Friday, April 29, 2011

When We Tell Our Brain to Forget - It Does!


Many people believe the reason their memory is poor is due to getting older. Age has little to do with the reason these wonderful people forget. The reason people are becoming forgetful is because that is exactly what they are training their brain to do.

There is a common expression in many different languages around the world which is "Don't Forget". We use this often when we are doing our best to remind ourselves of important tasks and when we are being helpful to others. "Don't forget to pick up the milk." "Don't forget to call the doctor." "Don't forget to get this done." Unfortunately, this creates the exact opposite effect and does cause our mind become even more forgetful.

Our brain has an inherent ability to naturally filter information allowing us to focus on a task. For example, when we are at work and are sitting at our computer focused on a particular task, there are many things happening around us.   Such stimuli could be, colleagues chatting, the phone ringing, or, perhaps the cars driving past on the street. Because our mind is so focused on the task at hand, we barely hear or pay attention to other things going on around us. If our brain was to absorb every piece of stimuli happening at every moment of every day, we would have a very difficult time functioning. It is for this reason; our brain has been trained to filter what is not important allowing us to complete what is.

When we tell our brain "don't forget" our brain interprets this information as unimportant. When this happens, our brain filters the information, discards it and allows us to forget. Knowing this, it is important to begin training your brain to remember. Do this by changing the words "Don't forget" to "Remember to". "Remember to pick up the milk." "Remember to call the doctor." Saying and thinking "remember" tells our mind the information is important and therefore stores the data for later use.

There is a trick I like to do when I am networking or teaching a class. Many people are amazed by my ability to remember names easily. For most, remembering a face is far easier than remembering a name. As of today, this can be changed. When you meet someone for the first time and you wish to remember their name do this; as you are having a conversation with them, think in your mind, "remember (name here)". From the time you are first introduced to this person, to the point where you walk away, think the words "remember (name here)" three separate times. Make certain to wait a few moments between each thought so as to help solidify the memory. I can say with 99% conviction, you are more likely to remember the person's name! This same technique works for dates and numbers. If there is an important date or phone number you wish to remember and you are unable to write the information down, think "remember (date/number)" three times in your mind and voila you remember. If you choose to train your brain to remember, your mind would be sharp and recall instances with such clarity, others who trained their brain to forget, would be absolutely amazed.

To listen to a recent thought provoking podcast visit www.tuneinunlockattain.com

Keep smiling that gorgeous smile of yours!

Kindest of Regards,

Claire McGee
President, T.S. Consulting
Author, "I Believe Therefore I Am"

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Take a Moment to Breath


“Now is all we have.  Everything that has ever happened to you, and anything that is ever going to happen to you, is just a thought.” ~ Wayne Dyer

The reality is, life can be very stressful.  As much as each of us individually work to control our stress levels, outside influence play a role to which we may have little control.  The statement, our thoughts dictate our reality and from that our future is born, is in fact very true.  Many are aware of this and think that it is important to constantly think ahead and design what’s to come.  From this, they take very little time to enjoy what is round them in the moment and continue to experience the stress. The reason for this is,  s/he may think “When I do this I can look forward to...” or “Just deal with this a little longer and then I can do...”.  What happens here is, the stressful situation they are in is accentuated for the individual because s/he is focused on “dealing with it to move past it.”  It is important to forge ahead, and it is important to remind ourselves what we are achieving.  At the same time, it is important to have balance and joy by taking the time to live in the now.


To live in the now is to silently clear the mind, relax and enjoy the beauty around us.  In this moment we see the glories of nature, the uniqueness of everyone around us, and we feel the escape from all that is stressful into all that is beautiful.  With that said, take the time to sit or go for a walk and silently clear your mind and be an observer to all the amazing creations which are around you.  Feel the peace within you and remind yourself, you are a unique creation which is very much a part of the grand design.  Take a deep breath, smile and know all is as it is suppose to be.

Allowing this time to live in the now, gives us a sense of faith and courage to forge ahead knowing all is as it is meant and works out in our favour.

Keep smiling that gorgeous smile of yours!

Claire McGee M.Msc
T.S. Consulting

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Living In the NOW

“I can feel guilty about the past, apprehensive about the future, only in the present can I act.  The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” ~ Abraham Maslow


It is truly fascinating when it’s noticed there are two types of mindsets.  Those who live in the past and reflect on all which has been, good or bad, and those who live in the future hoping for or anticipating good things to come which are better than today.  I use to live in the past, often feeling sorry for myself or guilty for decisions I had made.  When I released the burden from my shoulders, I changed my focus.  If I were to be completely honest, I’d say I tend to be one who now lives in the future.  I am always seeing my life in one year’s time, five year’s time and beyond.  I am an optimistic go-getter it seems. 

It is important to have a vision of a goal.  When you can see the end result as if it were a memory, you can make it happen.  At the same time, I have come to realise, everything I think, say and do today, shapes my forward motion.  The actions I perform today mirrors what my future is.  It is for this reason, I have decided now is the time to be living.  Each moment of each day shapes our experiences.  There really is only today.  At this moment right now, we are creating our memories of our past when we look back with fondness ten years from now.  With every experience  we have right now, we are creating our future.   It’s kind of like the idiom “take care of the pennies and the dollars take care of themselves.”  When we take care of today, tomorrow takes care of itself.

Today I choose to live my life in the now, knowing I am creating wonderful memories and experience yet to come. 

Food for thought.  Today as you go about your day, be consciously aware of your thoughts and actions.  Know that what you are thinking, saying and doing, creates your future experiences and the wonderful memories you can recall when you are telling your grandchildren, family or friends all your amazing adventures and achievements. J

Have a fantastic week and keep smiling that gorgeous smile of yours!


Kindest of Regards,

Claire McGee M.Msc
T.S. Consulting Ltd.
NS Ph: 902 579-1718

www.trainyourbrainforsuccess.ca


Monday, April 18, 2011

"Life" - A Poem From The Heart


“I think, what has this day brought me, and what have I given it?” – Henry Moore


Life


Last night I had a dream
That I flew real high.
I flew up to the sky,
And saw far and wide.

I dared to dream some more
As I continued to fly far
I noticed when I stopped
I was sitting amongst the stars.

When I looked below
I noticed an intriguing thing.
My life unfold in front of me
This is an amazing dream.

I shared wonderful laughter
I felt sadness and pain.
I loved with all my heart
And felt others love me the same.

I have learned so much
In the years that I live
That each and every person I meet
Have so much to give.

My life is filled with memories
My life is a gift to share
For all the people in my life
I truly love you and I care

I am blessed to have been through so much
To experience the life I lead
For I have learned something valuable
For all I gave... I did receive.

What I do each day of my life
An all the lives I touch
Is what this life is all about
You can never give too much.

As I grow old and look back on my life
I can say I am truly blessed
For I lived, I laughed, I learned and cried
And I gave it all my best.

As I sit here as one amongst the stars
I realize an important thing
That the purpose of living is to share and dream
And live as one with each living thing.

Open your hearts to all you can
Live life as it is meant for you
Laugh, cry, forgive, feel joy
And love all for it sees you through.

Claire McGee M.Msc

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Words Are Symbols...Our Emotion are What Bring These Symbols to Life

Whenever we go to motivational speakers or read books on the subject of the “Law of Attraction” we hear that were are to avoid concentrating on “how” something is to manifest into our lives.  If we simply focus on what we want, the universal laws and principles work their magic and manifest our desires. 

There is a reason, a very important reason for avoiding concentrating on “how” we are to receive something.  This post is about to divulge a very important secret to you. Today I am explaining this word "How" and the fact of the matter is, it can cause devastating results and negate all our efforts.

Many people believe words by themselves hold little meaning or credence which is the reason experts say words only hold 7% of the impact to an end result.  Today I am here to tell you, words are very powerful and can cause devastating results.  Words trigger emotional responses within us and from there, discharge in the form of energy, out into our surroundings, impacting all who come in contact with it. These words may be expressed verbally to others or through personal self talk. Either way, we are impacting ourselves and our environment because these words cause us to focus on the exact opposite of what we want.  The “law of attraction” then answers our call by giving us what we focused on, which is more negative circumstances based on the emotions these words trigger.  When we think or say certain words, we have the power (by no fault of our own until we become aware of it) to negate all efforts toward moving forward in achieving our goals.  By becoming aware of the power behind words, we gain the ability to empower ourselves and others to move ahead with confidence and lightening speed!  It is for this reason I am sharing this little secret with you. 

Next is an excerpt taken from my new book "I Believe Therefore I am", published by Kallisti Publishing and available April 2011.  Read ahead and discover what you can do to change this habit while positively influencing yourself and others.  This post is rather lengthy and well worth the read!

HOW”

The word “HOW” invokes confusion, doubt, indecision and stagnation. This little word is one of the most powerful for self destruction as it lends credence for the expression “I can't see the forest for the trees”.

Using the word “HOW” when speaking with others

When we ask someone “how do you plan to do that?” we may receive a couple of options which the other person thought of and may begin a conversation to find solutions. It sounds proactive and we are interested in what the other person is doing. Often we are unaware, when the other person has left the room, in their mind, they are second guessing their ideas or potentially thinking of new ones. The new thought process tends to cause a longer turnaround time for taking action toward obtaining a goal. The reason for this is, we plant a seed in their mind which causes them to ask themselves the same question “how am I going to do that?”. With this word invoking the potential for doubt, confusion, indecision and stagnation, it can lead to lack of direction or action taken to achieve a goal by the individual.

Using the word “HOW” through self talk

When we ask ourselves “how am I going to do that?”, “how is that possible” or “I don't see how” we invoke worry, anxiety, confusion, doubt, indecision, and stagnation within ourselves. The reason for this is, when we use this word it causes us to look within for answers which are obviously elsewhere or the question wouldn't be asked in the first place. Irritability and an increase in stress levels follow when these self destructive emotions are triggered. It is for this reason people often take a copious amount of time or avoid taking action all together toward a goal they wish to obtain.

WHAT”

Changing the word “HOW” to “WHAT” is very proactive and action orientated because it causes one to look outside themselves for solutions.

Using the word “WHAT” when speaking with others

When someone states they wish to do something, the best question that can be asked of them is “what are some solutions or opportunities which exist for you to accomplish this?” Doing so invokes ease and problem solving within the person seeking advice. This helps the person hearing the statement look outside themselves for options which may exist. It further invokes brainstorming, problem solving and team building within the group conversation. The same rule applies at the office where a potential problem exists. In this instance one may say “what actions were taken in the past which were most effective and what are some options we can investigate now to find a solution?” Again, this invokes problem solving, brainstorming and team building within the group for the purpose of looking outward to find solutions.

Using the word “WHAT” through self talk

When we have a goal we wish to obtain and are looking for opportunities to present themselves, asking questions such as, “What are some options which exist out there?”; “What can I do to make this happen?”; or “What are some ways to find solutions?”, is a proactive approach for finding answers to the question they have asked. The reason for this is, it again causes someone to look outside of themselves for solutions. A person recognizes they are seeking answers and has confidence they exist. They then investigate, communicate and take action toward their ability to achieve.

Words hold a great deal of power when it comes to our ability to achieve our goals. Words are also very important when attempting to positively influence others. Words either gear us toward success and well being or stagnation and self destruction. Remember going forward while you are mastering your ability to empower your life with the law of attraction, avoid the word HOW which use to negate your efforts and replace it with the word “WHAT”.  Doing this small thing can and does give positive results! 

To read more about "I Believe Therefore I am" please visit www.ibelievethereforeiam.com or www.Kallistipublishing.com

Keep smiling that gorgeous smile of yours!  It is contagious :-)

Kindest of Regards,
Claire McGee M.Msc
T.S. Consulting