SUCCESS RULE #38 Never Stop Learning

As the fall of each year arrives, the new school year brings about much hub-bub.  School shopping, last minute vacations, children getting back into the habit of going to bed early, parents rejoicing over children going to bed early, college students in transition and teachers making classrooms ready,  are all part of the final frenzy before that first day.  Do you remember those days?  You may not have the “back to school” syndrome, but you should never stop learning.   

Success is something that is ever changing.  What you know now to be successful, will not necessarily be what you need to know to stay successful.  Unless that is, you plan to stay in the position you‘re currently in for the rest of your life.  Even in that case, you will most likely be required to learn something new just to maintain the status quo.  

Over my many (and I won’t say how many) years of employment I have learned all sorts of things.  From how to properly scoop ice cream, to reading “specs” enabling me set up drill presses, to weighing garbage trucks, to operating a computer and its’ many programs, to being an executive assistant.  Most recently, I have learned how to design & build websites.  In each position, I have strived to be the best; the only way to do that was to keep learning.

In some instances, only professional training will do.  In many instances, informal learning is just as beneficial.  To learn Microsoft applications, I took formal classes.  To learn about web site design, I sat in the comfort of my own home and viewed webinars.  To be an executive assistant at LDI, I pulled from everything I already knew and learned as much as I could about LDI.  I am still learning!

Learning is not something you can always attribute to any one particular class or experience.  Some of it comes from the necessity of everyday life.  Ever been to a strange place and need to find your way around?  In the 21^st century, some folks use GPS(Global Positioning System).  Before you could use it, you had to learn how to operate it.  Before GPS, we used maps.  Somewhere you had to learn how to read and use one.  Every time you upgrade a cell phone, a computer, a car…you have to learn to use it.

Sometimes, it is a matter of re-learning.  The way you used to do something may not be the best way to do it.  So, you re-learn the better way.  This is especially true as your success grows.  As you come into contact with new people, new ideas, new situations, and new responsibilities – you need to learn to deal with each of these with an “I want to know more.” attitude. 

Train your mind to learn from everything around you.  Ask questions.  (See rule #23)  Whether it is in a classroom, a seminar, an on-line course or just observing people and things around you, you should never stop learning!

Learn something new today. Be Extraordinary!

Cindy Lee

Executive Assistant

Leader Development Institute

SUCCESS RULE #37 - Practice Quieting the Mind

Thoughts come and go; they are the language of the brain. Thoughts are the conversations we have with ourselves; they are so prevalent we often don’t even realize we’re doing it. Sometimes in fact, we do it so much our thoughts become overwhelming. Do you enjoy inner peace or are you a victim of your own turmoil? The ability to quiet the mind and seek inner peace brings many benefits that lead to success; self-control and discipline, better judgment and decision making, stronger mental powers (sorry, not the kind that can bend spoons, but a greater ability to concentrate and solve problems). The ability to quiet the mind and obtain inner peace has a calming effect on others around you, creates less worrying, and as a result reduces stress and anxiety. When you find peace within yourself, you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others.

There are many techniques for quieting the mind; however the general principle is to start by concentrating or focusing your thoughts on a specific task or process, eventually allowing intrusive thoughts to pass through. Here are some ideas to get you started. Eventually you can use these techniques to relieve stress, fall asleep quickly, think clearly, and if done regularly, bring peace of mind. 

Step One: Learn to breath. Tune in to the rhythm of your breathing. Notice its depth, pace and timing. Become aware of the rise and fall of your chest and stomach. Does your stomach pooch out when you breathe? Is it held tightly? Can you actually see your chest rise and fall?

• Exhale all the breath from your body.
• Relax your stomach and let it pooch out.
• Inhale slowly and deeply and repeat internally, “Innnnnnnn”, for the entire inhalation of your breath. As you exhale, repeat internally, “Ooouuut”, during the entire exhalation.
• Relax your shoulders, neck and head.
• Repeat several times noticing your breath as it goes in and out. There is no need to control your breathing; just notice it and become acutely aware of it.
• As thoughts arise, just let them pass by like floating clouds and gently bring your attention back to your breath.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation or interaction, simply stop and bring full awareness to your breathing. Practice the in-out breathing exercise from above for just 10 seconds.

Step Two: Be aware of your thoughts. As you focus on your breathing, be aware of your thoughts as they arise, try to notice and assess what kind of thoughts you are having. Are they negative, positive, craving, neutral or self-degrading? Don’t judge the thoughts, just watch them as if you are examining them under a microscope and let them pass on naturally.

Step Three: Accept life. Our mind, like computers is designed to be asked questions and solve problems. Take notice the mind’s habit to see that there is a problem or problems and that there is something that needs to be fixed, ferreted out, removed, worked on, understood, etc. While you are breathing allow this thought to enter: “There is no problem right now. There is nothing that needs fixing. All is well and I accept this moment as it is and I accept myself for who I am right now.” You may experience a tremendous amount of resistance with this concept but keep working with it.

Step Four: Eliminate distractions. Find a nice quiet place to sit comfortably and give yourself a moment to disconnect from your network. Get comfortable and just sit. Don’t try to meditate, or watch your breath, just sit with your eyes closed and give yourself permission to be still, do nothing, think about nothing and want nothing to change. Your thoughts come and go, just like the clouds come in and out of view. Nothing is permanent.

Starting today, review the list below and pick at least two of the tasks to integrate into your breathing and stillness practice in quieting the mind.

• While the bathroom time is for doing things like bathing, brushing your teeth and taking a bath. While doing these mundane practices, don’t allow your mind to wander. Keep focused on the task at hand by bringing your attention to the literal action and focus internally on, the water touching your skin, the motion of the tooth brush, the act of washing your face, etc.
• While walking to and from your car, become aware of the sounds that your footsteps are making. Tune in with complete attention to those sounds every time you walk to your car.
• Go for a mindful/mindless walk in nature, a park or just around the block. Focus in on the sounds around you. Listen to the wind in the trees and the birds that are singing. Notice the sounds of traffic, lawnmowers and dogs barking. Notice your breathing and put your attention on your footsteps and how your foot falls as you walk. If you see something of interest, stop, notice it without labeling, and really take it all in.
• Notice the thoughts in your mind are noise, and in a way, they are similar to the noises that we hear around us.
• Spend some time cultivating your stillness practice by finding some quiet moments alone. Turn off all devices and tune into your breath by using your breath awareness tools.
• At night, while lying in bed, practice steps one through four. Tighten and relax one muscle set at a time starting with your toes finishing with your eyes and face. Feel yourself “sink” into the mattress. If you need to, stare at a spot just out of sight, counting backwards from 100 and until your eyes get heavy and close. Repeat.

You are not your thoughts; you are something much bigger than that.

Enjoy your weekend and be thankful for everything you have.

For 5 minutes every day, turn off and tune in to your true self.

You are awesome. Be Extraordinary!