1 Simple Exercise To Create A New Version Of Yourself, Version 2.0
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” — Rumi, Persian Poet, Mystic
Most people begin their day on autopilot, hitting the SNOOZE button, tired when they wake up and falling into their daily habits or shall we say, “traps,” which does not serve them in creating the life they desire.
The good news is that research on brain plasticity confirms that we have the ability to rewire or reprogram our minds, creating a new version of ourselves.
The bad news is that it takes committed discipline . every . single . day .
1 Simple Exercise To Create Your New Life
“The secret of CHANGE is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” — Socrates, Stoic Greek Philosopher
First Step Toward Change: AWARENESS
The step toward change are simple, yet difficult as our brain was designed for distraction. We move toward change when we’ve endured a painful event in our lives and the first step toward change is to become more aware, more conscious, and more mindful of who we are, what we want and don’t want in life.
In essence, we take the first step in being responsible for ourselves and stop blaming everyone, including the world for our problems in life.
“The world doesn’t owe you ANYTHING. It was here first!” — Mark Twain
To transform yourself, you need to be raw honest about your “current self”
a) Who are you showing up as?
b) What are you doing daily that’s got you spinning your wheels?
c) Where are you wasting your energy?
d) Why are you not living your ideal life — what’s stopping you?
Now dream a little and design your “future self”
a) Who do you want to show up as?
b) What are you willing to do / not do in order to make this change?
c) Where do you see yourself 6–12 months from now?
d) More importantly, “WHY do you want to make this change?”
Second Step Toward Change: PLAN
“If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not Much.” — Jim Rohn
1 Simple Exercise To Create A New Version Of Yourself
Draw 2 circles in your journal, one lower and the other higher. Now draw a line connecting both. The line represent the GAP, the difference between your current and future selves, and to close the Gap we need to design a PLAN.
Label the first circle, “Current Self” and the second, “Future Self.”
Now, take as much time as you need and complete both circles and do not concern yourself with, “HOW you will move from your current self to your future self.”
We will address that later.
Just trust the process!!
Don’t get stuck on the details.
Be raw honest about what you put in each circle and you will uncover hidden areas of your life that will surprise you.
EXAMPLE: Current vs. Future Self — written in the present tense
Once you have a clear image of your future self, you’ll need to design a plan to move from your “current self” to your “future self.”
Most people get caught up with the, “HOW?,” that is, “How will I get to my future self.” If you focus on the “HOW?” you are setting yourself up for failure and a whole lotta doubts as you erect one obstacle after another — instead, a better question to ask is, “WHO?” that is . . .
- Find someone WHO has done what you wish to do — study them, find out how they did it and model their framework adding your special touch to make it unique to you. We can never copy anyone 100%, however, we can learn and adapt their process to our style
- Similar to #1, however, hire them to mentor you to close the Gap and catapult over to your future self with rapid speed. Yes, this will cost you, however, the time to get to your future self will be quicker
- Find an online course that will teach you the skills you need to become your future self. This will be faster than #1, less costly than #2, however it will take more time than #2.
- Research and find all the books you can to get to your future self, however, this process will be dreadfully S L O W.
By far, my favourite method is #2 — I personally wish I knew about mentors when I was in my 20’s, when I started my first business. I would have catapulted my learning faster than doing #1, #3 and #4. Today, when I’m creating a new future self/skill, I do #2, I hire a mentor to get me there faster.
“We will not live long enough to learn all we can, seek out mentors, read good books and expand your mind.” — ZAK
Athletes, CEOs, top Executives, Actors, Entrepreneurs, Startups and people wanting to fast-track their business or careers, all hire mentors. If you can afford to hire a mentor, do it! It will be the best investment you will make for yourself, however, please interview them and do your due-diligence before selecting one.
Third Step Toward Change: Execute
First, you are AWARE that your current self is not living up to its full potential. Second, you map out your future self and who you wish to become by creating a PLAN
The third step in the process of change is to EXECUTE your PLAN. This step involves doing the daily tasks which will lead you toward your future self. To help you move forward, consider getting an accountability partner who will hold you responsible for completing your daily tasks to achieve your goals. If you hired a mentor, they will hold you accountable to achieving your goals.
Here’s an article on how to break down a BIG GOAL into daily tasks. It’s a simple process of starting with the END in mind and working backwards — hope you enjoy it?
I wish you great success.
Here’s to You! Version 2.0
Closing Thoughts . . .
“Life is simple, people make it complicated.” — ZAK
It’s Simple To Change . . .
Change starts with AWARENESS followed by a detailed PLAN, and lastly, EXECUTING your PLAN.
- Awareness: Know what you want and don’t want, not just from an intellectual perspective, “brain”, but also from a deep visceral, “heart” center
- Emotionally feel WHY you want it. Having a BIG WHY will drive all your efforts toward your goal — engage your heart as you think of your BIG WHY
- Plan: Design a PLAN to take you to your future self — your blueprint. If you get stuck, seek advice from a MENTOR — it’s the fastest way to get from your “current self” to your “future self.”
- Execute: Take daily ACTION toward your “future self,” asking,
a) “Who do I need to become to step into my Future Self?” Also
b) “Visualize your future self,” clearly see your future self and engage your heart during your daily visualization
c) Having a daily meditation practice will help move you toward your future self. See, These 5 Things Will Radically Change Your Life
Brain plasticity enables the brain to rewire itself — choose to do something new which will move you toward your future self — choose to do this new activity over and over and you will create productive habits to move you toward your future self.
“You have the power to choose. You have the power to change. Choose Change.”
— ZAK
About the Author
Hi!! My name is, Zahida A. Khan, as an entrepreneur, author, coach, consultant, I’ve manifested success early with lots of ups and downs along the way — today, I’m here to share my business and life lessons and I’m interested in hearing about your transformation. Comment below 👇🏼👇🏼
