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You probably read my previous post about first class vs. coach. Well, I’ve got more so say:) Go figure…

I think we can all agree that there is a definite difference between an airplane’s first class cabin and coach. The cushy-comfort, ample space and over the top service of first class creates an experience that you undoubtedly will want to have again. Coach is fine, but not as fine. Coach is average. Coach is okay. Both classes get you from point A to point B, one just does it with some added luxuries.

My point is, there is a big difference between the two.

There is a big difference, but not a big distance. There is a line that divides first class from coach. You know, where that curtain hangs. If you are standing at the front of coach and looking into first class, it would take only a step to cross that line into the first class cabin. One step and you enter into a completely different energy. One step can make all the difference between average and exceptional. Between good and great. Between regular and premium, bland and rich, ordinary and extraordinary. One step.

This concept can be applied in our daily life as well.

First class actions are different for everybody. Don’t worry about what others are doing.

It doesn’t require money to live first class, it requires attention.

And taking action that you don’t really want to take, but might be considered by some as first class – IS NOT FIRST CLASS. It must be a step that feels genuine. First and foremost, be true to yourself. Being true to yourself is first class.

Are your actions first class or are they coach?

It takes a single step to go from one to the other. And many times, that step can be small.

Maybe it’s a handwriting thank-you note instead of shooting an email.

Maybe it’s shooting an email instead of doing nothing.

Maybe it’s taking a bath with some great salts and candles instead of using the almost-smell-good bubbles that are bought in bulk.

Maybe it’s buying your loved one flowers for no reason, instead of only on special occasion, to show your love and appreciation.

Maybe it’s spending a little extra time creating a truly authentic portfolio that honors you and your work instead of simply organizing your projects in a plain binder.

It’s the little things that make your life and actions first class.

The BEST reason for crossing over to first class? You get to live as the first class individual that you are. It is rewarding from the inside out. And the cherry on top…people want first class. Opportunities develop when you step into first class.

What steps can you take that will cross you over that line that divides coach and first class?

Some choose to take those steps and some don’t. The one’s that do are happier and more successful.

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else.”  -Judy Garland

I’ve traveled quite a bit lately. Domestic flights. And I love to travel and the reasons for traveling! It’s always to see great people, places or things.

I was on a five hour flight a couple of days ago seated in coach class. Center seat at the back of the plane. That is a LONG time for a long-legged person to sit in that confined of a space. My knees touch the back of the seat in front of mine BEFORE that passenger decides to recline. And there are plenty of people taller than me (5′8″) and with longer legs, so I realize that I don’t have it as bad as many. I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with coach. That is currently what I choose to reserve when I book my flights.

As I was wriggling and trying to get comfortable, I thought to myself “Someday, I will be automatically booking my tickets in first class.” My very next thought was, “That is shallow and materialistic.”

Although my brain went straight to “shallow and materialistic”, it’s not true. That is just where my mind goes. There is nothing shallow or wrong with wanting to be comfortable on a five hour flight! Funny how automatic and sometimes ridiculous our thoughts are, huh?

The truth is…

I absolutely will be booking first class travel.

And then my seat will look like this…

Or maybe even this:)…

I don’t know when it will happen, but I do know that it will.

I had some pictures taken yesterday and today for my website and some coaching things I have coming up. It has always been a challenge for me to look natural in front of the camera. I’ve heard advice before about how to appear natural in photos, but nothing of value for me…”RELAX” or Think happy thoughts”…stuff  like that.

Today, at the very beginning of being photographed, it dawned on me…no wonder I was nervous and uptight and unnatural! The internal dialogue going through my head sounded something like: “First of all, you are smiling at a piece of machinery (camera). Look natural. Your smile is fake. RELAX! You’re too stiff.  Stand up straight. Don’t half-smile. Tone that cheezball smile down!”

So, I took a moment to just stop. To take a breath and clear my head. I know that those are crap thoughts. And crap thoughts DON’T DO ANY GOOD – EVER.  Also, thoughts lay the foundation for how we feel. Those thoughts were making me feel insecure, unsure, and shy.

These pictures are going to be used in some way, shape or form to help communicate with people. To help people get a better sense of who I am. Many people will be “meeting” me first by a picture. Soooo, I came up with some better feeling internal dialogue: “Treat the camera like it is a person.” “Smile like it’s the first time you are meeting someone”. I kept going over those two things in my head and WOW, there is a noticeable difference between the pictures taken before that clear-my-head session and after. Every time the photographer started shooting again, I just smiled at the camera like I was meeting someone for the first time. I immediately became more relaxed and easy going. More ME, which is the whole point of these pictures! At some point, I realized that I was actually having fun.

SELF TALK IS HUGE in determining your outcome in whatever it is that you’re doing. Start paying attention to those things (a situation, a project, a task, a goal, a dream, etc.) in your life where you feel powerless, shy, insecure or weak. What is the internal dialogue going on? Once you nail it down – change it. Take a moment and start thinking thoughts that are congruent with the outcome you want. If you are having trouble thinking positive, at least think neutral. It’s a step away from negative and towards positive.

Examples of the feeling states that result from positive, neutral and negative self talk/thoughts:

Positive thoughts result in empowered, strong, confident, and excited feeling states.

Neutral thoughts result in indifferent, calm, at peace, and relaxed feeling states.

Negative thoughts results in weak, insecure, and powerless feeling states.

Once again, if you can’t come up with inner dialogue or thoughts that get you to that place of empowerment and confidence, then just come up with what can give you a calm, relaxed feeling. It’s MUCH better than weak and powerless.

“CRAPPY THOUGHTS PRODUCE CRAPPY RESULTS.” -Susan Hyatt

From every angle, we are constantly being advised on how to “survive” within today’s economy. “Don’t make any sudden moves or spend any money! As a matter of fact, it’s best if you just close your eyes and wait for this to be over!”

That is the point that many people are pushing these days. You hear stories and fear based opinions from not only the media, but also co-workers, family, and friends. And if you were thinking of exploring and possibly pursuing a new venture, professionally or personally, these same people would tell you “No! That’s impossible with the way things are right now. Forget it.” 

I say SCREW SURVIVING! I don’t want to merely survive. I want to THRIVE!

And I am! I am making more money today than I ever have before. Off the top of my head, I can think of several people that can absolutely say the same. Some of them are peers and some are clients. Some are people I have hired to help me with my business. Some are people doing VERY well with the stock market. But you don’t hear much about these people, huh? The people that are doing well today do NOT listen to the stories or fear based opinions of those around them. They are thinking thoughts that work FOR them, not against them. These people are successful when the economy is good OR bad. AND, they will absolutely pass up those around them that stay stuck in “survival” mode.

Now, there is an undeniable impact for many people stemming from today’s current economical state. So, while necessary adjustments are made in your life to accomodate your specific circumstances, watch your thinking. Choose to think thoughts that produce good feelings. If you think crappy thoughts, you get a crappy result. (Thank you Susan Hyatt!) So, use your mind to work for you, not against you.

Here are a few examples of thoughts that will work FOR you. See if one or more resonate with you:

-I have everything I need in this moment now.

-Each day is a new opportunity. Yesterday is over and done. Today is the first day of my future.

-As I change my thoughts, the world around me changes.

-I choose to remain calm in the face of change.

-Money comes to me in expected and unexpected ways.

-Life is never stuck, stagnant, or stale; each moment is new and fresh.

-We (as a people) affect the economy just as much or maybe more than the economy affects us. And I choose to do my part to affect it in a positive way.

Some of you are going to read this and think “Yeah, but…..”. Let me just tell you, it will serve you well if you start having a less negative and sad perspective of the external circumstances around you.

I am pretty sure that my next teleclass will be on this very subject. If you are interested, leave a comment here or contact me through MFBLD.