9 Little Words to Change Your Results

From the September 2020 #MTMN Executive Buffet (Formerly the #SmallBizBuffet)

Speaker: Lin Schussler-Williams, Founder, UPRising Events

Releasing Old Habits and Moving Forward

At the September 2020 MTM Network Executive Buffet, Lin Schussler-Williams introduced us to her book, “9 Little Words to Change Your Results: Releasing Old Habits and Moving Forward with Three Short Phrases.” It’s a small book that packs a powerful punch based on lessons she’s learned in business and in life.  She doesn’t take much credit for it. What she does take goes to the decades of personal development and work she’s done along the way and the majority of it goes to other people she’s met along the way.  She very graciously admits that she’s curated these lessons and not created them, so she can share them in a digestible, easy-to-carry way.

Lin began by pointing out that these 9 little words are actually 3 short phrases, so there isn’t a long list to remember at all. She also made it clear that these 9 little words can be applied to any area in life, not just business. She gave examples of a successful tennis pro and an addiction counselor who both use these phrases to create different results for themselves and the people they coach. She urged us to use them as a technique and keep them as “tools in our toolbox” anytime we think we are not good at something or not qualified for it.

Step 1: Release Old Habits

The first thing this technique accomplishes is getting you out of your own way. So, think of something you struggle with. Got it? Once you do, put the phrase “up until now” in front of it. So, if you’re struggling with getting organized, tell yourself “up until now, I’ve struggled with organization” to change the thought. Do you hear the difference? Do you feel a shift in energy? Those 3 little words set you up for change and stop you from limiting yourself based on past experiences. 

To contrast, Lin used affirmations as an example of an alternative that many of us have tried but may not have found success with. She offered that she often feels like she is lying when saying affirmations that just don’t ring true. So, this phrase frees her up to be more honest with herself.

Step 1: Make a Definitive Decision and Take Action

The second phrase adds action to this accountability. It’s “I am willing” and again, you fill in the blank. This time with what you’re willing to do to affect change in this area of your life. It’s often a list and can be simple bullet points. For Lin, this list almost always includes the need to think differently about something. 

Then, the final phrase seals the deal. It engages two mental faculties that we all have – decision and faith. Not religious faith but the ability to believe in a result you can’t see yet. To define decision Lin used a Bob Proctor quote, “Decision is a magical mental activity that can literally propel you down the road to success.”

So what is this magical phrase? It’s “no matter what.” Not a casual “no matter what” but one you mean and with a big period after so you leave no room for excuses. This is not a conditional decision.

Lin offers a free worksheet to help you get started. If you want to delve deeper, you can order her book and keep it handy. 

To wrap things up, she left us with a couple of great quotes, so I’ll follow suit. First, she congratulated us for simply showing up because “opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor” – an H. Jackson Brown quote. The second, “Somewhere, someone is looking for what you have to offer” by Louise Hay.

About Lin Schussler-Williams, Founder, UPRising Events

As a speaker, coach, author, and women’s empowerment advocate, Lin teaches a thinking technology that changes perspectives and increases results.  She works with Individuals, groups, entrepreneurs, and women at every stage in life to help them build their belief and confidence, accelerate results, and create richer more fulfilling lives. Known as the founder of UPRising – Unstoppable Powerful Women, Lin loves playing the role of connector.

As a connector she hosts 9 free networking events for women each month, she co-hosts a weekly Happy Neighborhood Project event in Kentucky for anyone and she teaches courses. Her next one, “Become A Virtual Networking Star,” starts Monday, October 12, 2020.

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