Part of your brain is known as the Reticular Activating System – or RAS. Your RAS plays a vital part in your ability to achieve goals.

Imagine that you’re walking through a busy noise airport passenger terminal. Think of all the noise – hundreds of people talking, music, announcements, luggage carriers. How much of this noise is brought to your attention? Not a lot. True, you can hear a general background noise, but not many of us bother to listen to each individual sound.

But then a new announcement comes over the public address system – saying your name or maybe your flight. Suddenly your attention is full on. Your RAS is the automatic mechanism inside your brain that brings relevant information to your attention.

Your reticular activating system is like a filter between your conscious mind and your subconscious mind. It takes instructions from your conscious mind and passes them on to your subconscious. For example, the instruction might be, “listen out for anyone saying my name”.

There are some interesting points about your reticular activating system that make it an essential tool for achieving goals.

First, you can deliberately program the reticular activating system by choosing the exact messages you send from your conscious mind. For example, you can set goals, or say affirmations, or visualize your goals. Napoleon Hill said that we can achieve any realistic goal if we keep on thinking of that goal, and stop thinking any negative thoughts about it. Of course, if we keep thinking that we can’t achieve a goal, our subconscious will help us – not achieve it.

Second, your reticular activating system cannot distinguish between ‘real events’ and ‘synthetic’ reality. In other words it tends to believe whatever message you give it. Imagine that you’re going to be giving a speech. You can practice giving that speech by visualizing it in your mind. This ‘pretend’ practice should improve your ability to give the speech.

What we need to do is to create a very specific picture of our goal in our conscious mind. The RAS will then pass this on to our subconscious – which will then help us achieve the goal. It does this by bringing to our attention all the relevant information which otherwise might have remained as ‘background noise’.

Go Givers!!

I have recently been speaking and writing about the winners mindset. Having the right attitude/mindset in life and business is fundamentally more important  than things like  knowledge or your actions. Because if you don’t have the right attitude and mindset before yous start you really won’t ever get there. Here is my view on the givers mindset…

It’s been said that you cannot give away what you do not have. One of the most spiritual important insights or secrets in life is that you already have, and always have had, what you need to give away! If you impart the message that ‘I am not worthy’ the universe will send it straight back in many shapes, forms and circumstances.

When we say ‘give me’ we are imparting this message. We are saying we think we need to get something to complete ourselves or prove our worth. Most of us are taught to live a life of gimmie, gimmie, gimmie!! - always striving, desiring, wanting, struggling.

We do so only because we think that when we get what we want we will be fulfilled and esteemed by others. But it’s an illusion. We are all already complete and worthy but we cannot know it and experience it, until we give it away!

Only giving allows us to know what we are and what we have within. Ask the question- how can I serve? The intention to serve will point you towards what you need to give. If the intention is real it also generates the will.

The most successful people in life are not go getters, but go givers!

I tried for years to make certain changes and do certain things. What I didn’t realise was that the feeling of trying was becoming familiar. People like what’s familiar, so once I got used to trying, my neurology didn’t want to shock me by having me succeed. So I went on trying for years.

Have you become familiar with the experience of trying or struggling? If so, it may be time to find out what happens when you move beyond trying. What happens when you imagine getting what you want? How does it feel?

There is another phrase I like to use when people use the “TRY” word. “The worst angle you can approach any problem with is the TRY-ANGLE – However I do highly recommend the DO-ANGLE”

As Yoda said “Do or do not. There is no try.” Trying doesn’t work.

The magic of the business plan is not the “plan” itself, but the process that the business goes through in putting it together, and then using it as a living document to guide and direct the business. Here are 5 Steps necessary to begin the Planning Process:

1. Know where your business is going.
Do you have a vision of what you want your business to look like in 5 years? 10 years? It’s impossible to put together a realistic plan if you don’t have a destination in mind.

2. Break the plan down into realistic chunks.
Rather than just do an annual plan, break it down into Quarterly Plans so that you can focus on short-term accomplishments while working towards long-range goals.

3. Assign tasks to team members.
Do not think you can do everything yourself. Make sure you get your team involved in fulfilling the plan.

4. Dedicate a block of time to do the plan.
Once a quarter spend an entire day away from your business putting the plan together. This will get you away from all of your day-to-day distractions and help you focus on completing the plan.

5. Have a Business Coach assist you.
Having an outsider’s perspective to give you ideas and guidance keeps you from developing unrealistic expectations, and going down a direction that doesn’t make sense for you and your business. Having a solid and realistic business plan can help you overcome the pitfalls that every business owner will encounter. Start today, and make your future happen.

GOAL

• What is the aim of this discussion?
• What do you want to achieve long term?
• What does success look like?
• How much personal control or influence do you have over your goal?
• What would be a milestone on the way?
• By when do you want to achieve it?
• Is that positive, challenging and attainable?
• How will you measure it?

REALITY

• What is happening right now? Only focus on fact, what is really happening at the moment.
• (WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, NOW MUCH, HOW OFTEN)
• Who is directly and indirectly involved?
• If things are not going well with this issue, who else gets drawn in?
• If things are not going well, what happens to you?
• What about others involved, what happens to them?
• What have you done about this so far? With what results?
• How often have you tried?
• What is missing in this situation?
• What is holding you back from a way forward?
• Intuitively, what is really going on here?

OPTIONS

• What options do you have for steps to resolve this issue?
• What else might you do?
• What would someone who handles this kind of issue really do well?
• What if you had more time for this issue, what might you try?
• What if you had less time? What might that force you to try?
• Image that you had more energy and confidence, what could you do then?
• What is somebody said: “Money no object” What might you try then?
• If you had total power, what might you try then?
• What if you could start again?
• If the constraints you identified earlier were removed – what could you do then?
• What should you do?
• Would you like another suggestion?
• What are the costs and benefits of each of these ideas?

WILL

• What option or options do you choose?
• To what extent does this meet all of your objectives?
• What are your criteria and measurements for success?
• When, precisely, will you start and finish each action step?
• What could hinder you taking these steps?
• What personal resistance do you have to taking these steps?
• What will you do to eliminate these external and internal factors?
• Who needs to know what your plans are?
• What support do you need, and from whom?
• What could I do to support you?
• What commitment, on a 1 – 10 scale do you have to taking agreed actions?
• What prevents this from being a 10?
• What could you do to alter or raise your commitment closer to 10?
• Is there anything else you want to talk about now, or are we finished?

By following these questions (in this order) it will help you to uncover the appropriate answer to the challenge or questions you are facing. It is often th case that you actually know the answer, you just need some clarification or logic applied to draw it from you. Clearly these things are much better facilitaited and coached (See me for details ). If you are a coach I recommend you memorize and learn the process and the questions here . I use them nearly every day.

Being able to focus and concentrate on a single task has many benefits. It often ensures a better job, it can  often be completed quicker, it will help to prevent errors or mistakes and other things aren’t compromised either.

So here are my top 5 tips to help you concentrate and use the power of F.O.C.U.S.

F = Five more rule
There are two kinds of people — those who have learned how to work through frustration, and those who wish they had. From now on, if you’re in the middle of a task and tempted to give up — just do FIVE MORE. Read FIVE MORE pages, make FIVE MORE calls, work FIVE MORE minutes.

Just as athletes build physical stamina by pushing past the point of exhaustion, you can build mental stamina by pushing past the point of frustration.

Just as runners get their second wind by not giving up when their body initially protests, you can get your “second mind” by not giving up when your willpower initially protests. Continuing to concentrate when your brain is tired is the key to S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G your attention span and building mental endurance.

O = One thought at a time
Overcome the temptation to think about lots of other things to be done and make your mind a deal it can’t refuse. Yes, the mind takes bribes. Instead of telling it NOT to worry about other things right now (which will cause your mind to think about the very things it’s not supposed to think about!), assign it a single task with start-stop time parameters.

For example, “I will think about how to pay off that credit card debt when I get home tonight. For now, for the next 2 hours from 08:00-10:00am, I will give my complete focus to speaking to the potential prospects at this networking event.”

Still can’t get other concerns out of your head? Write them down on your to-do list so you’re free to forget them. Recording worrisome obligations means you don’t have to use your brain as a “reminder” bulletin board, which means you can give your undivided attention to your top priority task.

C = Conquer procrastination
Don’t feel like concentrating? Are you putting off a task or project you’re supposed to be working on? That’s a form of procrastination. It’s amazing how long it takes to complete something we’re not working on.

Next time you’re about to postpone a responsibility ask yourself three simple questions

1. Do I have to do this?
2. Do I want it done so it’s not on my mind?
3. Will it be any easier later?

These three questions can give you the incentive to mentally apply yourself because they bring you face to face with the fact this task isn’t going away, and delaying will only add to your guilt and make this onerous task occupy more of your mind and time.

U = Unavailability – Remove all outside distracters
Even one distraction can bring your house of cards down, so be complete about this. This means:

• Tell possible distracters in advance that you will be unavailable
• Clear your desk. If you need to, clear it all off into a pile on the floor to deal with after you are done.
• No internet or computer programs open that are unnecessary for your project.
• No TV or Radio unless it is instrumental or unless you are doing art work and you work best with music.
• No noise. If you have other people nearby that make noise on a regular basis, consider getting a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
• No phone. That’s what voice mail and caller id are for. Don’t answer it. If you think it might be important you can listen to the voicemail and decide when will be the best time to call back. Imagine that you are in a meeting and can’t be interrupted.
• No email.
• Just you and your project.

S = Stay positive and saviour the success
Having a postive mental attitude in all things is (as we all know) important. Check your own PMA when you start your activity and ensure you have a good attitude towards it. You have decided it is where you are going to spend your time right now, so you might as well enjoy the process too, yes? Having the right\positive attitude before you start is critical., if your are not in a good space, regroup and work on that attitude and mindset first.  And remember your attitude is a choice you make, not an outcome. so choose to be positive.

Look back at your accomplished tasks and celebrate in some way. After accomplishing each and every task, reflect on it and be proud of yourself. Do another game plan for tomorrow and then call it a day. Go on and do something that you find pleasurable.

• Have a favourite cake in the fridge lined up with your name on!
• You can visit your spa for a relaxing massage
• Watch a movie
• Go for a nice walk or visit the gym
• Treat yourself to a tasty dinner at your favourite restaurant
• Visit someone you have missed because you focused on what you needed to do today.

Just do whatever it takes to ease up your mind and relax your whole system–you deserve it for a job well done.

I know you understand the value of planning. Unfortunately, in today’s busy business environment, most business owners never manage to put the time aside to get the essential planning done that will enable them to take their business to the level they desire. Because of this, far too many business owners – just like you – end up feeling frustrated and trapped with no end in sight.

So, during 2010 I am going to provide 2-3 afternoon sessions throughout the year where I will help you put together a plan that you can actually take away with you. ON THE DAY….

FIRST ONE  – Friday 26^th March 2010 – 12.00 noon to 16.30

For just £50

I’ll give you ALL this…

• Goals for the next 12 months to aim at.
• A clearly defined plan for the next 90 days.
• A marketing plan to support the delivery of your goals.
• A step by step guide to keeping you on track.
• Some marketing strategies to help you build your profits right away.
• The skills and tools to get more done in less time.
• A list of your top 5 goals for the next 90-Days.
• Help & advice from an award winning performance coach.
• Network with other like-minded business owners.
• Lunch, tea and coffee throughout the afternoon!
• My personal guarantee that if you don’t feel you have had  good value for money I will refund your £50 (no questions asked)

This is a workshop environment, fewer people, more 121 time with the coach and a hands on experience for you and your business plans.

For just £50+VAT you will go away with a clearer understanding of your destination for 2010 and how you plan to get yourself there.

These workshops are designed for smaller groups. Consequently they SELL-OUT fast… So don’t delay book today and reserve your place, before the competition does!….

To book your place today BOOK HERE – OR – Call me on 02392 423218

Motivation through Challenges

Individuals are motivated when they are working towards personally meaningful goals.  Attainment of those goals must require activity that is increasingly difficult, but attainable.  In other words, people like to be challenged, but they must feel their goals are achievable to stay motivated.  This can be accomplished by:

• Establishing goals that are personally meaningful
• Making those goals possible
• Providing feedback on performance
• Aligning goals with the individual’s self esteem

Motivation through Curiosity

In this concept of self motivation we are talking about providing something in the individual’s environment that arouses their curiosity.  This can be accomplished by presenting the individual with something that connects their present knowledge or skills with a more desirable level – if the person were to engage in a certain activity.  So to motivate someone through curiosity, the environment must stimulate their interest to learn more.

Motivation through Control

Most people like to feel they are in control of their destiny.  They want to feel in control of what happens to them.  To stay motivated, individuals must understand the cause and effect relationship between an action they will take and the result.  To motivate individuals through the use of control you can:

• Make the cause and effect relationship clear by establishing a goal and its reward.
• Allow individuals to believe that the work they do does make a difference.
• Allow individuals to choose what they want to learn and how to go about learning it.

Motivation through Fantasy

Another intrinsic motivating factor comes via fantasy.  That is individuals can use mental images of things and / or situations that are not actually present to motivate themselves.  You can foster motivation through fantasy by helping individuals imagine themselves in situations that are motivating.

For example, if you know that someone is highly motivated by the thought of being in control, then you can talk to them about a future point in time when they might be in charge of a large and important business operation.

Motivation through Competition

Individuals can also be motivated by competition.  That’s because we gain a certain amount of satisfaction by comparing our performance to that of others.  This type of competition can occur naturally as well as artificially.

When using competition to foster motivation, keep in mind the following:

• Competition is more motivating to some than others
• Losing in a competition de-motivates more than winning motivates
• Competitive spirits can sometimes reduce the likelihood of being helpful to competitors

Motivation through Cooperation

Cooperating with others or the feeling that you can help others is very motivating.  Most individuals feel quite satisfied by helping others achieve their goals.  As was the case with competition, motivation through cooperation can occur naturally or artificially.

When attempting to use cooperating to motivate, keep in mind:

• Cooperation is more important to some individuals than others
• Cooperation is a valuable skill that can be used in many different situations
• Interpersonal skills are important for cooperation

Motivation through Recognition

Finally, individuals are motivated through recognition.  When their accomplishments are recognized by others, then they feel motivated.  You need to make sure that recognition is distinguished from competition.  With recognition you do not compare their achievements to those of others as you might with a competition.

Extrinsic or External Motivation

As previously mentioned, extrinsic or external motivation is the term used to describe external factors that stimulate our internal motivation. The concept of externally motivating someone is not at odds with the fact that motivation comes from within.  The point here is that it is possible to provide others with situations or an external environment that is motivating.

Perhaps the most useful lesson for the leader then becomes how to motivate employees that report directly or indirectly to the leader.  If you understand the intrinsic motivational factors previously described, then a game plan can be developed to foster motivation among employees.

Employee Motivation

Some of the most effective ways for managers and leaders to motivate their staff includes recognition, providing positive performance feedback and by challenging employees to learn new things.  Many new managers make the mistake of introducing de-motivating factors into the workplace such as punishment for mistakes or frequent criticisms.

When followers feel they are being supported and they have the ability to remain in control of their workplace they stay motivated.  Leaders can foster this feeling by allowing employees to take on added responsibility and accountability for making decisions.

But the important thing to keep in mind is that motivation is individual and the degree of motivation achieved through one single strategy will not be the most effective way to motivate all employees.  The most effective way to determine what motivates others is through carefully planned trial and error.

New Year always brings new hope, new ideas and aspirations. We all set resolutions to change our habits. It could be weight loss, smoking, exercise, charity, work ethic….

Sadly over 90% of us fail to achieve our best intended ideas – So here are just a few tips and habits that might help you create some other habits that will help you not just in the New Year – but all year.

“Practice does not make perfect – it makes permanent. We are what we repeatedly do. Success and excellence can be habitual”. – Ian Dickson

How to Develop the Habits

• Concentrate on one habit for at least one month.
• Write it down and display it clearly
• Tell as many people as you can about your new habit
• Set yourself a reward for stages along the way.
• If you fail, figure out what went wrong, plan for it, and try again.

1. Develop a habit of being a positive thinker. I put this first because I think it’s the keystone habit that will help you form the other important habits. Focus on this habit first, and you’ll have a much easier time with any of the others. Start by becoming more aware of your negative self-talk

2. Exercise. It makes you feel better about yourself, and more confident. That leads to better success with other positive changes. It reinforces the positive thinking habit — you need to think positive in order to sustain exercise. It relieves stress and gives you time to think — this leads to better mental well-being in your life overall.

3. Focus on one goal. Just as focusing on one task at a time is more effective, and focusing on one habit at a time is more effect, so is focusing on one goal at a time. While it might seem very difficult, focusing on one goal at a time is the most powerful way of achieving your goals. When you try to take on many goals at once, you’re spreading thin your focus and energy — the two critical components for achieving a goal.

What if you have 5 goals you want to achieve? Pick one to focus on first. Break it into a mini-goal you can accomplish this month, if it’s a longer-term goal. Pick an action you can do today.

4. Eliminate the non-essential. First, identify the essential — the things in your life that are most important to you, that you love the most. Then eliminate everything else. This simplifies things and leaves you with the space to focus on the essential. This process works with anything — with your life in general, with work projects and tasks, with emails and other communication.

This will change your life because it will help you to simplify, to focus on what’s important, and to build the life you want.

5. Kindness. Yes, kindness is a habit. And it can be cultivated. Focus on it every day for a month and you’ll see profound changes in your life. You’ll feel better about yourself as a person. You’ll see people react to you differently and treat you better, over the long run. It’s karma.

How do you develop the kindness habit? First, make it a goal to do something kind for someone each day. At the beginning of the day, figure out what that kind act will be and then do it during the day. Second, each time you interact with someone, try to be kind, be friendly, be compassionate. Third, try to go beyond small kindnesses to larger acts of compassion, volunteering to help those in need and taking the initiative to relieve suffering.

FREE Seminar Friday 27th November 12.00 to 14.30
Venue: Ground Floor, Building 1000 Lakeside North Harbour Western Road Portsmouth PO6 3EZ
Book TODAY on 02392423218 or via the web at www.iandickson.biz/events

Do you…..

• have all the knowledge you need to succeed?
• have a millionaires mindset?
• what action to take right now to make it happen?

If the answer is no then you need to attend this FREE EVENT
Seating is genuinely limited, so BOOK TODAY