We aren’t one way all the time. We are a mirror of the psychological states we’re living in. Our brain processes information differently depending on the state we’re in. Although it is impossible to hold the same state all the time, we can guide our brain to place us in an optimal state that relates to a task or situation for durations of time. This is key to living a happier and more productive life.
It’s truly a fact that you can train your mind through the habits I’m about to show you, to go into peak states so often that these peak states can become natural for you, meaning you can have fewer bad days, and handle anything that happens to you with more contentment and with complete control. Think of the less intense levels of stress you’ll experience by cultivating the ability to extinguish stress before it elevates. Too much bad stress (over production of cortisol) can block production of serotonin, which is the happiness and contentment body neurotransmitter.
You will still feel the over stress happening but you will be better able to identify it, and within 90 seconds your physiology will move out of that heightened state by realizing a solid solution to what you are experiencing. This ties into an article I wrote recently about how to make better decisions entitled How to Make Good Decisions in Conditions of Uncertainty.
How a radical change in your body changes biochemistry.
It’s been taught for decades by self-improvement coaches, and now an actual study from Harvard proves what we call “power postures” actually work and are very effective. Standing like Wonder Woman or Superman with your hands on your hips and chest out literally increases testosterone in body chemistry by 20%. Added to that it drops cortisol by 18%, which is the stress hormone, while at the same time increases your ability to be a leader because your willing to step out more and work harder to become a positive effect on others. You can do it in your voice and your body movement also, so it’s not just limited to a pose or physical stance.
Quick Steps for changing state:
1) Mentally place yourself in a setting from the past where you were at your best.
2) Play a piece of music of when you were in the state you want to replicate now.
3) Hold a tranquil thought in your mind of what one of your parents or someone you care about said about you.
4) Have and see in your mind a vision that is bigger than yourself that you are passionate about. If the why is big enough you will find the how.
By doing some of these things you will become a better leader of your own life and better yet, a stronger and super leader for your family. There are different types and styles of leadership so you will find it easier to be the type you are meant to be.
No matter what you set out to achieve, you’re going to experience some failure. This method of changing states will allow you to not allow the failures to hold you back because you’re going to use them to learn by, pivot and head in the right direction much more quickly, confidently, with influence, and more decisively than ever before.
If you want to be a leader you need to know how to change your state and how to change other people’s states. Suppose someone is in a frustrated state or an angry state. If you can learn to covertly change their state you can change the result of their behavior in a very positive way.
If you are coaching or leading someone, then when changing states in others, it’s important to understand the person’s blueprint. What are their values, what do they believe about the situation, what stresses them out, and what do they fear? There are other parts to it but you get the idea.
Your best life is found in the dance between what you desire most and what you fear most.
Anthony Robbins, a renowned life coach and motivational speaker, emphasizes the importance of changing your state to achieve peak performance and well-being.
Here are some key steps he recommends:
Physiology:
- Move Your Body: Alter your physical posture, breathing, and movement. Stand tall, breathe deeply, and use dynamic gestures.
- Change Your Breathing: Practice deep, rhythmic breathing to shift your physiology and energy.
Focus:
- Shift Your Focus: Direct your attention away from negative thoughts or emotions. Focus on what you want to achieve.
- Ask Empowering Questions: Replace disempowering questions with empowering ones. For example, instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” ask, “How can I learn from this?”
Language:
- Use Empowering Words: Be mindful of the words you use. Positive language influences your emotional state.
- Change Your Story: Reframe your experiences by telling a different story. Find empowering meanings in challenging situations.
Emotion:
- Generate Positive Emotions: Recall moments of joy, gratitude, or achievement. Anchor these emotions to specific physical cues (e.g., touch your heart or clench your fist).
Focus on Outcome:
- Visualize Success: Imagine achieving your desired outcome vividly. Feel the emotions associated with success.
- Set Clear Intentions: Define what you want and commit to it.
Remember that changing your state is a powerful tool for personal growth, leadership, and success. Apply these steps consistently to create positive shifts in your life!