Attraction Information

Your Default Settings


Buy a computer--any computer--and it comes loaded with software automatically set to certain default settings. For example, the default setting for Word is Times New Roman 12-point. Last week, as I presented one of my periodic Best Year Yet(R) programs, I found myself referring to default settings of the human variety. Human default settings are those areas of life where we unconsciously cooperate with limiting thoughts and behaviors that keep us from living our best lives.

A default setting in our lives can be anything from automatically turning on the television set when we walk into a room, to spending too much time surfing the net or checking email...it's usually brainless, time-stealing and rarely does it add value to our lives. Deeply entrenched default settings become beliefs like: "I'm not smart enough, pretty enough, educated enough...", (or any of a thousand variations). And just as documents pre-set with Times New Roman 12-point type have a consistent and readily identifiable look, our habits of thinking--default settings--produce results that are consistent with them as well. Default thought: "I don't have the right clothes (or whatever), so I can't start working out." Result: Not working out. Default thought: "I always have to be available for my clients." Result: No time to refill your own tank, ultimately leading to burnout.

Is it possible to change our human default settings? Absolutely. Is it easy? Not usually. But if you find yourself defaulting rather than designing how you want to live, work, or play, with commitment and consistency, you can override your automatic settings. Here are some steps to help you do it:

First, become aware of your default modes. You might start by making a list of things you do habitually that may not be useful or beneficial. Too much email or TV, not exercising, making excuses for not starting a project or growing your business, blaming others for what's happening (or not) in life, working too many hours, not pursuing a hobby, and always saying yes when you want to say no are just a few examples of default settings that may be keeping you stuck.

Secondly, notice the amount of excuse-making and rationalizing you generate around your default modes. You'll often recognize these monologues by their characteristic repetitive phrases: "I can't," "I have to," "When I get X, then I'll do Y," "It's only," or "Just this once."

Thirdly, see if you can drill down to the core issue that's really at cause. A few years ago I realized that I was a victim of "yes-itis," a behavior characterized by the tendency to say yes to everyone's requests for my time. I realized that my default setting was based on a belief that in order to be liked I always had to say yes. When I recognized it, I created a new internal message for myself: "I say no to others so I can say yes to myself." Then when my old default behavior came close to kicking in, I would remind myself of the new message. Eventually this became my default setting. And now, though I do occasionally slip, most of the time I at least stop to check my gut to ask whether this program or project is something I really want to do (is it a "yes" to myself?) before deciding to commit to it.

Finally, it helps to create options to steer you away from old, habitual patterns of behavior. If you have a habit of turning on the TV the minute you walk in the house, start by entering through a different door. If you tend to spend too much time on the computer, close the door to the room or office where your computer is located. If you work tend to work too much, schedule times to meet a friend that require you to leave the office earlier a couple of days a week. If it's saying yes to your own detriment, develop the habit of requesting 24 hours to think over any decisions before making a final commitment.

Ultimately we all get to choose the life we want to live. For some it will be based entirely on default settings, never questioning the beliefs or behaviors that dictate the quality of their lives. This week, I challenge you to examine your default settings to see if they are really adding to the richness of your life or just the convenience of it. Trust me, I'll be doing the same.

Betty

***********************
Quote of the Week

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." ~~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Betty Mahalik has been coaching small business owners, independent professionals and leaders who want to achieve more but stress less, since 1996. Her background includes several years in the broadcasting and public relations fields prior to starting her own firm in 1987. She is an accomplished public speaker and corporate trainer specializing in communications, goal-setting and leveraging your strengths. Since 2001, she has written a weekly motivational message, free to subscribers, titled Monday Morning Coach. To subscribe or learn more about Betty's coaching and training services, visit http://www.dynamic-coaching.com


MORE RESOURCES:

New York Daily News

'Twilight' stokes our immortal attraction to the vampire
New York Daily News, NY - Nov 30, 2008
In this image released by Summit Entertainment, Kristen Stewart, left, and Robert Pattinson are shown in a scene from, "Twilight." 'Mad, bad, and dangerous ...
Life and love eternal Philippine Star
Movie Review - "Twilight" sizzles but squanders dark romance University News (subscription)
RA Long students sink their teeth into 'Twilight' Longview Daily News
Manila Bulletin - Wire
all 236 news articles


Hormones: Learning the rules of attraction
Independent, UK - 4 hours ago
What really draws couples together? The mysteries of hormones are only now being unravelled – and giving us fascinating new insights into why we behave the ...


A cosmopolitan attraction
Culpeper Star Exponent, VA - Nov 30, 2008
Have you seen the new movie now playing in theaters starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, called “Australia”? The movie is receiving great reviews and ...
Crikey! 'Australia' Hits the Big Screen NBC Philadelphia
VIDEO: “Australia” Review NBC13.com
Wednesday Movie Roundup: Turkey Shoot Cincinnati CityBeat
Westborough News - Philadelphia Daily News
all 1,022 news articles


My fear and fragility: history of gay attraction
AfterEllen.com - 4 hours ago
I'm not sure who I should address this to, or even how to write this. I know that you don't know me, and you've got no reason to give up your time to read ...


Best Syndication

The Attraction of the Pharmaceutical Industry
Best Syndication, CA - 7 hours ago
Research and development is critical in all industries. And, when it comes to the pharmaceutical industry R & D not only generates income for the companies ...


WJBF-TV

Garden Gates Get Ready To Close In Augusta
WJBF-TV, GA - 2 hours ago
But, after a year of being open as a public park, the future of the downtown attraction is now in doubt. WJBF News Channel 6’s George Eskola has the story. ...


John Nada Saya to be the star attraction in Pune Marathon
MyNews.in, India - 8 hours ago
Pune: Tanzanian long distance runner John Nada Saya, who proved his skills in Milan in 2001, will be the star attraction of the 23rd Vodafone International ...


My Pikin: A fatal attraction
Vanguard, Nigeria - 5 hours ago
The feeling one gets as one holds a bottle of My Pikin Baby Teething Mixture does not arouse suspicion or doubt. Even if its clear, liquid content looks ...


BBC News

Christmas Lapland attraction investigated by Trading Standards
24dash, UK - 14 hours ago
Trading standards were investigating today after a Christmas Lapland attraction was described by one disgruntled visitor as a more like a car boot sale. ...
Credit-crunch Christmas treat freezes in blizzard of complaints guardian.co.uk
Hundreds slam Lapland park 'scam' BBC News
Lapland 'magic' leaves children in tears Salisbury Journal
Bournemouth Daily Echo
all 12 news articles


Daily Mail

Picture diary by mum at Lapland row attraction
Southern Daily Echo, UK - 18 hours ago
A HAMPSHIRE mum has described the New Forest Lapland Christmas attraction as “disgusting” and a “joke”. Grace Tyrell from Fareham visited the festive theme ...
Slideshow: Trading standards investigates Lapland complaints Portsmouth News
Santa's grotty The Sun
Trading standards probe the New Forest Lapland attraction branded ... Southern Daily Echo
Southern Daily Echo
all 19 news articles

Attraction - Google News

home | site map
© 2008