Try Something New

Try Something New  

 April 15, 2019 

Try something new. This week I learned a lot when I tried something new. 

I did a 1-Hour webinar on "6 Secrets of the World’s Most Successful People", in my makeshift studio in my office, a Loft with an amazing view overlooking Lake Erie. I learned a lot about accepting myself, just as I am. I learned a lot about measuring success – not by the numbers, but rather by my effort of giving it my all. 

While I really want to share more about my new webinar with you, I do not want this Blog to be only about me. Before I get into the  webinar, an overview of my high performance coaching program, let’s talk about Mindset. What is your Mindset for trying something new? What is your Mindset around learning and change and challenges? 

The definitive book on Mindset was written by Carol S. Dweck, PhD., Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, How We Can learn to Fulfill Our Potential, first published in 2006. Let’s start with a few excerpts: 

1. “For twenty years, my research has shown that the view you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life. It can determine whether you become the person you want to be and whether you accomplish the things you value.” 

2. “This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way – in their talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments – everyone can change and grow through application and experience.” 

3. “Believing that your qualities are carved in stone – the fixed mindset – creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over. If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character – well, then you’d better prove that you have a healthy dose of them.” 

4. “As parents, teachers, and coaches, our mission is developing people’s potential. Let’s use all the lessons of the growth mindset – and whatever else we can – to do this.” 

5. “The growth mindset is based on the belief in change, and the most gratifying part of my work is watching people change. Nothing is better than seeing people find their way to things they value.” 

6. “Did I win? Did I lose? Those are the wrong questions. The correct question is: Did I make every effort? If so, he says, ‘You may be outscored, but you will never lose.’” 

7. “Mindset change is not about picking up a few pointers here and there. It’s about seeing things in a new way. When people… change to a growth mindset, they change from a judge-and-be-judged framework to a learn-and-help learn framework. Their commitment is to growth, and growth takes plenty of time, effort, and mutual support.” 

8. “Test scores and measures of achievement tell you where a student is, but they don’t tell you where a student will end up.” 

9. “Why waste time proving over and over how great you are, when you could be getting better? Why hide deficiencies instead of overcoming them? Why look for friends or partners who will just shore up your self-esteem instead of ones who will also challenge you to grow? And why seek out the tried and true, instead of experiences that will stretch you? The passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it is not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives.” 

10. “Picture your brain forming new connections as you meet the challenge and learn. Keep on going.” 
     

At this point, I am thinking, “If I keep on going, why not just send everyone the entire book?” It really is that good! 

I hope you are inspired to read more by Dr. Carol Dweck. If you have her landmark book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, congratulations! If you have not yet read her work – order it now.  At the moment, I am reading one of her newer books, Mindset: How You Can Fulfill Your Potential.  

Now back to my theme of “Trying Something New.” I hope you  have a new perspective, opening up our awareness through Dr. Carol Dweck’s’ framework of the “growth mindset” and the “fixed mindset.”  

Trying Something New: So, what did I do?  

1. I created a new makeshift studio in my Loft, complete with green screen, new lighting, a new Logitech camera app for my PC.
2. I shot 3 videos and a 1-hour webinar in my new studio.
3. I created a “funnel” – or a “frickin’ funnel” as I lovingly called my new offer series, before I re-framed my personal challenge into a more positive affirmation.
4. I asked for help. People responded… and helped me, showed me how to… and shared their own struggles.
5. I learned… and am still learning.   

Over the past several week’s I have been taping and posting a series of three free videos:

1. Go from Stuck and Stressed to Your Best Life
2. Go from Stressed and Angry to Choosing Your Emotions.
3. Go from Saying “I hate it” to Powerful Persuasion 

The purpose of these 3-5 minute takes was to introduce myself and my coaching practice to a wider audience and to share the inextricably interconnected lessons of working on both your inner empire – as I journal in Be Happy NOW!: From Wall Street Ambition and the Illusion of Success, My Path to Happiness – and your outer empire – as I coach with the Certified High Performance framework. 

If you missed any of these, here is the link: Go From Stuck and Stressed to Your Best Life: 3 Free Videos to Discover Your inner greatness and Accomplish More.   

Then … I launched a 1-Hour Free webinar on “6 Secrets of the World’s Most Successful People”. This aired at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 9th. Your response has been terrific! Thank you so very much. 

I am not grading myself. All I will say is … I gave it my all… I know I brought my “A Game” … to serve you! 

For those of you who were not available for the live webinar, I want to share a link to the webinar which is now available on demand. Read on.   

In my talk, I provide a high level view of: 

1. Our definition of high performance and what it feels like.
2. Why many people fall short --- because of fear, fatigue, and frustration -- and how our framework creates ways for you to breakthrough.
3. The new research behind the science of high performance. The why and how High Performance Institute identified the 6 habits of high performance – the habits which moved the needle the most were: clarity, energy, necessity; productivity, influence and courage.
4. My surprising results – my journey from successful on the outside and stuck and stressed on the inside to living a life congruent with my values and experiencing the joy of living from my best self.
5. The 6 Pillars of High Performance – these are the secrets. Master the 6 Pillars of High Performance. We talk through each of the Pillars, the key questions and focal points. I also share a few examples of the exercises we work through to provide a sense of how the framework is both strategic – and practical.
6. Your Game Plan: what are your next steps? Please consider the offer of joining me for a Group Certified High Performance Coaching program opening in May/June. 
    

I invite you to click on this link: 6 Secrets of the World's Most Successful People to view my talk, sign up for the next Group Coaching program at CHPC Group Coaching Sign Up  I also invite you to share this link with family and friends who may have an interest and be open to new ideas and opening new doors.  

A few points to note – the Group Coaching course will have a very different feel and flow:  

1. I used a power point slide format in my overview presentation because we had a lot of material to cover to provide a picture of the depth and breadth of this framework.
2. The Group Coaching format is very different. Everyone will know who is on the call.
3. The Group Coaching will be interactive. Participants will ask questions live. I will answer the questions and other participants may jump in and add-on.
4. We will always close with a Worksheet and homework assignment, which I will share on the screen and then email to all participants.  

In closing, I offer one observation: I know that people often focus on the end result – the “score.” My message this week is that people with a "growth mindset" are open to learning and growing. I know it can be a challenge. Change can be messy and uncomfortable.  And, the result of living your best life is -- beautiful, it is priceless.  

As Carol Dweck says: 

“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting, rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, oh I’m going to reveal my weaknesses, you say wow, here’s a chance to grow.” 

Say WOW… say YES ... to trying something new.
 

Till next time, 

May you be happy now and always.