Change The Record!

We’ve all heard of the proverbial scratched record – and I’m not talking vinyl.

Often referred to as our 'story', our 'yada yada yada'. Am I right in saying, sometimes we just don't know when to shut up?

Or even worse, we're rambling on about 'stuff' that's been out of date longer than that can of baked beans hiding away at the back of the cupboard?

The question is; have you become a scratched record? Because if you have, this is your lucky day; the day you finally decide to 'change the record'!

The first step is to begin consciously listening to everything you say. Sounds easy, I know. All I can say is, prepare to be shocked.

A rhetorical question I sometimes offer when coaching people who perform (trainers, actors, presenters) is, 'would I listen to me'? So, begin listening to your 'yada yada yada' today and ask yourself the same question, 'if I were someone else, would I listen to this stuff?

...and the second step; from this moment on if you ever notice yourself slipping into 'blah blah blah' mode, zip it! That's right, if you haven’t got anything constructive, positive, or uplifting to say, simply keep quiet until you do have something constructive, positive, or uplifting to say.

Because the truth is that nobody likes to listen to a moaner. Sure, we might find ourselves agreeing with a particular issue initially, and that's just about being plugged in, having a point of view and real (by-the-way, all are a good thing).

However, a 'broken record' just doesn't know when to shut up, and the longer they go on the more boring they become, and if that 'broken record' is you, eventually other people lose interest and walk away - or even worse, the good people move away leaving you stranded high and dry with other broken record doom-and-gloom merchants, and how depressing is that?!.

So, beginning with the basics: what do you want you want to be saying instead? 'Life is good, life is getting better, I’m looking to the future; my life is going places'? You'll be surprised, when you start the ball rolling with good new things to say, it'll just keep on rolling and attract other positive, like minded 'can do' people into your circle.

Begin playing your 'new record' right away, today. Initially, people may well be confused by your sudden change in tack. Some might ask if you've been on holiday, or (even better) comment how you seem to have lost some weight - and the reality is that 'yes' you are on a holiday... from all the doom and gloom of the old record, and the weight has come off...lifted from your shoulders.

Lighten up, brighten up. Decide on a new record and notice how your world gets your new message right away.

Modelling Excellence

Who do you look up to, admire, want to emulate? In NLP it’s called ‘modelling excellence’. Studying, learning, being inspired by, noticing actions and looking for clues that show you the journey towards success that person has taken.

Modelling excellence is a tried and tested route to accelerating your own success. If the path has been trodden before - and worked - then if you tread a similar path you will achieve a similar result in your own life.

People have used this method to build successful business, learn a new language, get a book deal or recording contract, achieve world records in sport, the list just goes on and on.

If you chose 1 or 2 people to study today, who would you choose? Chose quickly. Don’t think too long, just choose your role model(s) and begin.

Read books, search for inspiration on the internet, if your role model has a website, newsletter or holds events, subscribe and attend. Become aware what their attitude is to life, how they deal with challenges, how they engage with people, and of course how they create their success. People leave clues.

Since I began my coaching career in 2003 my role models included Fiona Harrold, Anthony Robbins, Brian Tracy and in business Richard Branson and Warren Buffett. I've read their books, watched interviews, and noticed when they've been involved in the media. When possible I've also attended their workshops and events.

So, who are you going to chose? Remember, modelling is a study, not a copy. You will still be you. You are unique. Once you find 1, 2 or 3 role models to learn from, whether from a book, videos, or if you get the chance in person, your life will change – big time.