I’ve recently coached a couple of people from the wonderful world of sport. Watching a video of one of my clients I noticed the exact moment in a game when he quit. He had gestures, mannerisms and a distinct physiology which demonstrated that he’d quit the game long before the final whistle.

Before you become my dad and start to shout about how overpaid sports people are and how they quit too soon etc, think about your own ‘I’ve quit’ gestures and ask how they may be affecting your game.

Eliminating your ‘I’ve quit’ gestures

We all have certain gestures which we associate with quitting a task. Exasperated arms, shaking heads and some none too friendly profanities are amongst them. 

Take a moment to consider what you do when you quit. Do you…?

Congratulations, you have joined a very small percentage of people who are actually aware of their ‘I’ve quit’ and ‘I’m a success’ gestures.

What would happen if during a time when you felt very successful you started to repeatedly use your ‘I’ve quit’ gestures?  It wouldn’t take long before you were sliding down the spiral of negativity and landing with a nasty bump.

So if that’s the case wouldn’t it make sense, now you are aware of your ‘I’ve quit’ gestures, that when you found yourself in that unresourceful state, you could repeatedly use your ‘I’m a success’ gestures to Flip It and flip out of that pessimistic place?

Here’s a challenge. The next time you catch yourself using ‘I’ve quit’, gestures say the words ‘Flip It’ and replace what you are doing with the opposite ‘I’m a success’ gesture. You’ll be amazed and surprised by the instant results! 

We are delighted to announce the date for our latest How to Be Brilliant event - Saturday 3rd October 2009.

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Hi Michael,

In the wake of this financial crisis it's looking more and more likely that I will lose my job before long. I'm beginning to worry about this because I've been doing the same job for fifteen years and feel I might not have the right skills for a new job. Bearing this is mind; what's the best way to prepare myself for possible unemployment and then searching for a new job?

Thanks,

Geoff

Hi Geoff,

First of all you need to take some positive action. You have a head start on others in having 15 years experience. How can you make this a plus? Employers are looking for expertise.

Grab a piece of paper and write down all the skills you do have. Don't focus on what you don't have, instead capture everything you do. You may surprise yourself how much you actually know and can do!

Potential redundancy is never a pleasant experience but why not flip your thinking on its head and choose to see it as a window of opportunity? There are still vacancies out there waiting to be filled if you are prepared to get out of your comfort zone, or there could be opportunities to do your own thing and become your own boss! Is the time now?

Be Brilliant