Six steps to shifting the outcome
When I find myself in resistance or fear, feeling stuck in negativity and anticipating failure, I turn to the exercise described below. But first, would you like to hear an anecdote on this theme?
My story
I vividly remember walking in the monastery garden in Engelberg. The flowers were radiating beauty, the sun was shining—everything around me was brimming with life and opportunities. Yet, internally, I felt quite the opposite. I was struggling in my business, and it seemed that no new opportunities were coming my way. Was I desperate? Self-critical? Absolutely.
As I strolled through the garden, I was conversing with a friend. He said, "Hey, close your eyes now and imagine, feel how it feels to have secured all the clients you need this month. Imagined?" I closed my eyes and went inward, surrendering to the feeling of arrival and achievement. I could feel ease spreading through my body. Oh my, that felt good.
For the first time in our conversation, I responded with a voice full of excitement: "Yes, I can feel it. I feel at ease, I feel the sun on my skin. I feel safe and joyful." He continued, "Well done. Now, imagine that they also pay you 50% more than your usual rates." I hesitated for a moment. But what the heck, this is just visualization; it won't hurt. So, I did it. I told him, "Oh wow, this feels GREAT!"
And that was it. The next day, an acquaintance from my LinkedIn network reached out, asking if I could help a company by coaching their employees. They sent me an offer for 7,000 CHF. Just like that, from nowhere.
What do you think? Did the exercise work? I have some thoughts on it that I'll share after you've tried the exercise for yourself.
Coaching Exercise
Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a couple of deep breaths. Sense your arrival into your body.
Now, feel, sense, and imagine the state of abundance, a feeling of "Yes!". Sense the fulfillment, expansion, perhaps pleasure, lightness. Feel the completeness and wholeness.
While in this state, notice how your body feels. Scan your body with your awareness, and just observe.
Now, think of a goal that you have. What happens in your body when you think about the goal? Maybe something shifts; just notice. Then, return to the feeling of "Yes!" if these two states were different.
Continue iterating between imagining your goal and the feeling of "Yes!" until they merge.
After some time, let go of any effort and simply sit, bathing in the feeling of fulfillment and completeness.
Start by doing this exercise for 5 minutes daily for two weeks, and then evaluate what it has given you. If you like, you can share your insights with me.
Did the exercise work magic for me?
In that moment, it was so great to escape the negative spiral. I can't say for sure if it was the quantum physics of the exercise that worked some magic, but what I know is that when I'm in a negative mindset, I show up differently than when thinking positively. When I feel low and doubtful, I always return to this exercise. It helps me present myself as my ideal self, with belief in my gifts and mission, and with joy toward those I meet and the tasks ahead.
Try it out; there are no side effects—except you might succeed in your endeavors!