Journey On

The Benefits of Positive Thinking

Mark Susnow — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:51:52 +0000

Recently I was a radio guest on Lois Berman’s show (Loisontheline). I was posed a question. What do you say to someone who is positive, works with affirmations and doesn’t get the result they were looking for.

In my life coaching practice I’m also asked that same question. There is a popular notion, made more popular by the movie the Secret and other authors, that if you visualize what you want, it will manifest. But it doesn’t always work that way. I believe in using affirmations and being positive. And i am positive most of the time.

But when you primarily focus on the desired result you overlook all of the good that is in front of you. When you are positive, each day can be an adventure and fulfilling at the same time. Being positive shifts your attitude so that you are looking for the good rather than focusing on what’s wrong. And when you are positive you become more attractive to others regardless of the situation.

Here’s what you can do that will help you to be more positive every day. In the morning after taking time for reflection, think about your day and what might be the highlight of that day. As your day progresses you are in a state of wonderment. You think to yourself, “I wonder if this is the highlight.” In essence you make a decision before your day even begins that there will be a highlight. Your inquiry is what that highlight is. It’s a great practice. At the end of the day, you might have two or three great choices.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Please join me for the Journey On radio show. I am cohosting the show with my good friend Ralph Marston who publishes the Daily Motivator. Http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journeyon

Mark Susnow, is an executive-life coach and recognized thought leader who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River: Navigating Life’s Changes and Discover the Leader Within.

Say, “Good-bye” to Complaining

Mark Susnow — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:23:54 +0000

So it didn’t work out. You’re disappointed and question whether it was worth “it.” The ‘it’ is different for each of us depending on where we are in our lives. But complaining about what happened or why we aren’t living the life we truly want doesn’t get us anywhere.

What is valuable is to look at the underlying patterns that keep repeating themselves. Some of you remember Carl—— his issue was a string of relationships that didn’t work out. Carl kept choosing partners who were unavailable. But it was safe for him because he knew that the relationship wouldn’t go anywhere. And he got to complain which he had been doing most of his life. After he discovered what his pattern was, he began to choose more available partners and his relationships were much more fulfilling.

So let it go. It happened. Stop wishing it were different. Instead of complaining, ask what you have learned from the experience about yourself and how this learning can benefit you in the future.

Make it a habit. When something doesn’t work out, automatically ask yourselves what you’ve learned. What would your life be like if you stopped complaining?

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Please join me for the Journey On radio show. I am cohosting the show with my good friend Ralph Marston who publishes the Daily Motivator. Http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journeyon

The Power of Your Imagination

Mark Susnow — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30:49 +0000

There is a tremendous power that we all have access to and affects us daily. You know it and for many of us runs our life. You might be wondering what that power is. It’s worry. Think about it. Worry affects us every day, but what is it. It’s our imagination, imagining worse case scenarios. There is an acronym that reminds me of this truth. F.E.A.R.—False Evidence Appearing Real. Our imagination used in this manner can paralyze us and make us miserable and ineffective.

But there is a better way. Our imagination can be used to imagine best case scenarios. Even if those best case scenarios don’t happen, we’ll feel better and excited about possibilities in our lives that at one time we didn’t know existed. We will also get on the positive side of change.

When I was in my twenties I was struggling to graduate from law school and to pass the bar. All I could see was the day to day struggle and what was ahead; looking for a job.

And then my girl friend at the time, Kallie, asked me a question. “How do you want your life to be in fine years?” So I’m asking you the same question. Imagine your life five years from now, the way you want it to be.

Develop a daily practice. After taking time for inner reflection and silence, imagine that life and express gratitude for having it. Make this practice a daily habit for 30 days and then see what happens. It’s a small investment of thought and time, that can change your life, both in the way you feel and in what you manifest.

Let me know how it goes.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Please join me for the Journey On radio show. I am cohosting the show with my good friend Ralph Marston who publishes the Daily Motivator. Http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journeyon

Life Lessons from the River

Mark Susnow — Sat, 04 May 2013 18:54:11 +0000

Wouldn’t it be great if there was a formula if followed would be the answer to all of our problems and concerns. We are intrigued by books and lectures that promise us happiness and a better life.

If you have been a reader of this blog, you know that I make frequent references to the river. Perhaps you already know the story. When I was 13 years old, my Uncle Sam took me on a weeklong river rafting trip on the Green River in Colorado. We flew from San Francisco to Boise and then caught a little six-seat plane that flew us over the mountains and landed in a town near our campsite. We then got into an old school bus that drove us to the river.

On the second day of the trip I was swimming along the side of the raft when I noticed the raft getting ahead of me and I heard the yells: “Get in the boat. Get in the boat.” But it was too late. As I swam toward the boat, I became exhausted from the struggle. I heard more yells: “Stay in the center. Stay in the center.” That’s what I tried to do. I let go as I was swirled through the rapids a few feet behind the boat. I made it to the other side. I was now in calm water and able to relax for a second until I noticed the next series of rapids approaching. At the last second my uncle extended an oar and miraculously I was able to grab it as I was pulled onto the boat.

On the way home, my uncle said something to me that was prophetic. “ You’ll think about this trip later in life.“ It wasn’t until many years later, on a return trip to Colorado, while visiting a friend that I thought about it. As I sat high on a mountaintop, staring into a reddish canyon, I saw a river. I reflected upon my river experience many years previously. I thought about my life and all that had occurred up to that moment in time. There were the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows and the remarkable people who had been my guides on this journey. I reflected upon eight principles that have been my inner guides that have helped me navigate the changing nature of the river.

Find and live from your center. When you are centered and connected to your source, you are connected with the source of everything. That’s when you are able to let go, to trust and to flow with what is. When I let go in the river and stayed in the center, I became at one with that same energy and power that had forged a path over thousands of years. Meditation has facilitated my connecting with that center on a daily basis.
Develop the practice of gratitude. I was grateful for that oar. I was grateful that I got to experience the river. And I am grateful for my life. We have much to be grateful for. We are truly abundant.
Be curious. Think of your life as a river with its lessons, challenges and complexities. Being curious about the changing nature of the river enables you to know and sense its many currents. As this knowing emerges, you’re more comfortable with not knowing where the river is taking you. In the process you become the person you’ve always wanted to be, fully present with life, and passionate about living.
Be prepared. I wore a life preserver on the river. When you are prepared you can relax and enjoy life’s unfolding. Preparation involves nurturing your mind and body, including eating well and exercising. It involves working on yourself and being receptive to new ideas and concepts. In the process of becoming an expanded person, your sense of what is possible in your also expands.
Get out of your comfort zone. I could have stayed in the boat and played it safe but I was curious and adventurous. My comfort zone for me was my law practice and as a result my life for many years was on hold. Getting in the current and flow of life involves risk, but that is what you must do if you want to realize your full potential.
Learn to let go of resistance. Resistance is a constant struggle. At some point in your life, not only do you become tired from the struggle, you become tired of the struggle. When you allow yourself to flow with what is, you experience a synchronicity that can’t be described in words.
Trust others and work together. You can’t do it alone and why would you want to. When you are open and willing to receive you create a synergy in your life that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. When the oar is extended accept it.
The River of Life is a great mystery. I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with not knowing the next step. And when it comes I enjoy taking it. The river is unpredictable and you can’t figure it out.

As you begin to integrate these eight principles into your life, you’re more confident that wherever the river takes you, you have the tools and inner resources to swim in the deeper waters and swifter currents.

With each passing year I am blessed to share the journey with many likeminded travelers. Thank you for expanding our circle by forwarding this link to those in your circle. By the way when is your next river rafting trip?

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Please join me for the Journey On radio show. I am cohosting the show with my good friend Ralph Marston who publishes the Daily Motivator. Http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journeyon

Respond Rather than React.

Mark Susnow — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:37:40 +0000

When we are passionate our energy level is at its highest. We’re excited. Our energy level can also me at an intense level when we are expressing anger. When we are expressing anger, we are usually reacting to a particular event or circumstance. Our expression of anger is the conduct that we have adopted, consciously or unconsciously, to express our frustration.

We only express our anger when we are no longer connected to our center. When we are not connected to our center, we are no longer connected to our personal power. It’s like turning on the light switch when the power is turned off—nothing happens.

We won’t get the desired result that we would like and our sense of frustration gets greater. To “Get on the Positive Side of Change,” we need to stand back and observe and diagnose the problem. There is usually a solution, but when we have lost our center and sense of perspective, we aren’t able to see it. Once we regain our sense of perspective we can take positive action in a calm and positive way. In the process we are responsive, rather than reactive.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Look Forward to the Challenge

Mark Susnow — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:58:42 +0000

What’s the difference between a problem and a challenge? Perhaps you have wondered about this distinction. One day i made a decision to think of what I called “problems,” challenges. It was a great decision but at first it didn’t quite seem natural. After a while I became more comfortable with that distinction. Whenever I was facing what I had previously considered a problem, I began calling it a challenge. It took a while but I began noticing that my attitude changed. It didn’t seem so daunting. I even began to took forward to the challenges ahead. I have pretty much eliminated the word “problem” from my vocabulary. If I’m concerned about a circumstance in my life, I wonder what it’s going to take to make it work for me.

With some new perspective I began seeing the opportunity in each new challenge. Complaining about it doesn’t help the situation.

Because I saw the possible opportunity I was more motivated to design a strategy and to implement it. Quite often it would take longer than I had anticipated, but I stayed with it. Because I had a clear purpose why I was involved in the particular endeavor, I was able to stay focused in the midst of the uncertainty that I would experience from time to time.

At some point you begin to experience a tremendous sense of fulfillment for not only staying true to your purpose, but for a job well done.

Each of us has our own unique way of handling the challenge. Have an honorable intention and move forward with that in mind. Yes we will still have those twists and turns as life continues to unfold, but we also have an opportunity to experience joy and love as we experience the journey.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Give yourself Permission to Dream

Mark Susnow — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:47:40 +0000

Yes you had a dream at one time. It’s time to begin dreaming again. When you stop dreaming you stop living. Our dreams give us a vision of how we want our future to look like. When we are committed to moving toward the actualization of that dream, we grow and evolve into the person we want to be. Our dreams give our life meaning. Our dreams our what brings us alive. Without dreams and goals it’s difficult to find meaning in our lives.

Some of us are skillful and blessed in manifesting these dreams. As we know too well, not all of our dreams come true. We become disappointed or discouraged at times.

What’s important to remember is that their is tremendous value in just having the dream. Ask yourself, who you need to become to actualize your dream? What must you commit to? What changes are you willing to make? The dream creates an edge for you to expand into. It’s time for a new dream.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

MARK

You have More Inner Resources than you Realize

Mark Susnow — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:57:53 +0000

The language we choose to describe who we are and our capabilities is one of the most important decisions we can ever make. Our language has the potential to limit or empower us.

Most often we are not conscious of the language that we use on a daily basis. Quite often, without realizing it, we choose words that limit us: “I can’t do it, It’s not meant to be, I’m not good enough.” You know how it goes. I’m sure you have your own version.

What we forget is that everyday in some way we’ve made progress. You’re here in this conversation. You’re inner GPS of Change can empower you to live the life that you really want. You have more potential than you can imagine. What is that life that you really want that perhaps you are afraid to say aloud?

There is something in our lives that we are moving toward. We might get discouraged at times because growth and progress can’t be measured in a straight line. But as long as we have a clear vision of the life that we want, we’ll get there. Imagine you are sailing and you are looking at the mountains in the horizon. They give you a focus. But at times the fog rolls in and you can’t see what’s in front of you. But in your mind you have a clear image of where you want to go. And you have the inner tools and wisdom to help you navigate getting there.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

MARK

Each Day there will be a Highlight.

Mark Susnow — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:42:01 +0000

Much of our day involves what we do to make a living. There is the time that it takes to perform our work and the thoughts that we have about what we have to do. Quite often that centers around what we don’t like or the problems that we are faced with. We might have a “to do” list and or an informal list of things, although not a priority, are on our “good idea” list.

From this limited perspective, not only is our day structured, the opportunities for exploration are limited. Much of our life is centered around what we have to do. We have the power to change how we see our lives. We have the power to get on the “positive side of change.”

What if we think about what we do in our daily lives as opportunities for joy. We see our work life as an opportunity and even a privilege.

Regardless of our life’s circumstances, we get to choose our attitude. We get to choose the perspective that empowers us. Imagine what it would be like to enthusiastically exclaim, ” I get to….” You finish that thought in the way that excites you.

Here’s a suggestion that makes it easier to think in this manner. First thing in the morning wonder about what the highlight of your day might be. It creates an expectation of joy and possibility. There always will be a highlight.

EACH DAY DISCOVER WHAT IT IS

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Keep Choosing to Move Forward

Mark Susnow — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 18:30:42 +0000

What limits what is possible in our lives are our expectations. These expectations are usually based upon our past experiences and what other people tell us is possible. Quite often what they tell us is based upon their past experiences and what other people tell them is possible. In their minds they are being reasonable.

What has occurred so far in our lives has got us to this place in our lives and can also limit us as we go forward. If we truly want to have breakthroughs in our life and to get on the positive side of change, then we need to think out of the box. And that means getting our of our comfort zones.

The father of the human potential movement, Abraham Maslow once said: ”One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.”

So that’s our work; to keep moving forward. Sure there will be people telling us that we’re unrealistic. But if we listen to them, then we will live a life of mediocrity and stay stuck. If we have a vision of the life that we want to lead, we are ahead of the game. It takes commitment. It takes courage and determination. It begins with taking the next step that is directly in front of you, one step at a time.

JOURNEY ON

MARK