We Love a Visionary

President Obama quoted Lincoln yesterday as he celebrated Lincoln’s 200th birthday.

"The American people needed to be reminded, he believed, that even in a time of war, the work would go on; that even when the nation itself was in doubt, the future was being secured; and that on that distant day when the guns fell silent, a national capitol would stand, with a statue of freedom at its peak, as a symbol of unity in the land still mending its divisions."

Those are reassuring and hopeful words. They put the positive future into the negative now. Tricky.

Many of us today are at war with our circumstances, fighting our situations or ourselves. Our houses may be gone or at risk, our jobs - gone or at risk, our relationships feel the pressure and our self-concepts go right out the window.

All those invisible forces: status, relationships, and a sense of security. How in the world do we grasp at thin air and make it take shape?

Exercise a clear mind.

1. Visualize. Start with your daydreams and then grab the pieces that mean the most to you. Distill it down to your core values. Freedom, family, health, etc.

2. Act “as if”.
Not employed or just not content? Act as if you are. Spend your time and talent toward something worthwhile. You will attract a worthy future (and put positive potential into the negative now).

3. Explore.
“It’s not what I thought I’d be.” Are you like an actor hanging on to a glamorous role, too full of doubt to explore a gritty new one? Hang on to your values, let go of that outdated glossy.

4. Mend your divisions.
You’ve lost the familiar. It’s exhausting and at times disturbing. Find things in the outer world that give you inner strength – most don’t cost dime; a nap, a walk, a friend, a moment of peace and a sense of pride in your own courage.

5. Lose the baggage.
It’s too heavy anyway. The cynicism, bitterness, self-pity, jealousy – those seven deadly sins are fabled for a reason.

Errant and misguided thinking can cause distress as if it were a physical ailment. Mental clarity can give you energy, integrity and a sense of well-being.

Let Freedom Ring.

7 Habits to Change

Or how to turn the demands of change into powerful growth.

In this tough economy and ever more complex global experience, many of us feel extreme pressure. Here are 7 habits that can help you swing through change and land on a new situation.

Listen to the new reality. 

Your memory of the old status quo can have a powerful effect on your imagination for the future. When you listen to and really hear the new situation you can begin to spot the new opportunities. Give your new reality and new future a chance.

Expand your network, your skills, and your self-concept.
Old relationships emphasize an old and perhaps now outdated concept of you. Keep your supporters close-by while you make relationships that are appropriate to the changing set of circumstances. Develop new skills that can help you flourish. Get excited about the new you.

Test Drive different scenarios.

Experiment just a little. Try something else – maybe even a bit provocative. Whether you try on a new outfit, let go of your old authority, or just work in an unusual location you will experience a sensation of uncertainty. Practice this until you are no longer bothered by the sensation.

Imagine.

Direct your daydreams.  Let yourself fantasize how successful you are in this new scenario. Imagine what your surroundings, friends, clothes and your skills look like. Create multiple options. And don’t worry if you imagine an argument, it tells you where you might find the next challenge.

Take care.
Real transformation is incredibly hard work. You are changing your relationships, your status, and your self-concept – the entire story. Whether it’s a beer with a friend or a back massage, get the rejuvenation you need to carry on.

Go for the goal.
Remember, you are not merely responding to change. You are also growing for your own purpose. You can pick and choose your direction. Consider what inspires and motivates you. You’re going to send your energies there anyway so connect your vision to your inspiration and get juiced by it.

Open up.
It doesn’t have to be dramatic, or maybe for you it does. Just be open to the new. Try a new food, take a chance on a new acquaintance, or get a new haircut. You might like it or you might not. What’s important is that you give it a go.

It’s the only way to grow.