I believe we all have multiple personalities, but not in the way you may imagine.

We have parts of us that serve us well and parts that get in our way.

For example, when I am faced with a mechanical issue (mechanics not being my strong suit) and I miraculously come up with a solution, I say, “Thanks, Jack.”

Jack was my father’s name. He built everything from kitchen cabinets to skyscrapers, but none of that rubbed off on me. I call my mechanical solution solver “Jack.”

We have parts of us that are held in place by beliefs we got before we knew what beliefs were. I call that part of me “Outdated.” When I notice that I’m ignoring the facts and sticking with my biased belief, I have an opportunity to update it. I say, “Thanks, Outdated.”

When I make someone laugh, I say, “Thanks, Mom.” She was a very funny person.

When someone attempts to hook me by making a suggestion that’s not in my best interest, I say, “Thanks Dave.” Dave was my hypnosis teacher and he called the practice of making manipulative and counterproductive suggestions “Bad Hypnosis.”

I could go on and list more personalities than Sybil but that’s not the point.

The message is to recognize that you have parts of you that deliver solutions. The way to encourage those parts of you to keep delivering comes down to two words: “Thank you.”

Remember to thank the part of you that sent you a gift. It’s more than using your social graces; It’s an insurance policy that the gifts will keep on coming.

All the best,

John

The following Grasshopper thought popped in the other day: “Masterminds master their mind.”

Please don’t read “master” as “control.”

“Master” should be read as “mastery.” Mastery is not perfection; it’s more like excellence.

An excellent way to “master” your mind is to observe your mind at work. Just become a bystander to your thought process and watch the Broadway show your mind puts on.

To become more of a mastermind, you have to have less attachment to your thoughts. When you attach to your thoughts, you wind up fighting with your mind. You have never won an argument with your mind.

Observing the mind rather than fighting with it is the key to mastery.

Catching yourself thinking (observing) is a discipline that pays dividends.

When you observe, you interrupt your thoughts. When you interrupt your thoughts, you create a space in your thinking. In that space mastery begins to bloom.

Want to be a mastermind? Master the magic of observation and experience peace of mind.

All the best,

John

The Grasshopper hit me with an idea the other day: “There’s opportunity in unity.”

It felt a little bit like a quote that’s been around since 1624: “No man is an island,” but different.

Unity suggests camaraderie to me. I guess that’s why they call collections of military personnel “units.”

I also have to mention the Three Musketeers’ motto – “All for one and one for all.”

Going it alone is a tough road whether professionally or personally, and it, too often, keeps opportunity on the horizon rather than in your grasp.

Bringing other people into your circle to consult and cavort with presents more options and more opportunities.

If you’re stuck in place, reach out to another face. It’s an exercise in unity that leads to opportunity.

All the best,

John

What makes me happy? This is the question that popped into my mind early this morning. I came up with countless answers, of which I will only list a few . . .

• I’m happy when I see a dog hanging its head outside a car window.

• It makes me happy to see a happy ending movie.

• It makes me happy when I make someone laugh.

But this is not just about me; it’s about you too.

“Happy” is a matter of focus. It seems that most of our focus is on troublesome thoughts . . . until we notice.

Learn to catch yourself thinking. Troublesome thoughts will always be a part of our life. But if we keep non-stop focus on them, we miss many happy thoughts.

No one is totally happy. Anyone who claims they are has a truckload of snake oil.

Develop the habit of noticing (observing) your thinking. Just by noticing, we create a space between our thoughts. In that space, take a moment to think about what makes you happy. It’s a pleasant respite from doom and gloom.

Did you ever notice that happy thoughts deliver warm bodily feelings? Warm always melts ice. Take a moment to purposely feel nice.

All the best,

John