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by Rick Baker
On Jul 19, 2011
Here’s what I think...
- When we behave [take action], our behaviour alters our brain…maybe only a little, maybe much more than a little…depending on the situation...and the nature of our behaviour [our action].
- When we think, our thoughts alter our brain… maybe only a little, maybe much more than a little…depending on the situation around and the nature of our thoughts…probably, also depending on the strength of the emotions/feelings we are experiencing at the time we are thinking.
- When we are not consciously behaving or thinking [for example, when we are asleep] things happen inside us that alter our brain… maybe only a little, maybe more than a little…likely, these changes are minor but they build over time. For example, brain-things likely happen during our sleep to place experiences of the day into our ‘memory bank’.
Considering the fact we are thinking and behaving 100% of the time we are conscious and we are not conscious the rest of our living hours…
I am saying our brain is constantly changing…physically…maybe a little, maybe much more than a little…but always at least a little.
I recognize this has not been verified empirically…i.e., it is not proven.
It seems to me this is just common sense.
While many people have said our brains are like computers I do not agree with that. Our brains have wiring, connections, and on-off switches like computers. Maybe once they are established most or maybe all of the connections are unchangeable. Maybe some of the brain wires are unchangeable. Regardless, the brain wires are replacing themselves, and growing, and moving around and the connections are multiplying/popping up in new places and dying/ceasing activity in some places. And, the switches are doing that too.
On a macro scale the brain is changing slowly unless there is a catastrophe like a stroke.
On a micro scale the little pieces of stuff in the brain are in a constant state of flux…ebbing and flowing with our thoughts, our behaviour, and all the mysterious workings of our subconscious.
Certain behaviours and thoughts align with Good Work Habits. The more of these behaviours and thoughts we do/have the more we will self-inflict brain changes aligned with Good Work Habits…as described in the Napoleon Hill classic ‘Think and Grow Rich’. [Note: I do not recall Napoleon Hill ever indicating the brain itself changed. Rather, he said our thoughts resonated and connected with “Universal Intelligence”.]
Certain behaviours and thoughts align with Bad Work Habits. The less of these behaviours and thoughts we do/have the less we will self-inflict brain changes aligned with Bad Work Habits. As in – Don’t Think and Don’t Grow Poor’.
The truly great news is recent scientific developments have provided much new evidence to illustrate/suggest the above is more than just directionally correct.
While many have said ‘Think and Grow Rich’ is a nice little motivational book, recent scientific developments are illustrating/suggesting the book contains ‘the secret’ – as in the book, ‘The Secret’ - to successful business [and life].
Recent scientific developments are beginning to validate the fact business people who desire riches can get them using a ‘Think and Grow Rich’ process. This validation will help business people understand how simple actions [New Work Things] can generate material people changes and those people changes can generate profitable business.
by Rick Baker
On Jul 12, 2011
Objective, well-intentioned, well delivered criticism will still gnaw, rip, and tear thin skin.
Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin.
That is a given.
The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as that thin skin rips and tears?
And, of importance will ‘motivation’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin?
Yes it will.
Sometimes a voice will say, “You demotivate me” or something similar.
Other times the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken.
Regardless of who’s to blame, when skin is thin criticism will demotivate.
PS: Going one layer deeper, I think the 2 words ‘constructive criticism’ form an anti-oxymoron [which is a word I made up]. The words ‘constructive’ and ‘criticism’ are neither contradictory nor apparently contradictory. Quite the opposite: the 2 words appear compatible. That’s the problem. That’s why ‘constructive criticism’ is so widely used and so widely embraced as ‘good way to deal with other people’. Regardless, those 2 words ‘constructive’ and ‘criticism’ should never be paired. Together, they do not guide, they mislead.
by Rick Baker
On Jun 29, 2011
Habits are like rivers.
If your leave them alone they more or less follow the path of least resistance.
Indeed, if you look close enough at habits they are very consistent and if they meander at all then that meandering takes time. That’s similar to what rivers do when the terrain is flat and gently sloped. No surprises. No sudden obstacles. So, a continuous flow of water.
Most of the terrain around our habits is flat and gently sloped. No surprises. No obstacles. So, a continuous flow of habit.
That’s the nature of habits.
Once they flow…they flow...and they stay the course.
A habit stays the course, be it good or be it bad.
When we compare habits to rivers, each has its ‘pros’ and ‘cons’.
The main ‘pro’ enjoyed by a river is: it is governed by an amazing force we call gravity. Gravity makes rivers flow downhill…always toward a larger body of water, either a larger river or a lake or an ocean…always downhill…with feeding a larger body of water being the ultimate purpose/goal.
The main ‘con’ suffered by a river is: it has no ability to choose. Gravity grips and controls it…always.
The main ‘pro’ enjoyed by a habit is: the owner of the habit has choices so the owner can influence the course of the habit. When the course feeds into a positive purpose/goal the habit is a Good Habit.
The main ‘con’ suffered by a habit is: somehow, ‘somewhy’ habits have a tendency to favour the negative. Bad Habits take hold easier than Good Habits. Bad Habits are tougher to break than Good Habits.
The easiest way to adjust habits, if that’s what you want to do, is accept you only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things.
To correct Bad Habits, do New Things…that’s the way to reduce the time available for Bad Habits.
New Things are the bridges to Good Habits.
Footnote:
When in grade 12 I spent some time thinking about becoming a geographer. I was grabbed by the relationship between earth topography and simple mathematics….maps and contour maps…and, of course, treasure maps [but, that’s a different story].
This week, while listening to a new Napoleon Hill audio book I heard something close to “Habits are like rivers…it takes force to change course”. That triggered this Thought Post.
by Rick Baker
On Jun 14, 2011
A dozen things you better know
1. You better know your Chief Desire
Whether you have a vivid lifelong Vision or a keen interest in accomplishing something important during the next few months, know what you want. Write down what you want in as simple and clear terms as possible. Napoleon Hill used the terms ‘Definite Purpose’ and ‘Definite Chief Aim’ to describe ‘what you want’. He stressed the importance of definiteness of purpose. To get through the toughest times, which you will no doubt encounter…you must make a habit of stoking the flame of your Chief Desire.
Key Resources:
- Napoleon Hill, ‘Think and Grow Rich’
- Spirited Leaders Academy Workshops #1 & #2
2. You better know how to apply your Strengths to work
Some activities invigorate you so much you shine and time flies when you perform them. You perform at your best when you do these activities. These signal your strengths and your personal strengths are your key to business development success.
Key Resources:
- Tom Rath – ‘StrengthsFinder 2.0’
- Spirited Leaders Workshop on Strengths
3. You better know how to manage your Weaknesses for work
You find some activities grating. They drain your enthusiasm. Even if you perform them well you will never excel at them and they will never cause business development excellence. Learn how to manage your work so your weaknesses have minimal impact.
Key Resources:
- Marcus Buckingham, ‘GO Put Your Strengths To Work’
- Spirited Leaders Workshop on Strengths
4. You better know how to make Connections With People
Business is about PEOPLE. To do business you must connect with people. Your good reputation is an essential ingredient. If you are a natural connector then you have a tremendous advantage. If you are not a natural connector then you will need help from ‘matchmakers’ who illustrate strength in making valuable, timely business connections.
Key Resources:
- Malcolm Gladwell, ‘The Tipping Point’
- Spirited Leaders Workshop on Connecting
5. You better know how to Click With People
You must learn how to obtain what you desire while satisfying the needs of other people or, at the very least, not violating the needs of other people. Excellence happens under an environment of aligned, harmonious effort. Work on expanding your pleasing personality. Ask great questions. That’s so important it must be repeated: Ask great questions!
Key Resources:
- Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman, ‘Click’
- Spirited Leaders Workshop on Connecting
6. You better know how to Lead Change
People only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. And, ‘Constructive Criticism’ is an oxymoron. Remember those two simple facts when you work to cause Clients to feel good about having a long term relationship with you…and remember those two simple facts when you want to help other people to become your Clients.
Key Resources:
- Dr. Jonathan Haidt, ‘Happiness Hypothesis’
- Chip Heath and Dan Heath, ‘Made to Stick’ & ‘Switch’
- Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #2
7. You better know your business development Hedgehog & More*
* Hedgehog, Differential Advantage or Unique Selling Proposition, & Value Propositions
Stand out! Work at a business that can provide simple clear answers to tough questions like:
- What do you excel at doing?
- How are you different from your competitors?
- How are your products & services different from your competitors’?
- Why should I buy from you?
8. You better know your business Target Markets
Do not limit your target market thinking to demographics. That just scratches the surface. Always remember people place the orders. Always remember people’s buying habits are heavily influenced by emotions and justified [later] with logic. Watch what they do. Observe with a clear and open mind. Seek the roots of behaviour patterns.
Key Resources:
- Jeffrey Gitomer, ‘Sales Bible’
- Guy Kawasaki, ‘Reality Check’
- Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #3
9. You better know your Business Development Pillars
Today, your business development must be supported by several marketing & sales pillars. You need a pillar of social media presence. You need at least one pillar of promotion. You need a pillar of cold calling. You need more than that. And, all your pillars must be pointed in the same direction…your marketing & sales actions must be integrated…your marketing & sales pillars must complement and enhance each other.
10. You better know your business ‘Master Rules’
4 strategic things set the stage for your ‘Master Rules’. Those 4 things are your business’ shared Values, Vivid Vision, key success factors, and key failure factors. ‘Master Rules’ are the link that bonds your strategic thoughts to your practical actions. So, ‘Master Rules’ must be clear and simple. And, ‘Master Rules’ must be repeated. ‘Master Rules’ must also be few in number…this ensures boundaries are set on actions without stifling creativity.
11. You better know your business Goals
S.M.A.R.T. Goals worked well in prior generations ago and they worked well a decade or two ago. Now, Goals must be more textured. When you set goals, it is essential to anticipate people reactions…specifically, you must understand in advance the emotional reactions your goals are likely trigger. This applies to the emotional reactions of your people, your clients, your suppliers, etc. You can do this by adding an ACRE of considerations when you set SMART goals:
A Action
C Conversion
R Repercussion
E Emotions
12. You better know what you must Measure and Measure what you must know
Performance Tracking & Key Performance Indicators: these are pure gold when you have the discipline to establish them and make them Good Habits. This is one area in business where zero tolerance is the best policy: if it’s worth doing then it’s worth measuring. Conversely, if it isn’t worth measuring then why would you bother doing it?
Key Resources:
- Douglas W. Hubbard, ‘How To Measure Anything’
- Brent Peterson and Gaylan Nielson, ‘Fake Work’
- https://rickbaker.ca/post/2010/01/19/CHANGING-FOR-THE-BETTER-Good-Habits-Bad-Habits-New-Things.aspx
- Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #6
13. You better know exactly how Your Role contributes to your business
There are 3 Steps:
- Ensure role clarity…role descriptions, etc
- Ensure reward clarity…goals, performance, & rewards
- Perform an iterative process: test Your Role against every one of the first 12 Things You Better Know. Do this step now. And do this step at least once per year.
by Rick Baker
On Jun 1, 2011
That’s not a complaint.
It is simply a fact.
I know this because I cannot stop myself from observing people, listening to them, and watching how they react to other people’s ideas and requests.
Now, like most ‘blog sites’, our Thought Post site provides readers the opportunity to rate our Thought Posts. Our site has little stars at the bottom of each posting…readers can select and enter 1 star, 2 stars, 3 stars, 4 stars, or 5 stars.
Generally readers do not rate our Thought Posts. That’s typical of blog sites, unless maybe the person who does the writing is really, really gifted. [I aspire to that…and…clearly I have some work to do…but…I digress.] It seems a posting must really annoy or really resonate before people take the time to rate it.
It is interesting to note, the Thought Post about getting rid of Scarcity Mindset received 2 ratings: one was 1 star and one was 5 stars…so, the average is 3 stars. Now, I assume the person who rated it 5 stars liked the posting and agrees with its message.
But – what about the person who gave the 1 star rating?
- Perhaps, this person agrees we should work to get rid of Scarcity Mindsets but thinks I did a poor job of delivering that message?
- Perhaps, this person disagrees with the message and thinks we should not get rid of Scarcity Mindsets?
- Perhaps, this person thinks something else?
We will never know…unless the person provides comments to clarify.
I do know scarcity mindsets permeate many business environments. So, I will keep writing in an effort to help folks understand the problem so they have a chance to fix it before it causes too much damage.
During the last 2 weeks, people have talked to me about 3 separate instances of scarcity mindset in the workplace. When people describe their situations they usually do not use the words ‘scarcity mindset’…people usually talk about the results they see/hear, not the underlying cause.
Perhaps I need to write more clearly…
Scarcity Mindset is an underlying cause…a fear-driven, underlying cause
Scarcity Mindset leads to many poor decisions, inappropriate actions, and workplace stresses
by Rick Baker
On May 26, 2011
A LinkedIn friend asked that question.
Here is my answer.
If people recognize they fear failure then they may be motivated to overcome that fear.
If their motivation to overcome the fear results in ACTION that creates GOOD HABITS [success-oriented ACTION] then...that could be considered “effective motivation”.
On the other hand, if we [Sales/Marketing Leaders] try to press fear buttons to motivate our fearful followers then it is highly unlikely we will generate “effective motivation”. While Leaders may win some battles by pressing fear buttons, they will not win wars. Followers will/may comply in the short term, however, value, if any, will be fleeting. The fear will remain...and it may grow.
Fear is a powerful driving force. But – it does not have the ability to drive toward “effective outcomes’.
Fear drives in the opposite direction. Fearful people need a lot of help to change themselves so they can achieve effective outcomes.
Conscious THOUGHT and repeated ACTION are required.
And, the process of “effective motivation” takes TIME.
We have a philosophy…when you boil it all down
People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things.
When people fear failure they need to:
- Understand they possess that fear
- Want to do something to reduce/remove that fear
- recognize that fear has created Bad Habits [whether they can identify them or not]
- want to make changes to remove those Bad Habits
- want to make changes to create Good Habits
- understand those changes must be specific ACTIONS…which we call New Things
- take baby steps…baby ACTION steps
- celebrate the little successes
I hope this helps.
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