems and setbacks it’s easy to diminish the good that has come as a result of your decisions and actions. These Positives may in fact help unlock new answers and opportunities that will help you proceed along this journey. However, if you deny or don’t acknowledge the lessons you have learned, the solutions you have acquired or the indispensable experiences you have gained along the way, than you may very well be denying yourself the very chance to make the “wrongs” right again.

Never Amplify Nagatives

When things go wrong unexpectedly, it’s easy to become obsessed with the evil consequences of our decisions and actions. Moreover, when we get our imaginations involved in the process, we can turn the seemingly innocent into hell on earth.

Within every negative circumstance, their lies a positive outcome that can be taken advantage of if you are patient and attentive to the details. So focus instead on amplifying the positives, and diminishing the negatives.

Never Give Up

No matter what happens, Never Give Up, Never Quit! Life is too short to stop halfway, and you never really know how close you are from reaching your desired outcome. It may seem so far, and yet it could only be a whisker away [see: Never Give Up].

Never Make Assumptions

Based on past experience – on what has worked or hasn’t worked for you before – it is easy to assume that nothing will change in the present. However, every circumstance and condition brings with it a unique set variables, emotions, people and events that are subtly different than they were before – meaning that new opportunities and solutions lie on the horizon waiting to be found.

Never Wilt Under Pressure

When water starts to boil and when the steam begins to rise, most people wilt under the pressure and give up the fight. If most people wilt and you don’t, than I guess this means that you now have an unfair advantage over your opponents and access to a window of opportunity that may not present itself again.

Always Welcome Adversity

When you learn to welcome adversity with enthusiasm, you harden yourself for the tough times that are still yet to come. Moreover, you begin to view the problems in your life with renewed confidence that provides you with a clearer perspective of the road that lies ahead.

Visualize Success & Reflect

By visualizing your eventual success and by taking the time to reflect on your experiences and mistakes, you effectively clarify what it is you want and resolve to improve the process that will get you to “what you want” far more quickly than ever before. Furthermore, the process of visualization [see: visualization] and self-reflection helps build the momentum you need to propel yourself forward through anything that stands in your way.

Clarify Desires & Benefits of Objectives

The process of clarifying your desires and the benefits of your objectives helps build enthusiasm, confidence and motivation [see: motivation] to achieve your goals despite the obstacles and challenges that life throws in your direction.

Always Seek Alternate Perspectives

Life is all about perspective [see: reframing reality]. How you see the circumstances of your life is dependent upon your past experiences, memories and your current emotional state. This therefore suggests that what you see is only an interpretation of reality. And since it’s only an interpretation of how circumstances are in your life right now, you therefore have the power to consciously transform your perspective at any time and begin to see things in a far more supportive way.

Act Upon Proven Facts

Fact of fiction? Knowing the difference between the two will significantly affect the outcomes resulting from your decisions and actions. Therefore you must make sure that you do not emotionalize events and circumstances in your life. Otherwise you may find yourself basing your decisions on fiction over fact.

Facts are proven things that have a place and position in time. Fictions on the other hand are opinions and ideas that cannot be proven or quantified.

Take Small & Progressive Steps Daily

Small and progressive steps daily are more effective than large steps taken occasionally and inconsistently. Momentum is created when you move forward consistently towards your goals and objectives. Alternatively, momentum is lost when you cycle through periods of action and procrastination. It not only robs you of your enthusiasm but also subdues your creativity.

Act Contrary to Limiting Beliefs & Habits

Sometimes within your limitations and weaknesses your greatest opportunities for success are found.

Your greatest challenges in life reveal to you your deepest and darkest fears, weaknesses and limitations. Simply by doing the opposite of your natural desires and inclinations, you will open a door of opportunities and new understandings that you never had before.

Resist Unimportant Desires

Instant gratification is the desire to gain short-term pleasure that will usually help you avoid short-term pain, and yet will also deny or delay long-term pleasure that is associated with the achievement of your goals and objectives. Furthermore, it will rob you of your momentum that is critical to your long-term success.

Build a Strong Sense of Purpose

A sense of purpose is built upon the foundations of a Higher Cause [see: personal legend]. It is something that defines who you are, where you’re going and who you are seeking to become. With this purpose in mind, you will develop the necessary momentum to surpass anything and everything that stands in the way from achieving your goals and objectives.

Maintain a Solution Focused Attitude

When problems overwhelm the reality of life, it’s easy for us to absorb ourselves with what’s NOT working. However, by focusing on what’s NOT working we naturally lose sight of what IS working and on the solutions that problems bring to the table. So instead, focus on finding answers and opportunities by maintaining a Solution Focused Attitude.

Plan Ahead Accounting for Murphy’s Law

A goal without a plan of action [see: plan of action] is simply wishful thinking. In fact, having no plan of action can be catastrophic if unexpected problems and circumstances arise. However, when it comes to organizing a plan of action one must ALWAYS account for Murphy’s Law [see: murphy's law]. Because anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, all the time, every time, at the worst possible time, when you least expect it and you won’t even know about it till it’s too late!

Control Emotions & Reactions to the Unexpected

No matter how much we plan or account for Murphy’s Law, there will always be events and circumstances that will unexpectedly surface at the worst possible time. During these moments we must maintain our emotional equilibrium. By controlling our emotional responses, we maintain a clear mind and can therefore make more effective decisions.

Ask Effective Questions

Questions are intrinsically connected to our thoughts, our thoughts to our habits, our habits to our decisions and our decisions to our actions [see: life questions]. In fact, one simple yet effective question can immediately transform our perspective of our circumstances and create the momentum we need to achieve our goals and objectives.

Here are 5 important questions that will help you overcome the obstacles in your life:

How can I best overcome this?

How must I think differently?

What opportunities am I not seeing?

What is an alternate way of looking at this?

What resources could assist me here?

Ask for Help

Finally, when we have exhausted all our options we can still maintain our Resilient Willpower in the face of adversity by simply asking for help. Whatever we can’t do for ourselves,  others can do for us

Final Thoughts

Developing Resilient Willpower is just as much a journey of the mind as it is a journey of experience. The more often you utilize these skills, beliefs, traits, actions and strategies to overcome the obstacles and setbacks in your life, the stronger your Resilience muscle will become – helping you to create the momentum you need to manifest your desires and dreams into physical reality. However, when everything is said and done, remember that developing Resilient Willpower will not happen over night, but rather over time through a consistent and concerted effort to transform your life forever.

Recommended Books

• The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength & Overcoming Life’s Hurdles by Karen Reivich & Andrew Shatte
• The Resiliency Advantage: Master Change, Thrive Under Pressure, and Bounce Back from Setbacks by Al Siebert PhD
• The Power of Resilience: Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life by Robert Brooks & Sam Goldstein
• The Skinny on Willpower: How to Develop Self Discipline by Jim Randel
• Discipline: Training the Mind to Manage Your Life by Harris Kern

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Introduction

The one major factor that separates the most successful people from the rest begins with a single ‘thought‘.

Over years this single ‘thought‘ is analyzed, criticized and condemned by others. People believe that this ‘thought‘ is impossible, improbably and undeniably unimaginable. They say that the ‘thought‘ is unorthodox and bordering on crazy.  And so this single ‘thought‘ must overcome great obstacles, setbacks, problems and difficulties before it can realize its full potential. After all, this single ‘thought‘ understands that in order to grow BIG and expansive that it must accept the harsh realities of life and respond by growing long and strong roots that will support its tremendous weight as it stretches towards the sky. Yes, this single ‘thought‘ knows very well indeed that BIGGER is much, much BETTER!

The Key is to Think Big

A single snowflake of very small stature begins falling from the night sky. By itself it has no hope of changing the world. However, this single snowflake has BIG ambitions and BIGGER ideas. It realizes that like a small thought, it needs to gather together other thoughts (snowflakes) in order to grow BIGGER and STRONGER. And so it decides to fall on top of the highest mountain peak where it interlocks with other like-minded snowflakes. There it waits – waits for the wind to blow and the ground to shake, transforming the single snowflake into one of the most powerful and ferocious forces on earth – a rampaging avalanche.

Think BIG About…

The first step towards becoming a BIG Thinker involves incorporating the habit of thinking BIG into every aspect of your life. You must therefore begin to think BIG about:

• Daily tasks, projects and objectives.
• Your contributions to the world and others.
• Your capacity to think creatively and outside the box.
• Your capacity to think problematically, critically and flexibly.
• Your capacity to provide value to others.
• Your capacity to overcome any obstacle and challenge that is thrown your way.
• Your capacity to stretch your imagination and the possibilities of your current circumstances.
• Your life’s purpose and goals.

Thinking BIG requires that you think Globally about the problems that are confronting your reality. It requires that you see them from a wider and far reaching perspective by asking yourself:

How could this potential solution change the world?

How could this idea revolutionize my industry?

How could the answer to this problem solve a global issue?

You must think BIG without any reservations and without any hesitation in order to contribute more, learn more, become more and stretch yourself and your own abilities beyond their current psychological limitations.

Think Like a…

At times thinking BIG isn’t easy to do from our limited perspective. We are who we are, and thinking BIG just might not be a part of our nature. It’s something that’s difficult to imagine, let alone do. However, there is a way around this that naturally shifts our perspective and makes things a little more fun.

The key to shifting perspective involves stepping outside of yourself and into another persona – essentially becoming someone you are not, yet someone who will help you see things a little BIGGER, better and far more creatively. You could therefore begin thinking BIG like a:

• Child who only sees possibilities in amidst turmoil.
• World Renowned Musician or Artist who has an uncanny ability of creating something out of nothing.
• Professional Athlete who has the will to persist and overcome any obstacle standing in their way.
• Noble Prize Winning Scientist who meticulously works through BIG problems in small ways.
• Billionaire Entrepreneur who knows no limitations in thought or action.

Step into any of these people’s shoes, and you will immediately gain a different perspective about your life and the circumstances that are confronting your reality; you will immediately begin to think more clearly, creatively and problematically; and you start to progressively break down the walls that are preventing you from thinking BIGGER than you have ever thought before.

Furthermore, in order to think BIG you must think from the perspective of having NO limitations and NO fears. It’s as though life is conspiring in your favor, breaking down all walls and obstacles that are standing in your way, thusly releasing your unlimited potential to think BIGGER than ever before.

Barriers to Thinking Big

Thinking BIG is not easy. It’s something that we must learn to cultivate over time on a daily basis in everything we do. However, even when this habit of Thinking BIG is deeply ingrained into our psyche, there will still be times when barriers will need to be overcome, obstacles will need to be surpassed, and old habits will need to be broken. [see: habits] It is during these times that we need to think BIGGER than ever before.

Here is a list of common barriers that prevent BIG thinking:

Limiting Habits

Thinking BIG is a habit that we naturally grow and develop over time. It is a habit that allows us to stretch our imaginations and expand our personal potential. This is all well and good, however, thinking BIG will never become a reality for any of us if we continue to indulge in the following limiting habits that ironically force us to think small:

• Procrastination holds you back and pulls you away from the forward movement of life. [see: procrastination]
• Short-term Thinking denies you the ability to see solutions that lie a few steps ahead.
• Negative Thinking prevents you seeing things that are possible to do NOW and in the future.
• Making Excuses focuses you on what you Don’t Want.
• Solving Insignificant Problems distracts you from what’s most important and from the BIGGER picture.
• Over Analyzing Things wastes time and energy on small matters that are of little significance.
• Seeking Perfection forces you to dabble in things over and over again in an attempt to achieve the impossible. [see: perfectionism]

These habits will constrict your ability to think BIG about your life and circumstances, because they force you to think small, to think about insignificant events and circumstances in unproductive ways, thusly draining all your creative energies from the inside out.

Peer Judgment and Criticism

People judge what they don’t understand or can’t comprehend. Your BIG ideas and solutions can help change your life, can help change someone else’s life, and as far as you are concerned, they can also help change the world. Not everyone will see things your way, and not everyone will believe what you see, however this shouldn’t stop you from thinking BIGGER than ever before about your life conditions and circumstances. [see: peer influence]

People will always judge, criticize, condemn and complain. It’s just a natural part of human nature. However, this is not a barrier to thinking BIG unless you make it so.

Common Fears

Our fears of Change, Success and Failure can make thinking BIG very difficult to do. We worry about what lies in the future, we stress about not getting things right, and we concern ourselves with worst-case scenarios. These fears constrict us and coil us into a ball of small thoughts, decisions and actions. [see: fear]

Life is about making mistakes, it’s about taking chances, and it’s about thinking BIG about your life and circumstances. Year from now, when you are sitting on your rocking chair at 100 years of age – you sit there with a smile on your face, having no regrets. Yes life might not have gone exactly the way you imagined, but you smile because you thought BIG, took chances and enjoyed the journey. And that’s what life is really all about, isn’t it?

Having No Time or Incentives

When you are pressed for time you begin thinking small and only about things in the immediate future. Thinking BIG requires time, it requires dedicated attention and discipline that forces you to spread your horizons and open your mind to new possibilities and ideas. If you simply can’t find the time to think BIG than you will always live small [see: time management]

In addition, if you live life without any incentives, than there will simply be no motivation to stretch yourself emotionally or physically. Without motivation you will think small and neglect the BIGGER picture after all.

Thinking Big Strategies

Developing the habit of thinking BIG on a daily basis requires a little work and effort. It’s not something that will happen over-night, but it is something that will happen over-time as you apply the following “BIG thinking” strategies consistently and meticulously.

Cultivation is the Key

BIG thinking is a habit that must be cultivated over time. Like any habit, it requires us to develop a plethora of supporting habits that will help us to think BIG far more effectively.

Empowering Language

The language you use on a daily basis is simply a reflection of your thoughts. If your words are riddled with complaining, worrying and criticizing your life circumstances, than you can expect that your life will undoubtedly be a direct reflection of these words. If on the other hand you begin utilizing empowering words and phrases that are focused on solutions, ideas and on expanding possibilities, than your life will also be a reflection of this type of language. [see: language patterns]

Big Ideas, Plans & Goals

When setting goals don’t settle for safety. Think instead of goals that will help expand your comfort zone, push your limits and stretch your imagination. Life is after all too short for anything else [see: plan of action]

Forward Thinking

BIG thinkers are Forwards thinkers. They think several steps ahead, several moves in advance and several years into the future. They understand that life is simply like a game of chess.

If you do not have the ability to think several moves ahead, than you haven’t as yet successfully cultivated the habit of Thinking Big.

Solution Oriented Thinking

BIG thinking is about finding solutions, answers and ideas that will break down the problematic walls that are standing in the way. Solution Oriented Thinking involves asking effective questions that will expand possibilities and open ourselves to alternative perspectives that we never considered before.

Indispensable Qualities

BIG thinking requires us to cultivate several key qualities and traits that will enable us to think BIGGER and better than ever before about our life and circumstances. These qualities include passion, courage, optimism, persistence, discipline and enthusiasm.

Unshakable Belief

BIG thinkers are BIG thinkers because they believe that whatever they can conceptualize in their minds, they can realize in the physical world. [see: beliefs + law of belief] Hence they believe that…

When I envision it, I believe it..

When I believe it, I do it..

When I do it, everything becomes possible..

Relish Time for Thinking

In order to think BIG you must first find the time to think proactively about your circumstances. Most people unfortunately don’t have this privilege. They simply don’t have the time and tend to constantly react to the events and circumstances in their lives. They never actually take the time to STOP and think proactively about solutions and ideas that could make their life easier and solve the problems confronting their reality.

Relish Opportunity to Solve BIG Problems

BIG thinkers love BIG problems!

Problems are nothing more than PUZZLES that need to be pieced together with the right resources and ideas.

BIG thinkers understand that the more often they piece these puzzles together the more proficient they will become at solving future unexpected problems that may rudely show up at the worst possible time. [see: problem solving]

Challenge Weaknesses

Weaknesses are simply things that we have failed to address and consistently focus on over a lifetime. In other words, they are things that we have neglected – and “what you don’t use, you will lose”. Therefore weaknesses should not be seen as limitations, but rather as opportunities for change.

BIG thinkers understand that by challenging their weaknesses they naturally strengthen their ability to deal with the unexpected events and circumstances that life throws their way. In addition, challenging weaknesses adds to their arsenal of skills and resources that they have on hand to help them attain their BIG goals and objectives. [see: strengths + weaknesses]

Strengthen Willpower & Resilience

BIG goals and objectives are only achieved by those with the Willpower and Resilience to keep on moving when everyone else has stopped dead in their tracks. BIG thinkers clearly understand this, and they therefore strengthen their Willpower and Resilience on a daily basis even when performing the smallest of tasks.

Ask BIG Questions like a Child

BIG thinkers ask BIG questions consistently and persistently until the right answer comes to mind. [see: questions] They ask:

How can I do this better than anyone else?

How can I think more creatively about this?

How can I take this to another level?

How can I think even bigger?

Gather Required Resources

BIG thinkers realize that thinking BIG is only the 1st step that leads to BIG change. They know that to conceptualize a BIG idea is one thing, but to actually bring this idea into reality is completely another ballgame. They therefore strategically gather all the necessary resources, tools, knowledge and support – in advance – that they need to bring their BIG ideas into the physical world.

Create Artificial Problems

BIG thinking requires GREAT problem solving. Without problems there could never be a BIG thought or IDEA. Ideas are “ideas” because they help to solve problems that we experience on a daily basis. Without problems “ideas” are nothing, and progress will be very hard to come by. BIG thinkers clearly understand this principle, and for that reason they create Artificial Problems for themselves on a daily basis. They do this for two reasons:

1. To strengthen their Problem Solving ability.
2. To stretch their imaginations.

Keep in mind that Artificial Problems can at times lead to unexpected and very practical solutions for other seemingly unrelated aspects of life.

Build Systems & Processes

Thinking BIG isn’t easy, and that is why it’s important to streamline the process as much as possible by building effective systems that will enable you build your ideas, accelerate decision making and support your creativity.

Constantly Make Bold BIG Decisions

BIG thinkers take BIG risks and make bold and BIG decisions on a daily basis that others may not openly support. However, BIG thinkers understand that their ability to think BIG allows them to see things from a far wider perspective that others cannot. And for that reason they are also independent thinkers who don’t base their decisions on people who only think in small and minuscule ways. [see: decision making]

Take Calculated Risks

BIG thinkers are not Unrealistic thinkers who take crazy risks. BIG thinkers are SMART thinkers who make sure to weigh up the consequences of their decisions thoroughly – on all aspects of life – before taking action.

Take Proactive Action

BIG thinking without ACTION is only DREAMING. To think BIG you must act BIG and move towards your goals and objectives in a thought-provoking meticulous manner each and every single day.

Set Goals Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Thinking BIG and setting goals that are beyond your Comfort Zone goes hand-in-hand. In fact, the size and the degree of difficulty of obtaining your goal will provide you with a good indication of how BIG you are thinking at any particular moment. However, we must of course keep in mind that setting goals that are too far beyond our reach is actually counterproductive. If these goals are not attained – this can lead to stress, worry, fear, procrastination and a plethora of other limiting emotions and behaviors.

Your goals must be believable, achievable and must effectively follow the SMART FOR ME goal setting method. [see: goal setting]

Set Challenging Time-frames for Objectives

Some goals might seem easy to achieve on the surface. However, if you fiddle around with the time-frame a little bit, you will find that even the easiest of goals can become somewhat challenging.

BIG thinkers clearly understand that in order to keep themselves on target, motivated and moving quickly, that they must continuously test themselves and their ideas. And this involves setting challenging time-frames that test their limits and push their comfort zone. [see: comfort zone]

Focus on Planning & Starting Small

Within the introduction of this post we talked about the snowflake and the seed. Both started small, and yet both had BIG ideas that took a little time to cultivate and grow. The same applies to real life. We must think BIG but focus on planning and starting small.

Focus on ONLY What Want

BIG thinkers are Solution Oriented thinkers who ONLY focus on what they want to do, have, be and achieve. They don’t care about the details – at first – or on what cannot be done. Instead they focus on the BIG picture and on the possibilities of bringing an idea to fruition. Later however, they ask effective questions that breaks down their idea into workable parts – making them practical in real-life scenarios.

Focus on Highest Value Activities

BIG thinkers always attempt to maximize the use of their time. As a result they primarily focus on only the Highest Value Activities that will help them to bring their BIG ideas into reality.

Focus on Your Abilities & Strengths

When conceptualizing BIG ideas, BIG thinkers take into account their personal strengths and abilities. They realize that by conceptualizing ideas that naturally support their strong attributes and talents, that they will be able to bring forth more motivation and dedication to bring their ideas to fruition.

Consistently Reframe Problems

BIG thinkers consistently reframe their problems by expanding possibilities and perspectives. In other words, they first see the problem for what it is, then they twist their perspective of the problem in a creative way to help them brainstorm better ideas and solutions. [see: reframing reality]

Consistently Surround Self with Ambitious People

Finally, BIG thinkers associate with other BIG thinkers who are ambitious, motivated and inspire others to think BIGGER, act BIGGER and become BIGGER than they ever imagined was possible.

Final Thoughts

It is reasonable to expect that BIG thinkers don’t always realize their BIG Ideas. However, what they do realize is that life doesn’t always get them what they want, but rather what they need – in the long-term – to help support the achievement of their BIGGEST goals and objectives. Furthermore, they understand that thinking BIG is not something that just happens to us, nor is it an attitude about life. It is rather a state of mind that we must choose to cultivate on a daily basis that becomes our life’s attitude over a lifetime.

Books from Amazon

• The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
• Thinking Big: Progressive Ideas for a New Era by James Lardner & Nathaniel Loewentheil
• Thinking Big: The Keys to Personal Power & Maximum Performance by Brian Tracy
• Think Big: Unleashing Your Potential for Excellence by Ben Murphey & Cecil Carson
• How to Make Millions with Your Ideas: An Entrepreneur’s Guide by Dan S. Kennedy

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Introduction

It is said that Lucky things ALWAYS happen to Lucky people. Furthermore, it is said that you are either born Lucky or you’re NOT. Luck therefore is either a part of who you are or simply “apart” from who you are, and there is nothing you can do about it. This perception of Luck was obviously formulated by those riddled with what they would call “Bad Luck”, and is therefore not a result of anything that we can consciously control. Or is it?

Even though attracting Luck into our lives is something that we cannot physically control, it is however something that we can indirectly influence and bring forth into our lives by cultivating certain and traits, developing a “Luck Attracting” mindset, and by taking specific actions that enable us to attract the opportunities into our lives that are naturally labeled as “Lucky”.

Luck is therefore not a result of seemingly fortunate occurrences that make no sense. It actually results from a series of seemingly unrelated coincidences that have culminated together as a result of the traits we cultivate, the mindset we project and the actions we take on a daily basis.

Lucky Traits

Whether consciously or unconsciously Lucky People tend to develop and cultivate a certain set of traits that naturally attract Lucky Events and circumstances into their lives.

Primary Traits

Lucky people tend to cultivate certain qualities and traits that help them attract luck more frequently into their lives. The following list of traits have been found to be of most importance.

Strong Willpower

The Luckiest People in the World have an extraordinary ability to persist in the face of adversity. Their determination to push forward no matter what obstacles stand in their way naturally exposes them to a greater array of opportunities that often reveal themselves the further they are able to push through the challenges in their lives.

Disciplined & Diligent

The Luckiest People in the World are fully committed and disciplined to the attainment of their goals and objectives. This discipline enables them to focus wholeheartedly on the tasks at hand, allowing them to block out all distractions and spot potential opportunities that may suddenly come their way.

Optimistic

The Luckiest People in the World are optimistic by nature. They fully understand that optimism enables them to identify solutions and answers where pessimists only see problems and heartache.

Generous

The Luckiest People in the World are generous by nature – tending to give to others without any hidden ulterior motives. Their generosity naturally gains people’s respect and admiration, and as a result they are more likely to receive the support and assistance they need to achieve their personal goals and objectives.

Humble

The Luckiest People in the World are humble by nature. This humble demeanor naturally widens their perspectives, enabling them to focus outwards outside of themselves, allowing them to spot opportunities that other people would miss because of their inwardly directed energies.

Exhibits Calming Effect on People

The Luckiest People in the World exhibit a calming effect on others, which makes people feel comfortable and relaxed within their presence. This naturally builds stronger bonds and relationships. As a result people are more likely to help them if they ever require their assistance.

Relaxed Attitude

The Luckiest People in the World are not easily frazzled by the events or circumstances in their lives. This Relaxed Attitude naturally enables them to spot opportunities that otherwise may be overlooked if they were to be ruled by their emotional reactions.

Very Approachable

The Luckiest People in the World are very approachable. They are approachable because of the pleasant facial expressions they project, and because of their open and sincere body language. This naturally encourages other people to approach and interact with them on a regular basis.

Seeks Unpredictability & Adventure

The Luckiest People in the World tend to seek unpredictability and adventure on a daily basis. Furthermore, they like to try new things and expand their personal horizons as often as possible. This naturally exposes them to new people, environments, circumstances and enables them to learn new things, develop unique skills and take advantage of a wider array of opportunities that come their way.

Always Smiling & Laughing

The Luckiest People in the World are always laughing and smiling while in the company of others. This naturally projects a carefree fun-loving energy that people are drawn to. As a result, they find that others are more willing to help and assist them with their personal goals and objectives.

Gives Good Eye-Contact

The Luckiest People in the World fully understand that the best way to gain trust quickly with another person is through gentle and direct eye-contact. Once this trust has been established, a world of new opportunities arises.

Lucky Mindset

Lucky Events seem to be effortlessly attracted into people’s lives because they cultivate a Mindset that naturally enables them to bring forth good fortune on a daily basis.

Expects Good Fortune & Positive Outcomes

The Luckiest People in the World always expect that good fortune will result from their decisions and actions. Whether events are within or outside of their control, they always expect that a positive outcome will result. This expectation naturally raises their conscious awareness of the world around them, which enables them to identify opportunities that otherwise may have been overlooked.

Expects to Find Solutions to Problems

The Luckiest People in the World expect to find Solution that will help them overcome their problems. They fully understand that if there is a problem, that a solution can and will be found – it’s just a matter of time. As a result they remain vigilant, they persist and work through obstacles, while all the while scouting for opportunities that could provide them with the answers they are searching for.

Expects Best from All Social Interactions

The Luckiest People in the World expect the best from others and view every social interaction as an opportunity for mutual benefit and growth. They don’t just interact with people, they actually take time to get to know others at a profoundly deep level, enabling them to create random opportunities from what seem to be chance encounters.

Expects to Meet Interesting People

The Luckiest People in the World expect to meet interesting, happy and passionate individuals every single day. They realize that surrounding themselves with these types of people will naturally tend to attract the luck and opportunities that they are after.

Constantly Asking Effective Questions

The Luckiest People in the World are fully aware of the influence that questions have over their lives. They realize that asking the right questions will lead them to the answers they need that will enable them to overcome setbacks and attract the opportunities they desire to bring forth into their life.

Always Open to New Experiences

The Luckiest People in the World realize that a new experience could potentially open a floodgate of new opportunities that they weren’t expecting. As a result they will try almost anything, travel to any place, and do whatever they feel is necessary to experience life in a new and creative way.

Lives in Present Moment

The Luckiest People in the World set goals for the future, however they realize that in order to spot the opportunities that are available Right Now, that they must be present in the moment.

Constantly Reframes Events

The Luckiest People in the World consistently Reframe Events and their life circumstances in ways that enable them to shift their perspective from negative consequences onto realistic outcomes that could present opportunities for future growth and development.

Always Focuses on Patterns, Details & Results

The Luckiest People in the World realize that the entire world and the social fabric of humankind is built upon Predictable Patterns that once understood, will open up a floodgate of new insights and understandings that will enable them to take advantage of opportunities that they may never have realized ever existed.

Never Dwells on Setbacks, Problems or Misfortune

The Luckiest People in the World tend not to dwell too long on the setbacks and misfortunes that life brings their way. They will of course take a little time to learn from these events, however their time is usually spent focusing on solutions, answers and the opportunities that these problems have attracted.

Perceives Bad Luck in a Positive Light

The Luckiest People in the World see what seems to be Bad Luck as nothing more than an event that is inconsequential to their long-term success and happiness. As a result they break free from the shackles of misfortune by viewing it in a Positive yet Realistic Light.

Irrelevant Long-term

They see Bad Luck as being irrelevant in the long-term, fully knowing that the future cannot be measured or predicted by a single event or occurrence.

Chance to Grow

They perceive Bad Luck as a chance to expand possibilities, knowledge and abilities. In times like these, they seek to learn more about themselves, others and the circumstance that they are dealing with.

Opportunity to Learn & Minimize Future Mistakes

They view Bad Luck as nothing more than a learning experience that enhances their understanding about their circumstances. This subsequently provides them with an opportunity to minimize predictable future mistakes.

Fortunate Because Not Worse

They feel fortunate and actually quite relieved that the Bad Luck they experienced was actually quite mild compared to the possible consequences that could’ve resulted.

Only Temporary Misfortune with Long-term Benefits

Most importantly, the Luckiest People in the World see every stroke of Bad Luck as a temporary misfortune that actually brings with it long-term benefits that they must now take the time to identify. They do this by asking themselves:

How is this a blessing in disguise?

How can I put a positive spin on this?

What evidence is there to support this perspective?

What can be learned from this situation?

Lucky Actions

Our daily Actions either work For Us or Against Us. When they work For Us we naturally attract events and circumstances that are aligned with what we want most in life. On the other hand, when they work Against Us, our lives become riddled with problems, and consequently we label ourselves as being “unlucky”.

Networks Relentlessly & Proactively

The Luckiest People in the World clearly understand that the more people they know, the greater their capacity to acquire what they want whenever they want. For this very reason they Network tirelessly with people from all walks of life.

Helps People Get What They Want

The Luckiest People in the World realize that in order to get what they want, they must first help other people get what they want. Hence they focus on assisting others with their personal goals and objectives.

Creates Support Groups with Strong Emotional Ties

The Luckiest People in the World know that strong relationships with others are built upon a solid foundation of Emotional Bonds that bind people together for common purposes and goals.

Utilizes Intuition, Meditation & Affirmations

The Luckiest People in the World tend to utilize their intuition in order to guide them in the right direction. Moreover, they make use of meditation in order to gain clarity of thought, and utilize affirmations such as “luck always comes my way” to help focus them on potential opportunities that may arise.

Is Always Learning

The Luckiest People in the World are Learning, Growing and Evolving continuously. You will often find them enhancing their skills, problem solving ability, creativity, expertise, experience and knowledge on a daily basis. This naturally helps them gain access to all the necessary resources that allow them to attract seemingly Lucky Events into their lives.

Is Always Enhancing Value to Others

The Luckiest People in the World know that finding new ways to add more value to other people’s lives, is one of the surest methods of attracting the interest they need in their products, services and businesses. This “interest” generates opportunities and seemingly fortunate coincidences that are deemed to be “Lucky”.

Prepares Thoroughly

The Luckiest People in the World clearly understand that preparation is the key to long-term acceleration. By preparing thoroughly they are able to better identify possible patterns, trends and events that may take place as a result of their decisions and actions. This naturally enables them to work faster and smarter as they move towards the attainment of their goals and objectives.

Sets Long-term Goals & Daily Objectives

The Luckiest People in the World understand that without Setting Goals and Daily Objectives that they would have very little focus and direction. Without this focus and direction they would struggle to take advantage of the opportunities that would help them get what they want most in life.

Perseveres Consistently

The Luckiest People in the World tend to persevere despite the odds that are stacked against them. In fact, the higher the chances of failure or of making mistakes, the more motivated they are to bring their goals and objectives to fruition. Hence they cultivate a Never Quit, Never Give Up attitude.

Works Hard, Smart & Creatively

The Luckiest People in the World always work Hard, Smart and Creatively. They understand that it’s not how much time they put in, but rather how they work during that time that really matters. Furthermore, they realize that only through the process of Creative Thought and Action will they be able to attract the so called “Fortunate Events” and opportunities that others simply acknowledge as “Lucky”.

Takes Calculated Risks

The Luckiest People in the World tend to minimize their risks while maximizing their potential options when making decisions. They believe that the less chance there is of things going wrong, the more likely they are to achieve their goals and objectives, and the Luckier they will seem to be in the eyes of their Peers.

Takes Full Responsibility

The Luckiest People in the World take full Responsibility for their thoughts, actions and decisions, fully knowing that the results they achieve are of their own making. As a result they tend not to make excuses or blame their circumstances on other people or events. They realize that doing this would direct their Mind onto What they Don’t Want, and this will consequently distract them from What they Do Want, and as a result they will fail to identify the opportunities that are necessary for them to achieve their personal goals and objectives.

Acts Upon Chance Encounters & Opportunities

The Luckiest People in the World realize that life is built upon a time-frame of Opportunities and Chance Encounters that must be taken advantage of the moment they arise. As a result they are usually the first ones to make the telephone call, to seal the deal, and the first to launch the Next BIG Thing!

Models Successful People

The Luckiest People in the World understand that other people’s Success can be Modeled and Repeated. As a result they spend time researching the thoughts, beliefs, habits, decisions and actions of very successful individuals. They subsequently model their patterns of behavior in order to obtain their own personal goals and objectives.

Visualizes What Want

The Luckiest People in the World tend to Visualize what they want in their mind before achieving it in the real world. They understand that whatever they can conceptualize within their imaginations, they can create in the Physical World. Furthermore, visualization enables them to prepare for problems that have not yet occurred – that the ordinary person would never have imagined.

Asks for What Want

The Luckiest People in the World understand that one of the most Effective and Efficient ways to get What they Want is to simply ASK. “Asking” opens up a floodgate of opportunities that the ordinary person labels as nothing more than Chance LUCK!

Final Thoughts

I hope that this article serves to inspire you to think about Luck in a new way. Because when it boils down to it, Luck isn’t about some random event that tends to favor one person over another. It’s rather about a series of Choices that you make on a daily basis, that help you to cultivate the Mindset and Traits that naturally inspire the right types of Actions, that move you towards the opportunities that bring your desires to fruition.

And hence the saying goes that, “the choices we make, seal our fate!”

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any further queries or questions, or would like to share your experiences about this topic, than please do so in the comments section below. Please also don’t forget to download the Free PDF of the Luck Factor.

Online Resources

• The Luck Factor – A Free Manual for Good Luck

Books from Amazon

• The Luck Factor Book:  Changing Your Luck, Changing Your Life: The 4 Essential Principles
• Luck: The Essential Guide
• Luck: Understanding Luck and Improving the Odds
• Luck: The Brilliant Randomness of Everyday Life
• How to Attract Good Luck

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Introduction

When we take the time to reflect upon the natural environment around us, we begin to observe a complex yet very beautiful world cycling through patterns, phases and through stages of transition. We also quickly realize that nothing ever stands still, that nothing ever maintains its current state, identity or shape for very long. In fact, all of Nature cycles through Seasons of Change and transformation, effortlessly and naturally – just like we Humans transition through psychological and physical states of transformation throughout our lives.

Transformation is a natural part of life, and an important component of Human Evolution. It is something that is unavoidable, inevitable and yet very manageable. Our circumstances, needs, desires, and behaviors must therefore naturally change and evolve alongside these cycles of life, or we risk undermining our personal levels of happiness and fulfillment.

When our psychology and behaviors are in harmony with these rhythms, we begin to flow through life naturally and effortlessly. During these times, we understand that our current life circumstances are only temporary, and we therefore make use of what we have to the best of our abilities. On the other hand, when we resist these natural rhythms, we sell ourselves short and consequently struggle with the conditions that life throws our way.

The Seasons of Transformation IQ Matrix is designed to guide you through these rhythms and cycles of life. It is designed to provide you with the resources, tools and understanding you need to enable you to make the most use of the changes that life throws your way. And finally, it is designed as a compass that will enable you to get yourself back on track and moving towards your goals and objectives despite perceived difficulties or setbacks.

The Seasons of Life

Summer: A season for Rewards, Celebration and Fulfillment.

Autumn: A season for Survival, Mistakes and Problems.

Winter: A season for Reflection, Hibernation and Planning.

Spring: A season for Learning, Opportunity and Dynamic Thinking.

The Cycles of Life

Life cycles through phases of transformation and change that are unavoidable, inevitable, and yet very manageable. Here we discuss how these natural cycles of life are beneficial for our personal growth and psychological evolution.

Seasons Change Constantly

The Seasons of Life are constantly changing as a result of the choices and decisions that we make on a daily basis. A seemingly insignificant choice today could very well change the tide of the Seasons as we move into tomorrow.

For things Not to Change, we must stay the same. However, we cannot remain unchanged if we are constantly making new choices and decisions about our life conditions and circumstances.

Life is all about change, we are constantly changing, and our circumstances are simply a reflection of these natural evolutionary steps.

Seasons Transition Naturally

The Seasons of Life transition naturally from one phase to another as a result of the thoughts, values and beliefs we have consistently cultivated in our minds.

The Summer Season brings Happiness; the Autumn brings Pain; the Winter brings Self-Reflection; and the Spring brings an Opportunity for Learning. We transition through each of these Seasons naturally, because they are simply a reflection of our human nature.

Seasons Are Temporary

The Seasons of Life are as temporary as the rain drops that are falling on your head, as the thunder that is raging outside, or as the wind that is blowing up the storm. None of these events will last forever. They are temporary in nature, just as the Seasons of Life are temporary on a psychological level.

The joy you experience during your Summers will not last forever. There will inevitably be a moment when your thoughts, decisions and actions will naturally move you into another phase of life, which may lead to pain and anguish. However, this too is only temporary, and will eventually pass.

The length of time it takes us to progress through each Season is simply a reflection of our state of mind – a reflection of our ability to adapt to the conditions and circumstances we find ourselves in. If we adapt successfully we will move through difficult and unpleasant phases quickly. On the other hand, if we are unable to adapt, than we will suffer the consequences of failing to capitalize on the opportunities that life inevitably throws our way.

Seasons Are Psychologically Beneficial

The Seasons of Life are there to teach us lessons about ourselves, others and about life. They are there to help us grow emotionally, physically and socially. And they are there to harden our soul, to enliven our spirit and to strengthen our emotional resilience in the face of adversity and opportunity.

When we succeed we Celebrate. When we fail we Complain and Blame… but eventually we begin to contemplate who we are, what we want, and how we would like to progress from this moment onwards. These periods of life shape our character, and paint the canvas of the life we are yet to experience. Moreover, these times help us evolve as human beings.

We Create the Seasons

We naturally create and transition between the 4 Seasons of Life as a result of our Responses and Reactions to people, events and circumstances. This effectively means that HOW WE RESPOND to our environment will directly influence what we get back from our environment – whether they are Problems or Opportunities.

Self-Reflection Questions

Consider how your life has changed and transformed over time by reflecting back upon the emotional highs, and the heartbreaking lows you have experienced over a lifetime. Additionally consider your current predicament and life circumstances, and ask yourself the following questions:

“Which Season am I currently transitioning through at this very moment?”

“How have the Seasons shaped my character?”

“How have the Seasons strengthened my character?”

“How have the Seasons enriched my experience of life?”

Summer Season

The Summer Season is a time for Rewards, Celebration and Fulfillment. It encapsulates moments of your life where you have been achieving your goals, objectives and enjoying life to the fullest.

Characteristics of Summer

Throughout Summer you will find yourself undertaking the following activities:

• Networking
• Traveling
• Leisure: Enjoying Life to the Fullest
• Accomplishing Goals and Objectives
• Taking Risks
• Taking Proactive Action
• Expanding Your Comfort Zone
• Thinking Creatively, Proactively and Optimistically

The Psychology of Summer

Throughout Summer you will tend to experience the following emotions:

• Excitement
• Passion
• Euphoria
• Courage
• Confidence

You may subsequently experience fatigue and an insufficient amount of time that may temporarily hold you back from achieving your goals and objectives.

Evolution of Summer

The Summer Season doesn’t occur by coincidence. There are certain factors that come into play that naturally enable us to transition through this phase of life. These factors include:

• Good Plans and Preparation
• Solid Choices and Decisions
• Prolonged Self-Reflection
• Capitalizing on the Right Opportunities

Self-Reflection Questions

Reflect back upon the Summer Seasons of your life and honestly ask yourself the following set of questions:

“What impact have the Summers had on my life?”

“What have they taught me about myself, life and others?”

“How have they transformed my personality?”

Autumn Season

The Autumn Season is a time for Survival, for dealing with Problems and for making Mistakes. It encapsulates moments of your life where you struggled to maintain the momentum that was required to achieve your goals and objectives. Consequently things started to fall apart, you felt like you had very little control over your circumstances, and you began to react emotionally in very limiting ways.

Characteristics of Autumn

Throughout Autumn you will find yourself undertaking the following activities:

• Avoiding Responsibility
• Contracting Your Comfort Zone
• Thinking Hesitantly, Unrealistically, Ineffectively and Pessimistically

The Psychology of Autumn

Throughout Autumn you will tend to experience the following emotions:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Frustration
• Stress
• Disappointment
• Overwhelm

Evolution of Autumn

The Autumn Season doesn’t occur by coincidence. There are certain factors that come into play that naturally enable us to transition through this phase of life. These factors include:

• Ineffective Decision Making
• Failure to Capitalize on Opportunities
• Ignorance
• Mistakes Stemming from Ineffective Thinking
• Mistakes Originating from Ineffective Choices of Behavior

Self-Reflection Questions

Reflect back upon the Autumn Seasons of your life and honestly ask yourself the following set of questions:

“What impact have the Autumns had on my life?”

“What have they taught me about myself, life and others?”

“How have they transformed my personality?”

Winter Season

The Winter Season is a time for Self-Reflection, Planning and Hibernation. It encapsulates moments of your life when you began to withdraw emotionally from the world and from your circumstances. This naturally brought about periods of self-reflection and contemplation where you were able to re-clarify your life’s purpose and consequently forgive yourself for past mistakes and indiscretions.

Characteristics of Winter

Throughout Winter you will find yourself undertaking the following activities:

• Time for Finding Inner Peace and Solitude
• Time for Bonding with Family, Friends and Loved Ones
• Time for Journaling Thoughts and Feelings
• Time for Thinking Critically, Realistically, Problematically and Thoughtfully about Life

The Psychology of Winter

Throughout Winter you will tend to experience a mix of pessimistic and optimistic emotions that naturally tend to trigger a state of procrastination:

• Guilt
• Fear
• Relief
• Grief
• Hope

Evolution of Winter

The Winter Season doesn’t occur by coincidence. There are certain factors that come into play that naturally enable us to transition through this phase of life. These factors include:

• Lack of Emotional Intelligence
• Reactive Behavior to Losses and Uncontrolled Circumstances
• Ineffective Choices, Habits and Thoughts

Self-Reflection Questions

Reflect back upon the Winter Seasons of your life and honestly ask yourself the following set of questions:

“What impact have the Winters had on my life?”

“What have they taught me about myself, life and others?”

“How have they transformed my personality?”

Spring Season

The Spring Season is a time for Learning, for discovering new Opportunities and for Dynamic Thinking. It encapsulates moments of your life where you began to think strategically about your circumstances, started expanding your horizons socially and emotionally, and where you took the time to learn the skills you required to achieve your new goals and objectives.

Characteristics of Spring

Throughout Spring you will find yourself undertaking the following activities:

• Developing New Skills, Habits and Social Contacts
• Altering Personal Mindset
• Expanding Knowledge, Options and Opportunities
• Setting Goals
• Thinking Strategically, Tactically, and Insightfully

The Psychology of Spring

Throughout Spring you will tend to experience the following emotions:

• Love
• Trust
• Joy
• A Sense of Anticipation

Evolution of Spring

The Spring Season doesn’t occur by coincidence. There are certain factors that come into play that naturally enable us to transition through this phase of life. These factors include:

• Increased Self-Belief
• Increased Self-Confidence
• Solid Reflection Time that Enables You to Clarify What You Want Most in Life

Self-Reflection Questions

Reflect back upon the Spring Seasons of your life and honestly ask yourself the following set of questions:

“What impact have the Springs had on my life?”

“What have they taught me about myself, life and others?”

“How have they transformed my personality?”

The MasterMind Matrix Connection

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The Seasons of Transformation presented within this post and within the accompanying Mind Map is an integral part of the MasterMind Matrix.

Take a Journey through the MasterMind Matrix to learn more.

Final Thoughts

The Seasons of Life are about transformation and change. Moreover, they are about the process of effectively transitioning from one set of conditions or circumstances to another – that enable us to learn, grow and consequently reap the rewards that life eventually brings our way.

The Seasons of life don’t necessarily cycle from Summer to Autumn to Winter to Spring, and then back to Summer once again. They can transition any which way depending on the emotional choices and decisions we make on a daily basis.

In the end Life is about transition, about change and most importantly about transformation. Every experience – no matter how we perceive it – helps us grow and develop psychologically on many levels of awareness, which consequently paves the way for ever richer experiences that will enable us to overcome the obstacles and challenges that life inevitably throws our way.

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any further queries or questions, or would like to share your experiences about this topic, than please do so in the comments section below.

Finally, please download this Free IQ Matrix Mind Map from the IQ Matrix Shop.

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Introduction

For the majority of the population, goal setting is nothing more than the process of simply writing down what you want to achieve, then taking the necessary steps towards those desired outcomes. This seems simple enough. So why don’t most people achieve their desired outcomes? The problem is that they don’t follow the GROW Model of Goal Setting, which effectively outlines a progressive step-by-step plan of action that explores your current reality, breaks down potential obstacles and paves the way forward towards your desired goals.

Many Life Coaches utilize a personally modified version of the GROW Model in their Life Coaching work with clients. It is in essence one of the most fundamentally sound and effective ways of setting goals for work and life.

The purpose of this IQ Matrix is to provide you with a simple reference tool that will enable you to set effective goals following the GROW Model process using the methods of Professional Life Coaches from around the world.

This IQ Matrix Mind Map breaks down the GROW Model in the following ways:

• The 1st Branch of this IQ Matrix introduces the GROW Model, its purpose, benefits and the outcomes that can be achieved by utilizing this progressive goal setting process.
• The 2nd Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 1 of the GROW Model. This Phase involves the process of clearly establishing your Goal.
• The 3rd Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 2 of the GROW Model. This Phase helps to break down our Current Reality – enabling us to identify how in-sync our current lifestyle and circumstances are with our desired outcomes.
• The 4th Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 3 of the GROW Model. This Phase analyzes potential Options and enables us to set contingency plans to effectively overcome setbacks we might experience along our journey towards the attainment of our desired outcomes.
• The 5th Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 4 of the GROW Model. This Phase paves the Way Forward – enabling us to develop a solid Plan of Action that will begin moving us forward progressively towards the goal we set in Phase 1 of the GROW Model process.

The Purpose of the GROW Model

The 1st Branch of this IQ Matrix introduces the GROW Model, its purpose, benefits and the outcomes that can be achieved by utilizing this progressive goal setting process.

What is the GROW Model?

The GROW Model is an effective technique for Goal Setting that will enable you to establish a concrete and solid Plan of Action for the achievement of your desired objectives. Additionally the GROW Model can also be utilized as an effective method of Problem Solving.

GROW Model Encourages…

Following the GROW Model process outlined within this blog post will help encourage you to make effective changes to your Current Life Reality, which will move you towards your desired goals and objectives with greater clarity of mind, certainty, knowledge and confidence in yourself and your own abilities.

GROW Model Helps to Overcome…

The GROW Model process has wide applications that will enable you to overcome Fear, Uncertainty, Procrastination and Hesitancy by progressively aligning your goals with your Current Life Reality, and outlining a definite Plan of Action that will help you overcome major obstacles and potential setbacks that you may confront along your journey.

“G” Phase 1: Establish Your Goal

The 2nd Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 1 of the GROW Model. This Phase involves the process of clearly establishing your goal.

Purpose of Phase 1

The purpose of Phase 1 of the GROW Model is to define the end goal that you would like to achieve clearly and precisely.

The Process

The following steps outlined below present the process that is recommended to be followed when establishing a goal.

Identify Goal

Ask yourself what outcome you would like to achieve, and phrase this in a sentence on a piece of paper.

Think of Your Goal

Close your eyes and think of the goal you wrote down on the piece of paper – imagining the experience of this outcome clearly in your mind’s-eye.

Vividly Imagine Your Goal

Delve deeper into your imagination and imagine what you are seeing, saying to yourself, doing, and what others are doing as you are achieving this goal. Additionally, imagine the vivid feelings you are experiencing as you see this goal materialize in front of your eyes.

Get Certain About Your Goal

Take out the piece of paper once again and define the following variables:

• A specific time-frame of when your goal will be achieved.
• A specific measurement that will enable you to identify when you are achieving this goal.
• A hypothetical list of challenges you might confront as you make progress towards the achievement of this goal. Ask yourself:
  

How challenging will it realistically be?

• If the goal seems a little too challenging, then you next step will be to divide it into smaller parts or chunks and start the GROW Model process once again by focusing on only 1 smaller chunk of the bigger objective you had in mind.
• Finally, identify the level of control you have over the achievement of this outcome. The more control you effectively have, the greater your chances of reaching this goal within the time-frame you outlined above.

“R” Phase 2: Explore Your Reality

The 3rd Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 2 of the GROW Model. This Phase helps to break down our current reality – enabling us to identify how in-sync our current lifestyle and circumstances are with our desired outcomes.

Purpose of Phase 2

The Purpose of Phase 2 of the GROW Model comes down to several objectives:

• To identify the GAP between your Current Reality and the goal you have set yourself to achieve.
• To challenge limiting beliefs.
• To create personal accountability for actions.
• To identify potential resources that could be utilized to achieve the goal.
• To identify personal behaviors, capabilities, achievements and circumstances that are critical towards understanding your Current Reality and the resources you will have available to you as you move forward towards your objectives.

The Process

The following steps outlined below present the process that is recommended to be followed when exploring your Current Reality.

Identify Current Circumstances

Here you must identify what is currently happening in your life by identifying the events, people and conditions that currently preoccupy your time, energy and attention throughout the day.

Identify What Good About Life

Here make a list of everything that is currently good about your life and that you would like to keep or even improve upon. Consider if achieving this goal will enable you to keep the “good” things in your life. Or potentially consider the possibility that achieving your goal could in fact push the “good” things in your life away from you.

Identify What is Missing in Life

Here make a list of all the things that you are missing in your life that you would like to have. Consider if achieving this goal will enable you to obtain these missing pieces.

Identify Outcomes Obtained

Here it is important to make a list of all the relevant outcomes and objectives you have obtained in the past that are related to your current goal. Consider how these achievements could potentially assist you in achieving your current objective.

Identify Past Failures

Here you must identify the past failures that prevented you from achieving your desired objectives. Additionally, consider conflicts or weaknesses within your Psychological Patterns – identifying how they could have influenced the outcomes you experienced.

Identify Resources Available

Here you must identify the resources you have on-hand that could potentially help you achieve your goal far more effectively. These could include knowledge, skills, tools, books, information, people you know, etc. The more comprehensive the list, the more confidence you will that your goal is achievable.

Additionally, you might want to list how each of the Resources you have access to could potentially assist you in achieving your objective.

Acknowledge Your Obstacles

Considering all that you now know about your Current Reality, now it is time to acknowledge the potential obstacles along your path by asking yourself the following questions:

What obstacles are preventing me from moving forward?

How could these obstacles limit my actions?

Acknowledge Relevance

Considering all that you now know about your Current Reality, now it is time to acknowledge the relevance of the goal you set yourself in Phase 1 of the GROW Model. To identify this, ask yourself the following questions:

Knowing what I now know about my current reality, is my goal still relevant and achievable?

Should I focus on only one part of my goal instead?

Should anything change?

If your Current Life Reality is in any way not aligned with the goal you have set yourself, than you must immediately make any necessary adjustments to your circumstances, otherwise you will be confronted with an endless array of psychological and physical challenges that will prevent you from attaining your desired objective.

It’s important not to make the mistake of assuming that the Challenges and Problems you will likely confront along your journey towards your goal are the same as the self-imposed obstacles you have set yourself by not making the necessary changes to your Current Life Reality.

These self-imposed obstacles can be overcome by simply changing your priorities, by letting go of people or circumstances, or by simply creating room in your life to achieve this goal in the first place. In the end, it’s not so much what we aim for that makes a difference, but rather what we LET GO OF in the present moment that will determine how our life transitions from our present circumstances to our future reality.

“O” Phase 3: Consider Your Options

The 4th Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 3 of the GROW Model. This Phase analyzes potential options and enables us to set contingency plans to effectively overcome potential setbacks we might experience along our journey towards the attainment of our desired outcomes.

Purpose of Phase 3

The Purpose of Phase 3 of the GROW Model is to consider your options in the face of adversity. Here you must consider and think creatively about the possible Challenges, Problems, and Setbacks that you may face as you move towards your goal. Your creative output during this Phase will effectively determine how quickly you are able to achieve your objective once Phase 4 has been completed.

The Process

The following steps outlined below present the process that is recommended to be followed when Considering Options.

Consider 3 Critical Factors

Here you must consider the 1st Step you will take towards your goal, other people’s feedback, and the benefits of taking this action. To do this ask yourself the following questions:

What could I do that could move me one single step towards my goal?

What is the benefit of taking this 1st Step?

What might others suggest that I do instead?

Why would others suggest that I do these things?

Acknowledge “WHAT IF” Scenarios

Here you must stretch your imagination and consider “What If” scenarios that will enable you to think creatively about the goal that you would like to achieve. Consider the following questions:

What if I had unlimited money? What would I do?

What if I had unlimited time? What would I do?

What would I do if I wasn’t answerable to anyone?

What would I do if there were no consequences?

Select Best Option

Considering everything you have identified and acknowledged, now it’s time to select the Best Option that will move you forward towards the attainment of your goal.

What is one option that will move me forward?

If I do this, will it actually move me towards the attainment of my goal?

“W” Phase 4: The Way Forward

The 5th Branch of this IQ Matrix delves into Phase 4 of the GROW Model. This Phase paves the way forward – enabling us to develop a solid Plan of Action that will begin moving us forward progressively towards the goal we set in Phase 1 of the GROW Model.

Purpose of Phase 4

The Purpose of Phase 4 of the GROW Model is to pave the Way Forward towards the achievement of your goal. Here you are required to draw up a Plan of Action and to develop a realistic time-frame that will enable you to achieve your goal with purpose.

The Process

The following steps outlined below present the process that is recommended to be followed when paving the Way Forward towards your goal.

Identify Specific Actions

Here you must identify the specific action or actions you will take that will begin moving you progressively towards your goal. Ask yourself:

What will I do specifically?

Identify Obstacles

Now that you are clear about what you will do to achieve your goal, you must now consider potential obstacles that may arise as you take these actions. Ask yourself:

Can anything stop me from taking this 1st Step?

What will I do to overcome these obstacles?

Identify Time-frames

Having identified the obstacles along your path and clarified how you will tackle them, it is now time to set definite time-frames for the achievement of your goal. Ask yourself:

When will I get this done?

When will I start?

Identify Priorities

Your new time-frames may now challenge your Current Reality and the priorities you have established in your life. As a result you must now consider adjusting these priorities in order to achieve the goal within the time-frame you outline above. Ask yourself:

How must I adjust my priorities in a way that will enable me to achieve my goal within the time-frame I specified?

Identify Level of Motivation

Now that you are ready to take ACTION, it’s probably a good idea to check your level of motivation.

Your levels of motivation to achieve this goal will reflect your state of mind and could potentially awaken psychological blocks that may prevent you from moving forward.

Rank yourself from 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) and ask the following questions:

What is my level of enthusiasm towards taking this 1st Step and achieving this goal?

What is my level of commitment towards taking this 1st Step and achieving this goal?

Acknowledge People

Additionally you might want to acknowledge the influence of other people who may be available to help you achieve your outcome. Ask yourself:

Should anyone else be involved or know about this goal?

What will I tell them specifically?

What will they need to do specifically?

Acknowledge the Unknown

Finally, before taking the 1st Step towards the achievement of your goal, consider the unknown by asking:

Is there anything else I should consider that could help me, or may prevent me from achieving my goal?

The MasterMind Matrix Connection

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The GROW Model Goal Setting Process presented within this post and within the accompanying Mind Map is only one part of an expanding segment of the MasterMind Matrix that is focused on effective goal setting.

Take a Journey through the MasterMind Matrix to learn more.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to set effective goals in this day-and-age is an important skill that cannot be taken for granted.

Many times we rush into the process of goal setting without really considering key variables that could potentially influence the outcome of our objectives. Without clarification we fail to see the bigger picture, and we thusly become ignorant of the wider consequences that our new goals or objectives will have on our Current Life Reality. And as a result we falter, because our goals our very much like seeds in the ground. When given enough nutrients, sunshine and room to grow, they will flourish and sprout into magnificent things. However, if our Current Life Reality suffocates them with old roots from the past, than our “Goal Seedlings” will simply fail to flourish no matter how badly we may want them.

I hope you enjoyed this post. If you have any further queries or questions, or would like to share your experiences about this topic, than please do so in the comments section below.

Finally, please download this Free IQ Matrix Mind Map from the IQ Matrix Shop.

Related IQ Matrixes

• Keys to SMART Goal Setting
• Unlocking Your Creative Genius Potential
• 6 Thinking Hats: Solving Life’s Complex Problems
• Time Management: 44 Keys to Gaining More Time

Upcoming IQ Matrixes

Over the coming months we have a number of interesting IQ Matrix Mind Maps that will be developed. Each of these will focus on expanding critical segments of the MasterMind Matrix Chart in greater depth and detail. Some of these will be available as free downloadable pdfs, while others will be available for purchase as Premium Mind Maps and for Lifetime Members.

Here is a list of upcoming IQ Matrix Mind Maps:

• Anger Management Strategies
• Effectively Handling Frustration
• Dealing with the Emotion of Guilt
• Strategies for Overcoming Depression
• Strategies for Dealing with Low Self-Esteem
• Overcoming Worry
• Overcoming Shyness
• Overcoming Panic Attacks
• Learning to Become More Assertive
• Understanding the Workings of the Brain & Mind
• Keys to Manifesting the Life of Your Desires
• Keys to Developing Unstoppable Levels of Motivation
• NLP Reframing: The Key to Changing Your Perspective
• Spiritual Consciousness
• The Seasons of Transformation
• The Art of Love
• Visualization & Affirmation Fundamentals
• Keys to Life-long Learning
• Personal Self Coaching Strategies – Part 1
• Personal Self Coaching Strategies – Part 2
• 1st Life Coaching Session Fundamentals
• Life Coaching Strategies: Addressing Concerns
• Life Coaching Strategies: Identifying Current Reality
• Life Coaching Strategies: Evaluating Current Reality
• Life Coaching Mistakes to Avoid

There will also be other IQ Matrix Mind Maps added into the mix over the coming months that have not been listed here. These will focus on other aspects of our Psychology and the MasterMind Matrix Chart.