The Brown Shoes Mindset

It is not a secret that the biggest thing that holds most people back from reaching their full potential is the way they think. This is not a new or groundbreaking concept, but sometimes it is the basic and simple ideas that prove to lead to the most consistent results. In fact, many researchers believe that a large number of successful people in our society have simply made a habit of routinely doing "the little things" over and over again throughout their life. This certainly includes the way people think, since on average, about 95% of our brain activity and the resulting behaviors is unconscious. In other words, more of what we do every day is a direct result of what we believe and how we perceive the world around us and not by conscious decisions.

With that in mind, I wanted to share a fun exercise I used to conduct with my students during my years in the classroom. It proved to not only be good metaphor for my Introduction to Psychology students, but I even revisited this coaching tool recently with my 12 year old daughter.? You see, she is extremely bright, but does have a tendency to lean a little more on the pessimistic side at times (an area we are working). The inspiration for the exercise came from a talk I once heard while I was a young teacher. Years later, I recreated the concept, gave it a name, and have used it with the people in my life, both professionally and personally.? I hope you enjoy it.?

The Brown Shoes Mindset…

Dad: “How many people did you pass who were wearing brown shoes yesterday, Rea?”

Reagan: “Ah…I don’t know…I am not sure I passed anyone wearing brown shoes…”

Dad: “Okay, well today, I am going to pay you $10 for everyone person you pass that is wearing brown shoes… Will you be able to give me a total at the end of the day?”

Reagan: “Absolutely. I will track it all day!”

Dad: “Reagan, do you think you will have a bigger number than yesterday?”

Reagan: “Yes, for sure.”

Dad: “Well, what changed?? Do you think you will pass more people wearing brown shoes today?”

Reagan: “Um...no. I guess I will just be paying attention this time…”

Dad: “This is how the power of optimism works in your life. People who maintain a positive outlook and optimistic spirit will typically encounter more opportunity in life, not because they are lucky or in the right place at the right time. They will see exactly what they are looking for and many times get what they expect.? Unfortunately, it works the other way as well.? People who are constantly pessimistic and not expecting good things to happen typically don’t notice the blessings when they occur.? Opportunities could be flying passed their ears all day, but they miss them, since their head is down and they don’t expect good things to happen…”

Our world can present many challenges and sometimes the only way to continue to move forward is to remain positive, optimistic and grateful. I once heard someone say that opportunity will knock at your door…you just need to be ready to answer…so to speak. The fun thing I have learned is that this works in all areas of your life and can be contagious as well. Personally, I have been inspired many times over the years by people who seem to have so many unfortunate things occurring in their life, but they somehow remained positive and continued to gratefully look for the rainbow or better days. I believe Napoleon Hill said it best… “In every adversity there is the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit”.

Life will not always be a walk in the park, even if you are the most positive or optimistic person. However, when given a choice, wouldn't it make more sense to train your brain to look for and expect success or happiness? Since we know our thought process controls much of what we do, a decision to believe in ourselves, expect good things to happen, and to always be grateful for what we do have may just be the best way to find what you really want in this life. Sometimes it may be as simple as the message I shared with my daughter, "you just need to remember to keep the brown shoes mindset…"

#BelieveInYourself #MindsetMatters #Optimism #Gratitude