Change is difficult. Big change is even more difficult, perhaps daunting. Often the most difficult part is unlearning your old routine before you can successfully learn a new one. This process results in psychological turbulence because you’re upsetting your internal status quo and, as a result, certain elements of your psyche become rebellious and try sabotaging your efforts by creating setbacks.
A technique that serves to ground you like a subconscious anchor is identical to how Leonardo DiCaprio’s character (Cobb) in the movie Inception used a totem- a spinning top - to determine whether he’s dreaming or whether he’s awake.
To assist in this transition from the old you to the new you, a simple yet powerful technique is through totems. One type of totem is fashion accessories which serve as daily tactile and visual reminders of your new journey and quest. Clothes do indeed make the person. A wholesale wardrobe change is totally unnecessary. However, a small collection of newly purchased and quite affordable functional fashion accessories is subtle and works surprisingly effectively on the subconscious.
These new accessories must be different and distinct from what you already own and must represent the style the person you want to become. For example, if you’re a stuck in the rut corporate drone and desire to spread your wings to become a successful entrepreneur or change industries you’ll need the accessories symbolic of successful people in those fields. This means upscale looking quality accessories. The key is quality and in today’s globalized market those items can be obtained at affordable prices.
It would be a waste of money to spend thousands on a high-end designer timepiece. However there are well-known, respectable, quality brands that carry similar looking designer watches at astoundingly affordable prices. Keep in mind the difference between a replica (an item similar to the high-end version manufactured legally by a reputable firm) vs. a knockoff (a manufactured item that illegally carries the name of the high-end product and is of very poor quality). The replica is a solid foundation. The knock-off is unsupportable shifting sands.
Writing instruments are another example. I bought a fountain pen at a very affordable price and use it whenever drafting or outlining my material before committing the final version to word processing. Other daily visual and tactile items can include a wallet, purse, cologne, perfume – all symbolic of your commitment to change. Another option is vintage family items from a bygone era that can be used again and are symbolically representative of your resurrection.
These are simple yet shockingly powerful techniques which reinforce your transformational progress like drops into a large barrel which over-flows before you know it. Even the most determined, strong minded individual committed to transformation needs something to grab onto, a psychological anchor, when the headwinds of change turn nasty.
Copyright Indo-Brazilian Associates LLC 2014. All rights reserved.
Indo-Brazilian Associates LLC is a NYC-based global advisory service and think tank with connections at the highest levels specializing in international investment, political and security risk assessments. International business is increasingly complex featuring a highly mobile professional class in all corners of the globe. We provide you the tools to successfully negotiate cross-culturally in your global business endeavors. Tell us about your challenges. We'll get you on the "Short List".
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