Keep Calm and Ask On

1. Everyone Has Wants: Embrace Them as Goals

"Everyone wants something. Let's take something as simple as a steak. I love steak. For me to think that I am eating a steak right now will just make me hungrier."

Wants are natural and necessary. They are the driving force behind human progress and personal growth. Unlike our ancestors who wanted basic survival needs, our wants today are more complex and diverse. However, the principle remains the same: wanting something leads to action and achievement.

Wants should be viewed as goals. Instead of saying "I have" when you don't actually possess something, which can lead to discouragement, frame your desires as "I want." This approach sets a clear goal for your subconscious mind to work towards. Remember, your subconscious doesn't have things; it creates things.

Write down your wants. Make it a habit to regularly update your "I want" list. This practice keeps your goals fresh in your mind and allows your subconscious to be aware of your objectives. Review and revise this list monthly to ensure it aligns with your evolving aspirations.

2. Understand the 'Why' Behind Your Desires

"Why do you want these things? What will you feel when you get there? What do you want to be like when you arrive at your destination in a brand new Mercedes?"

Dig deeper into your motivations. Simply wanting something isn't enough. You need to understand why you want it. This understanding helps clarify your goals and gives them more meaning and power.

Connect wants to personal growth. Your desires should contribute to your personal development. Ask yourself: Who will you become when you achieve this goal? How will it change you as a person?

• Example: Instead of just wanting a million dollars, consider why you want it. Is it for financial security? To help others? To have more freedom?

Align wants with values. Ensure your desires are in harmony with your core values and long-term vision for your life. This alignment creates a stronger drive and sense of purpose in pursuing your goals.

3. Create Seasonal Playlists to Fuel Your Journey

"Music does something to you. It stirs your soul. It gets your creative juices flowing, it makes you feel alive."

Harness the power of music. Create playlists that resonate with your goals and emotions. Music can be a powerful tool for motivation, creativity, and emotional regulation.

Update playlists seasonally. Align your music choices with the changing seasons and phases of your life. This practice helps you stay in tune with your environment and personal growth.

• Winter playlist: Reflection and planning
• Spring playlist: New beginnings and growth
• Summer playlist: Energy and action
• Fall playlist: Harvest and gratitude

Use music as a pattern interrupter. When you're feeling stuck or negative, use your playlist to shift your mood and perspective. Music can quickly change your emotional state and reignite your motivation.

4. Keep Calm and Ask On: Overcoming Obstacles

"The bigger the bad guy, the bigger the obstacles that are thrown in your path, the bigger the reward for you."

Embrace challenges as opportunities. Obstacles and setbacks are not just inevitable; they're essential for growth. They make your story interesting and your victories sweeter.

Maintain composure in adversity. When faced with negativity or obstacles, remember to "keep calm and ask on." Don't let others' negativity derail your progress or dampen your spirit.

Use visualization techniques. When dealing with difficult people or situations:

• Mentally dress them up as clowns
• Imagine dancing leprechauns around them
• Recall funny stories to lighten your mood

These techniques can help you maintain a positive outlook and not get dragged down by negativity.

5. Embrace the Law of Laughter (LOL)

"Laugh at yourself for being so serious and stuffy. The bigger the problem, the more comedy you need."

Cultivate a sense of humor. Laughter is a powerful tool for maintaining perspective and reducing stress. It can help you navigate life's challenges with grace and positivity.

Practice daily laughter exercises. Look up at the sky, smile, and laugh for a minute or two, twice a day. While laughing, think of things you're grateful for. This practice can shift your mood and perspective dramatically.

Find humor in everyday situations. Train yourself to see the funny side of life, even in challenging times. This approach can help you maintain resilience and a positive outlook.

6. Surround Yourself with Positivity

"Recognize the following: if you can get in control of your reactions, you can get everything you want."

Choose your company wisely. Surround yourself with supportive, positive people who believe in you and your goals. These individuals will uplift and motivate you on your journey.

Handle negativity with grace. When dealing with negative people, remember the Buddha's story: if someone offers you a gift of anger and you don't accept it, it remains with them. Don't let others' negativity affect your mood or goals.

Be a positive influence. Set an example for others by maintaining a positive attitude and working towards your goals. Your positivity can inspire those around you and create a more supportive environment.

7. Trust in the Universe's Timing

"You have what you need for today. Take what you have and make the most of it. You've survived; you're here."

Practice contentment. Understand that the Universe provides what you need when you need it. If you don't have something now, it's because you don't need it at this moment.

Maintain faith in the process. Trust that the Universe has a plan for you and will provide the right resources, opportunities, and support at the right time. Your job is to remain open and ready.

Focus on the present. Instead of worrying about what you lack, concentrate on making the most of what you have right now. This mindset shift can lead to greater satisfaction and success in the long run.

• Appreciate your current resources and abilities
• Look for ways to maximize your present situation
• Stay open to unexpected opportunities and paths

Last updated: July 31, 2024