Living in Possibility

I just got out of a training class that was completely focused on your thoughts and the impact of your thoughts on your behavior, attitude, actions, and ultimately results.  The premise of the class was if you are not getting the results you say you want, look at your thoughts to see where you are limiting yourself.  I am also reading about the power of following your joy - doing what truly makes you happy and the impact that that can have on your life and the lives of all those around you.

Many of us have been raised in an "or" mindset.  I can have this or that, but not both.  I talk to countless people who tell me how hard it is for them to make decisions.  There is a reason for that.  You want both things - you don't want to say or.  You want to say and.  And, of course you want that, because that is how we were born, that is our nature.  Our nature is to collect all the things, experiences, and people that make us happy.  If you don't believe me, witness this in children (people who are still very close to their innate nature).  Have you ever tried to give a child a choice between two things and they look up at you and say, "but can't I just have both?”  And, as adults, we get so frustrated and think we give to our kids and they always want more - but the truth is, that is EXACTLY how we all should be living our lives.  There is more than enough for everyone to have what they want - that includes you!

So, how do you live in possibility?  The first step is to identify where you are having an or conversation in your life.  For example, I can be a successful business person or I can spend time with my kids.  Other examples, I can have peace of mind or I can make a lot of money.  We all make hundreds of decisions a day.  Think of when you go to Starbucks and order something - you know what you want.  There are literally hundreds of choices in Starbucks, but you go in and order the thing you want.  You just made a decision.  But, it was not difficult.  Why?  Because, when you know what you want, it is easy to decide.  It is easy to say yes to one thing and no to another when you are clear on what you want.  Whenever you spend time deciding between do I want this or that - it really is an indication that you would prefer to have both.  Both things hold some value to you and in an "ideal" world, you would want both.  Recognize that.  Recognize where in your life it would be great to be a successful business person and spend time with your kids.  Where it would be great to have peace of mind and make a lot of money.  The way to live in possibility is exchange your or for an and. 

When you are clear that you want both, then you can get your powerful, make it happen, tool involved - your mind.  Your brain LOVES to solve problems.  So, give it a good one to solve.  Ask yourself, "how can I have X AND Y?”  When you ask your brain this question, it will start popping out hundreds of ideas from the crazy, to the impractical, to the perfect solution for you.  Try it today.  Think of a place in your life where you are using or thinking, change the or to an and, and then ask your brain, how can I have both, and watch magic occur!