| Well, it’s official. I’m moving across the country…again…from Hollywood to Disney World. Moving is ranked in the Top 5 stressors, and my wife and I have moved into new homes and offices 13 times.  Heading into the unknown with the promise of an even brighter future has become a habit and I’m only able to do this because of five core beliefs I’ve reinforced diligently over the years. 1. My life (and my family’s) will end up better than it currently is if I follow my dreams. 2. I have the strength, wisdom, and skills to thrive in any situation because I’m always preparing for opportunities. 3. There are an endless supply of opportunities waiting to greet me wherever I go. 4. Life always works out for me in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, that just means it isn’t the end. 5. A fulfilling life is one filled with experiences that shape you into the person you always wanted to be. True self-mastery is being able to remain calm under tremendous pressure. One way to do this is by stating affirmations like “I choose peace admist chaotic times.” Another perhaps more effective way is through asking Power Questions like, “If I knew everything will end up being wonderful, how could I greet this temporary situation?” One of my favorite Power Questions is, “Isn’t this wonderful?” I like that question because it forces your brain to come up with a reason for why it could be wonderful. If you simply affirm that “This situation is wonderful” it may cause your mind to argue or disagree. “No, it isn’t.” But if you ask it in the form of a question, it allows you to tap the imagination.” Isn’t this situation wonderful?” “Yes, because I could be dead. It could be worse. And perhaps it will turn out even better than I hope.” That opens the door for another Power Question. “What is wonderful about this situation?” or “What can I imagine that would make my future feel more wonderful?” We get consumed in the fear of things not working out or of making the wrong decision. But, even when that happens we still get through it. Plus, too much energy is focused on playing out worst-case scenerios in our minds rather than giving those imaginery movies a happy ending. The Dalai Lama says, “Peace does not mean an absence of chaos, but the courage to live within it.” All I ever wanted was to avoid fearful situations and feel inner peace. But over the years, my values changed and now my goal isn’t to avoid fear, but to live courageously as I move through it. I would not have so many accomplishments if I continued “playing it safe” or avoiding what scared me. Instead, I developed the belief that “your biggest breakthroughs are hiding in the places you don’t want to go.” Thus, making fear the door you enter through to make the magic happen in your life allows me to welcome uncertainty.” The rainbow only appears after the rain.” Now, I choose to feel powerful in the face of fear and to remain comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Of course, I had to build the mindset to make that happen and I used the 5 beliefs mentioned earlier to do so. If you are about to enter a storm or you’re going through one now, apply those beliefs and power questions and tap into the great strength that resides within you. You got this. You are safe, and everything is going to turn out better than you hoped for. Isn’t that wonderful? 🙂 Tim Shurr |
