Leaders with a mentor mindset know that in order to achieve their goals they must practice and share this Transformational formula with those they lead:
Transformation = (Inspiration + Information + Imagination + Perspiration)
In order to affect the change or transformation we desire we must coordinate and incorporate these four key elements:
1. Inspiration – It is critically important for us to know WHY the transformation must come about in our life. The WHY is our leverage to make it happen. We can create leverage to affect the transformation we are after by asking ourselves:
- “What will life be like if I don’t achieve the transformation?”
- “How rewarding will life be when I do transform?”
- “What will it mean about me when I do or become?”
- “What are my values I will be honoring if I do?”
- “What are my values I will be violating if I don’t?”
- “Who in my life will I affect profoundly by transforming?”
These are just a few questions to help us become more clear. When we are clear on that inspiration, we generate the fuel we need to get started and go after what we want…and to persevere and stick with it through the easy times and the challenging times.
2. Information – One of the reasons we may not have achieved that which we desire is because we simply don’t know how. We don’t have the data to do so. We must acquire the information that lends itself to us getting it done. Within each acorn is the blueprint of the mighty oak tree. Information comes in many forms. We can borrow brilliance from other people who have achieved what we are seeking. We can acquire the wisdom through books, programs, and workshops. We can learn from our own experience of what works and what doesn’t work. We can access our own wisdom and impulse by taking time to be silent, go within, and listen.
Don’t achieve in order to be happy…
Be happy while on your way to achieving.
3. Imagination – Once we are inspired and have collected the vital information what will serve as our direction, we must set out in a certain way; in a way as if we have already achieved it. We can Imagine experiencing that which we desire. As we imagine, it will cause us to feel inspired and purposeful. This is known as Acting As If or Fake It ‘Til You Make It. Often times, transformation is that point where the outside reality catches up to our internal reality, or as some call it…imagination.
4. Perspiration – As we employ our imagination and thereby feel inspired and purposeful we must get into action. It’s the inspiration, information, and imagination that get us pointed in the right direction. It’s our action, executed with intention, that brings us closer to our desire and eventually will bring it about. It is important to note that even though we may be clear on the inspiration, information, and imagination we may not feel like taking the action needed because of fear or uncertainty. Feel the fear and do it anyway. This will serve two purposes. 1. You will most likely find that the anticipated fear was not as bad as you thought and 2. If it doesn’t work out it will provide you additional data to help you the next time.
Any transformation you seek is now four steps closer. As you practice these, remain open to welcoming and experiencing the inspired life that is waiting for you.