Focus on Your Top Priorities — First…

What’s Your Number One “#1″ Today? When you Focus On #1 First, you control the outcome of your day by determining in advance the most important and rewarding thing you will accomplish before the day is done.

Today I remember the anniversary of my victory in the Sydney Harbour 30km International Marathon Swim on 10th November 1991. It was my first race after my overall win in Atlantic City earlier in August when people said it was a fluke beating the Men’s World Champion. And after finishing first overall in Sydney Harbour I did not even realise what I had achieved for women in sport until my fellow competitors reminded me that I had overtaken the Men’s World Champ, Argentinian Diego Degano for the No. 1 World Ranking in the International Marathon Swimming Association World Series.

Dawn Fraser with Shelley, Manly Wharf 10/11/91

My focus was elsewhere that day with the Taylor-Made Team for Success. Dawn Fraser alongside me for the ride of her life in a scoodoo (yes it was a sight!) cheering me, yelling at me to pull my finger out. My husband, Peter Smith, overseeing my race plan knowing deep within himself that this win would change everything for us both personally and professionally. Graeme “Grub” Caroll, a local Manly-ite who assisted Peter with his superb knowledge and surf skills (who became my swim coach when I moved from Perth to Sydney in Jan ‘92). Funny when Peter had to tell Grub after he rocked up with a chair, book, umbrella, fishing rod and esky: “Mate! Not sure what you’re thinkin’ but you won’t be sitting down…believe me. So leave all that stuff behind. Let’s keep the esky…we’ll drink those beers after Shells wins.”

But my No. 1 Focus First on 10th November 1991 was with my New York Mom “Fran Schnarr” who was in her final days suffering with Lung Cancer. Nancy (Fran’s daughter) would normally be on my boat as my coach but her No.1 Focus First was by her Mom bedside.

So I re-directed my focus and all my energy on having fun, pure and simple. Enjoying what I love to do. Racing. Competing. Challenging myself. Pushing myself, Stretching myself out of my comfort zone knowing that today could be “the day” that Shelley Taylor-Smith learns something knew about herself and her character. And yes…Winning. I love to win. No matter where I place, as long as I had given 100%, prepared and planned to the best of my ability, left no stone unturned…then I had won. And that would make my New York Mom proud!

….And I let the Taylor-Made Success Team do what they do best..coach me, feed me, direct me, support me, encourage me and kick me in the pants if need be too. I am still amazed by what “WE” achieved that day. The Taylor-Made Success Team ROCKED!!!!!

Shelley & David O'Brien, Australia 1st and 2nd, 10/11/91

So as I stated in the beginning of this blog; when you Focus On #1 First, you control the outcome of your day by determining in advance the most important and rewarding thing you will accomplish before the day is done. Of course there are times when urgencies will need to be handled first.

However, before you start, identify and then schedule the earliest time possible to complete your #1 priority. My no.1 priority on that fateful day as is now an everyday habit is to be grateful for what I have and my commitment to do what I love passionately, patriotically and purposefully.

“The reality of life is that your perceptions — right or wrong — influence everything else you do. When you get a proper perspective of your perceptions, you may be surprised how many other things fall into place.”~ Roger Birkman

Today’s Champion Action:

1. How far down your priority list are you so far today? _________________________________

2. What one thing will you get done today to advance your most important goal? ___________________________________________________________

3. What priority deserves all of your attention next? _________________________________

Pursue Excellence ~ Reject Mediocrity today and you will produce greater results over time by consistently taking CHAMPION actions. Think Like A Champion today and you’re on your way to achieving your goals sooner.

Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

PS: …And 18yrs on I am still the only woman to hold a No.1 World Ranking for both men and women in the history of any sport worldwide (BBC TV 2002). Thanks Taylor-Made Success Team WE DID IT!!!

Forget dropping kilos or manically working out to get in tip top shape. All you have to do is change your mind. This week focus on feeling amazing. Treat yourself with kindness, shift your focus and watch how you can feel happier and healthier in just seven days!

You may want to stay in shape, but your mindset is focused on getting in shape. This makes you more susceptible to the fad diets and latest exercise gimmick on the market. You’re so focused on getting in shape that you’ll try almost anything regardless of how silly or difficult to follow it might seem, because you’re entirely focused on the short term goal.

4 questions to ask yourself before launching into your “Stay in Shape & Sizzle this Summer and Beyond 2010!”

Do you ever say “I’m going to eat more healthily … starting from Monday” every week? Do you ever say “Today is the start of the new healthier me!” If yes, then you may want to lose weight and get in shape for all the wrong reasons.

Don’t waste any more time biting off more than you can chew (and no, we don’t mean that piece of double-choc mud cake). Here are the four questions you should ask yourself before trying to losing weight, join the local community bootcamp or heck yeah; compete in the 20th Anniversary of the Rottnest Channel 20km Marathon Swim either as a solo/duo/relay….

1. Why do I want to lose weight? Why do I want to get in shape? Why do I want to swim to Rotto (and no the answer is not to get blotto)?
Ask it so… you’re completely honest with yourself.
People often talk about “wanting to lose a few” or “dropping five by bikini season”, but these reasons for losing weight are too vague. By asking why you want to lose weight, get fit and achieve the goal; you’re forcing yourself to get to the heart of your reason. Do you want to be healthy? Set a good example for your kids? Or something else? Only you know!

2. Are my goals realistic and achievable?
Ask it so… you’re not putting pressure on yourself.
Goals are an important part of getting in shape but make sure they’re reasonable. There’s no point aiming to lose 3kg week after week - it’s not possible or healthy. Just as much there’s no point training 10 workouts in the first week back at the gym or swim squad - it’s not good for you long term …despite your best intentions. If you’re unsure, run your goals past your Coach, partner or friend to see if you’re expecting too much of yourself. Remember, if you set out-of-this-world targets and don’t meet them, you’ll probably lose motivation and give up anyway. Keep them realistic and you’ll be well on your way to tackling your weight-loss/get-in-shape/Rotto Channel plan head-on.

3. What’s stopped me from achieving my goal before?
Ask it so… you learn from your mistakes.
By asking this question, you’ll definitely improve your chances of success the second (or third, fourth or fifth) time around. Your barriers could be anything from being time-poor, to feeling afraid of hitting the kitchen pantry, having one too many beers on a Friday night (knowing you have the 2hr killer session on Saturday morning); to turning to the wrong foods when you’re emotional or lacking a support network. Jot down a list of all your reasons so they never weigh you down (pun intended!) again.

4. How can I overcome the obstacles?
Ask it so… you can start achieving your goals.
Once you’ve identified your barriers, you can work out steps to overcome them. For example, if buying fast food lunches is holding you back, change this by doing a big cook-up on the weekend and eat leftovers for lunch instead. Or if you’re an emotional eater, try to work out what’s triggering your cravings or have a chat with a counsellor. Now if you get all fired up and then your passion fizzles out and you start hitting the snooze button resulting in missed gym/swim squad sessions, then it’s time to seriously consider why you’re failing to stay committed to what you said you would do. Look back and see if there is a behavioural pattern that you can identify. Don’t think of the barriers as setbacks – once you’ve identified them, you can turn your life around by overcoming them.

Wouldn’t you agree that life long health and fitness is what’s most important?

Of course creating an environment in your body and your mind is essential to achieving your goal. A person who is in shape in their 50s and 60s is a lot more impressive to me than someone who is lean and fit in their 20s and 30s. That’s because the dedication to maintaining the proper exercise plan and a sensible nutrition strategy for the rest of your life is rare to find. It’s a rare mindset.

Cheers to a happier and healthier you!
Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve your goals with less overwhelm and greater energy levels, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Click here to review past blog posts and read the articles now…

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

Imagine waking up in the morning feeling great, refreshed and motivated to start a new day!

Usually this is a moment many dread, getting up and looking in the mirror at tired eyes, wondering how you are going to get through the day. Email bombardment, back to back meetings, long hours, time intense deadlines are increasing the pace of work and life.

Let’s not forget also our daily commitments to our family, partner and children. To thrive in a relentless and accelerating pace is not about becoming motivated to keep going and ‘cope with stress’, but rather being able to increase your capacity, to sustain and enjoy high pressure, without experiencing the consequences of fatigue and burnout.

But instead of worrying about how you are going to force yourself through a day’s work or chores and how you are going to summon the energy to be social when you are done, how much would you give to have a sense of excitement as you take your steps out of bed?

If you are bothered by a lack of energy, no motivation, drowsiness, and a feeling of not caring about what happens, you may be one of countless Australians plagued by fatigue.

Why are so many of us so fatigued?
There’s no easy answer. Fatigue can stem from illness, poor sleep, and stress, lack of exercise, overwork, medications, and depression. It can make us trudge through the day yet hit our beds wide awake.

Research says fatigue comes partly from ignoring our limits in a society where sleep and relaxation are sometimes bad words and all too often neglected.

There are thousands of Australians who have called me over the years since discovering that I suffered with two bouts of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There’s no magic pill. In fact, some drugs designed to fix causes of fatigue, including sleeping pills, can make matters worse in the long run. But simple lifestyle changes can definitely help.

To many in our society today including the average overworked, overstressed Australian, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) doesn’t sound like a disease. It sounds like reality.

Quick Self Care Remedies for Fatigue:
• Organise your time. Get up a few minutes earlier, so you won’t have to start your day feeling rushed and tired. Learn to delegate and say no when you have enough responsibilities and activities in your life.
• Be physically active. Try to get at least 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. Avoid exercising right before you go to bed, which can disrupt your regular sleeping habits and make you tired in the morning.
• Get the right amount of sleep. Most people need six to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Take a nap during the day. This may be especially helpful for teenagers who have hectic schedules studying for their Yr 12 examinations and older adults who tend to sleep less soundly.
• Quit smoking. Smoking steals some of your body’s oxygen supply, replacing oxygen absorbed by the red blood cells with carbon monoxide. Nicotine is a stimulant, and going through the withdrawal symptoms that follow smoking can cause temporary tiredness.
• Drink less caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and will make you feel tired, not boost your energy. Caffeine will give you a temporary boost of energy, but when the effect wears off, your energy level will drop drastically.
• Find your lunch style. Some people function best after eating a lighter lunch, whereas others need to eat their largest meal of the day at lunch. In either case, avoid high fat and high GI foods.
• Take breaks. Interrupt your workday with occasional breaks. If you haven’t gone on a vacation in a while, take a trip or unplug the phone and refresh yourself at home.
• Watch less television. If you depend on television to relax, you may find yourself relaxed into a state of sluggishness. Try something more stimulating, such as reading or taking a walk.
• Find ways to keep cool, calm & collected. Listen to music or relaxation tapes. Say a word, phrase, or prayer that gives you a sense of peace. Imagine yourself on a beach, at the mountains, or in your favorite spot.
• Embrace and live in the present. Practice “attention strengthening.” That’s the act of paying attention to what needs to be done now. People think that if they slow down and pay attention they’ll become less efficient. But you become more efficient, because you focus more clearly and revise priorities.
• Take a Breather. Take breathing intervals when you stop at a traffic light, wash the dishes or take a walk. When you’re anxious, sad or angry, focus on a few breaths as you feel the emotion. Take these breathing breaks to increase your focus and your energy in the present. Notice how you feel after you breathe.

Four keys to boost your energy levels:
1. Eat a wholesome, hearty carbohydrate-rich breakfast such as a big bowl of cereal and a whole grain bagel. Research suggests people who fuel well at breakfast tend to eat a better (more wholesome) lunch and have a better diet throughout the day than do people who skip or skimp on breakfast.

2. Eat abundant fruits and vegetables. When you are eating on the run both at home and on the road, you can easily fail to consume the recommended seven servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A simple way to boost your fruit intake is to have a tall glass of orange juice at breakfast, along with a big banana or other fruit on cereal, and then eat a double serving of colourful vegetables at lunch or dinner (such as a big salad or a generous portion of cooked vegetables).
Can’t stomach them or your kiddies won’t touch them…check this out

3. Limit your fat intake. Of all the types of foods, fatty foods contribute to the biggest health and low energy levels throughout the day that have you feeling like your tank is running on empty. Your best bet is to eat only small portions of fatty foods, or choose low fat alternatives.

4. Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration. You should drink enough fluids so you have to urinate every two to four hours. The urine should be clear and copious (versus dark and concentrated). If you do not urinate, let’s say from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you are dehydrated and need to drink more fluids.

Beat Tiredness & Fatigue Presentation today! Think Like A Champion Club Members click here to download the mp3 recording “Beat Fatigue, Boost Energy: How to Stop Working Yourself to Death” now which teaches you:
** The three mistakes, that almost every one makes, which CREATES stress and burns you out
** The 4 key principles of building mental toughness – your inspiration from within to the stress and pressure in your life
** How to develop a champion attitude
** Is there a right way to achieve a practical work-life balance?
** How to convert unproductive stress into energy & enthusiasm
** How to immune yourself from stressful clients, customers and colleagues
** Why fruits and vegetables are your best ammunition against all of life’s deadly oxidants

Nothing above is rocket science …then why is our society running around like headless chooks in a state of overwhelm crying ‘time poor’.

It really is crunch time at this time of the year! Make a commitment to you to get back your vitality, energy & potential to live life to the full, that Shelley Taylor-Smith says…is your birthright to achieve and enjoy too!

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. If you are unhappy about your fatigue, chronic fatigue, glandular fever, low energy and vitality and the impact this has in your life, please attend these life changing presentations with 7-time World Marathon Swimming Champion, Shelley Taylor-Smith. Read the 10 tips for recover from CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome).

Cheers to your good health!
Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve greater energy levels, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Review past blog posts and read the articles at http://www.thinklikeachampionclub.com/articles

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can do only a little. Do what you can. ” ~ Sydney Smith

Search Beyond Acceptable — Find the BEST Alternatives…

Are You Beating Your Head Against An Immovable Wall?

You can’t know everything yourself. And if you are in business for yourself and/or work from home you pretend that you can do it all yourself.

If you want to grow your business and also have free time, you need help. When you first start out in business, you will no doubt do most things yourself. Yet continue trying to keep control of every task that needs doing by handling everything yourself, you’ll never be able to grow your business successfully. You’ll run out of time, burn yourself out and put a lid on your profits. You cannot be an expert in all areas.

There are many ways you can get help but first you need to be clear as to what you need done otherwise you can waste more time and money.

If you can’t make a decision about which way to go, call an expert. Use specialists to help discover and determine the best options for your plan this week.

“The man who gets the most satisfactory results is not always the man with the most brilliant single mind, but rather the man who can best coordinate the brains and talents of his associates.”
~ W. Alton Jones

Your Champion Action Today:

1. When do you need to admit your own limits?
_________________________________________

2. Which problems do you have on your agenda that could be better handled outsourced?
__________________________________________________

3. What else could you accomplish, if you delegated or outsourced one of your current decisions?

________________________________________________________

4. Take stock of where you are now and see which areas outlined below you can outsource so that you can spend your time on what you are good at, allowing you to free up your time to focus on the growth of your business:

1. Bookkeeping
2. Website maintenance
3. Design
4. Marketing
5. Childcare
6. Printing
7. Cleaning
8. Secretarial
9. Telemarketing

Want to Immediately Produce Better Results Today? When you INSTANTLY see what’s holding you back from greater success then you will achieve your peak performance and the SUCCESS you desire… a great deal sooner.

Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve greater success, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Review past blog posts and read the articles at http://www.thinklikeachampionclub.com/articles

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

Do It Now — Get It Gone…
A Filling Now Or Root Canal Later?

When you put off doing a job because it’s painful, you’re only buying a bigger pain down the road.

A courageous person dies only one death; a fearful person dies many times over.

“The biggest difference between time and space is that you can’t reuse time.”~ Merrick Furst

Your Champion Action Today

1. What painful job is raising its ugly head in your future?
____________________________________________________

2. What are the odds? Will something really get better if you put if off? ____________________________________________________________

3. If it has to be done anyway, why add to the pain by living with it longer? _______________________________________________________________

4. How many times over the course of the last year, did you think WIN — WIN: What’s Important NOW… What’s Important NEXT? Do you see the CONNECTION between where you are… and where you want to be?
______________________________________________________________________

There is still time to achieve all your gals sooner today! Consistency is the key by taking SMARTER actions. Focus on effectiveness rather than efficiency and you will achieve the SUCCESS you desire… a great deal sooner.

Go for gold….it’s your birthright to succeed!

Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve greater success, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Review past blog posts and read the articles at http://www.thinklikeachampionclub.com/articles

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

On January 17, 1995, I hit the wall 8hrs into my solo swim from Sydney to Wollongong (I know what you’re thinking…what were you thinking Shelley?) Little did I know that I had 4hrs 30mins of swimming remaining!

The water had dropped from 21C to 12C. Imagine if you can swimming at the front of the cage with the ocean water dumping on top of my head every 5 seconds much like a bucket of cold water dumped on you in the shower. I had this humungus (Aussie lingo for huge) throbbing headache. Sharks had been circling. My fingers and toes were bruised and fractured from being picked by the velocity of the waves hitting the front and back of the cage.

I wanted out….normal behaviour I thought. I was stamping my feet like a child ’spitting the dummy’ as I repeated to my coach “I want a hot chocolate” “I want a hot shower!” “I want…I want” “I want out!”

Then came the most honest of all statements…“I have nothing to prove!”

My coach ‘Grub’ turned to me noticing my lips had turned blue and my back was shades of purple from the wind exposure; put two fingers up and said “How many fingers?”

I flashed back to Lac St Jean in Roberval, Quebec, Canada at the 1992 Pan Pacs 25km event when Grub asked that same question and I cannot remember my answer as I passed out unconscious from hypothermia and Grub saved me.

My moment of truth had come …way out there at sea thinking …hmmm if I say three…I can get out of this quick smart! I took the longest time contemplating should I or shouldn’t I. I replied “two” and Grub told me abruptly “put your head down and get going NOW!” I said “no!” to which Grub replied “Give me 20mins.”

I put my head down and said to myself
“If you don’t quit…you will make it!”
“If you don’t quit…you will make it!”
“If you don’t quit…you will make it!”

These 8 words are all I said over and over and over to myself in the 90km solo swim to Wollongong. 20 minutes turn to 40 minutes then 60 minutes and a pod of dolphins appeared out of no where which cheered me up. All of a sudden my stroke returned to normal and the water appeared to warm up.

Your attitude determines how well you will succeed when faced with a challenge. We did succeed that day when we made it to Wollongong Harbour in 12mins 28 mins and 30 secs.

Would you like to be able to instantly acquire a winner’s attitude?

Now is your time to discover how to control the one thing that means more to your accomplishments and happiness than anything else … Your Attitude!

Here is a simple positive Champion habit that will change your attitude in seconds!

Your Champion Action Today:

1. Choose or create a positive mental attitude trigger phrase and repeat it aloud many times each day. A habit trigger is an event, action, or thought that helps to reinforce your positive habits.

Your trigger phrases will help you to maintain a positive mental attitude. Choose or make up a positive phrase, such as..

” I know I can do it.”
” I can overcome any obstacle.”
” I am reaching my success goals every day.”
” I am getting stronger and stronger every day.”
” Every day I am getting closer and closer to my goals in life.”
” If I believe it.. I can achieve it.”
” Every day, my mental attitude is becoming more positive.”
” I am achieving my goal weight every day.”
” I am getting closer and closer to my goal of a trim and fit body.”

2. Write down your trigger phrase on Post-it notes; place them on the mirror of your car, on your bathroom mirror, carry the note in your pocket. Or as I did, place on the sun visor of the car, so when I needed an attitude check up, I’d flick the sun visor down and instantly know where I was going and how to get there!

3. Repeat the phrase many times every day, remember to say it with emotion, believe it with all your heart. Make it a habit to repeat this phrase at least 30 times a day. Start your day with it.

4. The more you repeat your trigger phrases, the greater their effect will be on your attitude. Whenever a negative thought enters your mind, replace it with your positive-attitude trigger phrase.

You will now be building success-oriented positive thought patterns. This Champion habit will help you achieve a positive mental winner’s attitude automatically.

Remember,attitude is everything!
and… if you don’t quit…you will make it!

Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve greater success, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Review past blog posts and read the articles at http://www.thinklikeachampionclub.com/articles

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

Remain Constantly Connected to Your Mission…

Actions Speak Louder Than Words.

Always define each of your most important values in life as an action such as: “I will always act with integrity” OR “I will always speak positively.”

It’s time to let what matters most to you shine in all that you do.

“A test of what is real is that it is hard and rough. Joys are found in it, not pleasure. What is pleasant belongs to dreams.”~ Simone Weil

Your Champion Action:

1. Have you defined your values as actions yet?

2. Can the people around you tell what you value in life, simply by observing your actions?

3. What action statement could you promise about one of your values in life?

Final Word from Coach Shelley:
Achieve ALL Your Goals Sooner Today. Dead stop the FEAR of success… the FEAR of failure… the FEAR of the future. Take SMARTER actions more consistently.

Go for gold Champ….it is your birthright to achieve!
and remember: if you don’t quit…you will make it!

Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve greater success, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Review past blog posts and read the articles at http://www.thinklikeachampionclub.com/articles

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

Here is one of my favourite positive habits that will instantly motivate you and make you feel happy, inspired, invigorated, energised or calm, cool and collected…..you will love it!

Make a list of the songs that you love the most; songs that make you feel happy, joyous, excited, full of energy, or focused, driven, motivated …at heart.

Make a CD of these songs or create a playlist for your ipod.

Play these songs at a designated time, such as on your way to or from work, during a workout, or just when you want to be motivated. If you have an ipod the easiest way is just create a play list with your favourite “feel good” songs.

Try and get into the habit of “Zoning out” and “Zoning in” with these songs.

What does that mean?

Whether I was preparing my mind for the English Channel Solo Crossing in 1990 or training for the 6th FINA World Swimming Championships in my hometown of Perth, Australia in January 1991, I would visualise myself strong and powerful in each stroke and as I do this; I get into the music so much that I sometimes would forget where I am….I have completely zoned out of my surroundings.

Yeah, I know what you are thinking…a great way to forget the pain I was in around the 20km, 40km, 60km or 80km mark!

As I woke on the morning of competition whether for a local meet, State or National Championship, FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup or World Championship; I would begin the day with a short visualisation exercise. I had already practiced this hundreds of times in training, on my way to training, as I did my warm up stretching exercises, in the gym and at night before I would go to sleep.

Each time I practiced the visualisation exercise I would have a greater clarity and focus of the task ahead. Why because my vision of what I wanted to feel and what I wanted to achieve became more believable day by day combined with my discipline and commitment to the goal!

The habit of “zoning in” became a habit with each daily visualisation. With the countdown to competition day getting closer I could tap into this emotion and feeling easily. I became this emotion and feeling walking-the-talk with every breath I took.

Here is another example:

When I go for my daily 5km power walk I play my songs I love on my ipod and I “Zone out” of everything around me. I concentrate more and more on the music…I am zoning out of my surroundings, and zoning into the music and the feelings I get from the music.

This is also a great stress reliever.

As you listen to songs that you love, your mood will be elevated.
Picture yourself as succeeding in what is most important to you right now.

Do this over and over again. You will find that music triggers will automatically motivate you and give you a feeling of power and well-being.

I have been able to instantly place myself in a better mood on cue by playing songs that make me feel good. I have been able to eradicate my lack of motivation as I climb out of bed at 4am preparing for a 15km pool workout. I have been able to calm myself down as I fight the waves in sheer frustration knowing I will never win against Mother Nature. I have been able to just “zone out” and “go with the flow” reserving those vital energy stores for the end of the race…when I will need them most.

As I am just heading to the Dubai airport I will now start “zoning out” preparing for the 15 hour long haul flight home to Australia.

And the good news…is you can too!

****

Action Steps to Thinking Like A Champion!

1. Compile a list of songs that put you in the mood that you want to be feeling. Excited! Enthused! Passionate! Powerful! Energetic! Committed! Disciplined! Focused! Driven! Motivated! Purposeful! Relaxed! Calm! Grounded! Blessed! Grateful! Joy!

2. Transfer these songs onto your i-pod. Make different playlists of the different songs. Playlist is the title of the mood you want to be feeling as compiled in your list above.

3. As you wake in the morning getting ready for the day ahead listen to the play list according to how you want to feel. If you are in the gym, powerwalking, swimming or participating in your daily exercise regime play your ipod and get into the habit “zoning in” or “zoning out”.

4. Focus on your breathing with this emotion and feeling of the song.

5. Visualise the energy changing within your body as you focus on your breathing.

Go for gold…it is your birthight to achieve your goals!

Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

P. S. If you want to achieve greater success, you might want to read what I have to say. It may help you with issues you are now facing. Review past blog posts and read the articles at http://www.thinklikeachampionclub.com/articles

PPS: Want to Pick Shelley’s Brain? Email Shelley directly at champion@championmindset.com.au with subject header: “I want to Pick Shelley’s Brain” and send your enquiry/questions.

…..THEN “STOP IT”

With all the positive news in the media, and spring begun, it feels like it’s time to turn a corner and think a little differently.

Easier said than done.

Your Work: The in tray is still full, the email comes in floods, and the phone just won’t leave you alone.

Your Health & Fitness: You had good intentions. You joined a bootcamp. You signed up at the local gym. Daylight Savings is here and no more excuses…but you keep hitting the snooze button.

Your Finances: ??? Your Family: ???
Your Self: You’re kidding yourself Shelley, time to focus on me…what the?

How will you CHOOSE to make a NEW START?

Bob Newhart has the answer. Click on the video and learn the answer to quitting a bad habit…the answer is only 2 words!

What are your 10 words?

Simply CHOOSE to take action and STOP IT. Taking ACTION requires you to :

1. CHOOSE>>: Accept responsibility
2. CHOOSE>>: Get in touch with your passion daily
3. CHOOSE>>: Value what you are truly worth
4. CHOOSE>>: Daily practice your new habit
5. CHOOSE>>: Celebrate your Champion self, pat yourself on the back
6. CHOOSE>>: To keep going all the way to the finish line
7. and remember….if you don’t quit, you will make it!

Learn to identify poor patterns of thoughts/actions and STOP IT!! then replace it with an appropriate substitute. Make the changes you need to make, both at the level of your consciousness and in action so you become Unconsciously Competent.

Act on your 10 words today…and stop it!

Go for gold…it is your birthright!
Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith

I received a lovely compliment from a gorgeous GenY yesterday after presenting “The Winners Mindset” at the Lunchbox List Career Boosters Breakfast. “Shelley I am a morning person too!!!”

Are You A Morning Person?

It is important that you schedule tasks around your most productive time periods in your day.

Observe the times of day when you tend to be the most creative, social or adapt at problem solving.

Do your best to match your scheduled tasks to the time when you’re at your best for that type of task. Learn to work with your natural, daily rhythms instead of against them.

“A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.”~ Patricia Neal

Your Champion Action:

1. What time of the day are you the most creative?

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2. Are your interpersonal skills better in the morning, afternoon, or evening?

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3. Which part of the day are you best at problem solving?

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Final word from Coach Shelley: “Pursue effectiveness and reject mediocrity today!”

Beware what’s holding you back from greater success. Keep a watch out for the thieves including frustration, fear and self doubt.

Remember it is your birthright to achieve the SUCCESS you desire… a great deal sooner.

Go for your gold!
Cheers Shelley Taylor-Smith