There is an alternative rock band from Gainesville, Florida called Sister Hazel that released an album in 2000 with a song titled “Change Your Mind”. That was a year of transition for me, and the lyrics from that song stuck with me: “If you want to be somebody else, change your mind.”

Without making a conscious effort, that became the theme for my transition at the time. Even now, 15 years later, when I or someone I know is facing a difficult challenge, I bring up those lyrics and discus how all change begins in our minds.

I am no psychologist (ironically, both of my kids are), however, I know that in order to effect a change, especially a significant one, we must first create that change in our minds. The more our minds can visualize the new behavior, in all of its detail, the better chance we have of making the transformation in our lives.

I’ve read that it takes 30 days to make a new habit. We can train our minds through repetition of thoughts or in response to certain stimulus, in order to adopt new behaviors.

Usually, it takes a major event that shakes us profoundly enough to make a significant change in our thinking, or in the way we act. The catalyst for change on a business level may be a business failure, litigation, or a large loss on a project. On a personal level it may be the death of someone close, divorce, illness, or loss of a job.

However, you don’t need to wait for a life-changing event to create the change you want in your life. Most of us go through life as if on automatic pilot, living in established routines. While that can be good, if you don’t like your circumstances, living on auto-pilot can keep you there indefinitely, stuck in your dissatisfaction. The keys to making the positive changes you desire are:

1. Change your mind.
2. Be determined to make it happen.
3. Develop the new habit over time.

As a general example, if you want to avoid being taken advantage of by others on projects or business dealings, you need to change your thinking so that you spot the situations that can make you vulnerable, resolve each time to act, and most importantly, take action by documenting to eliminate the vulnerability.

* * * * * * * * * *

Well, speaking of making changes, I have just completed the first step in the transition to relocate from South Florida to Central Florida.  It was a very hectic month for Nancy and I as we downsized from a large home in Cooper City to our temporary new home – a condo on Indian Harbour Beach (in the Melbourne area)!  We have been talking for a few years about finding a more relaxed area to live, and to relocate closer to family that has also
started moving north.  The second step will take place when we find what we are looking for.  I’ll let you know when that happens, since we haven’t found it yet!

From the center of the state, I will be able to serve all of Florida without difficulty.  The move will be of no consequence to my clients outside of Florida, thanks to the marvels of technology.

“If you want to be somebody else, change your mind”Sister Hazel

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