40 Days of Mindful Change

March, 2011

Some people have already cast their New Years’ Resolutions aside. Perhaps you have created a vision chart of what you would like to have manifest in the upcoming year. Maybe your work team is considering a big project that can have cutting edge implications. Whichever is your starting point, consider a 40-day period to frame internally what you want to move towards. In order for your behavior to change you must first shift your thinking, your beliefs, and your perceptions about what exists and what is possible. If you think you don’t have time to fit 40 days into getting to the place you want to be, consider how long you’ve been stumbling over yourself, and I’m sure you’ll admit it’s been more than 40 days. Being mindful of what has consumed you and your thoughts, and has impeded your progress is the first step to reaching your peak performance level. Awareness is the first step for your awakening.

First, I will suggest a 40-day time frame for your process because 40 is symbolic of many transformative incidents in the historical Christian tradition, e.g., 40-day flood that brought a new world, wandering in the desert for 40 years to eradicate a blasphemous generation not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Second, design your personal transformation process with a fundamental component of another faith practice. One of the noble truths of Buddhism is the Eight-fold Path to Eliminate Suffering. Suffering is a prime motivation for change. Keep these 8 components in mind each day as you map and follow your course.

Right view: With the right understanding of why you are suffering, chart out where you want to go, what you want to create.

Right intent: Your aspiration must be to create something that springs from your soul. Do not frame your work as a spontaneous reaction to something you don’t want, but a mindful response to what you choose to do, or be.

Right speech: Realize the power of words. Avoid negative self-talk that can dissuade you. Complaining is a distraction. Speak what you believe, what you know and what you want to see unfold. Use gentle language, especially when telling the truth is a harsh reality for some to hear.

Right action: Move towards your goal with a vibrant attitude. Put high energy into your plan. Choose the high-road as you engage. Avoid self-destructive behaviors and misdeeds.

Right livelihood: Your work should improve the lives of others as well as your own. No one should be directly harmed in your process.

Right effort: Work towards positive change. Eliminate negative perceptions, speech and habits.

Right mindfulness: Encounter yourself. Pay more attention to your body, your breathing, places you hold stress. Know how to relax yourself when emotions spike.

Right concentration: Engage with your inner self. Spend quiet time reflecting on what you have chosen to create. Meditate on how you see yourself evolving.

As you pay attention to these 8 practices, begin to notice where you now discern a heightened degree of insight, personal integrity, and clearer focus of who you can be and what you can achieve. After 40 days you will start to sense a gentle shift, as if you have peeled away some burdensome layers of doubt or anxiety. As you get more comfortable being in the flow of what is emerging with the new mindset, enact what comes to you. Even if you aren’t sure what’s coming, know that when you are following the right course, you will experience a good end.

Keywords: Growing talent; Self-awareness