Crystal's Notes 9 March 2024

I am all for maximizing productivity using hacks and reframing my mindset. Here are some mindset hacks I swear by.

Be Still When Things Are Crazy

The more packed my schedule becomes, the more important it is for me to make time to meditate and be still. I come out of my meditations more settled, and being still gives me the clarity and energy to balance everything I have to toggle in my life.

‘You Are My Teacher’ vs ‘You Are My Competition’

Instead of feeling inferior and judged when in the company of those you perceive to be more capable than you, think instead that everyone and everything can be your teacher. I adopted this mindset especially when I was young and starting my career. I was fascinated by the habits of successful people around me, from the language they used in emails and meetings, to how they set up their desk, the clothes they wore, how they organised themselves, who they socialised with, what books they read, what they did on weekends — I was like a sponge soaking up everything I noticed. Do away with thinking these high achievers are your competition. Think of them as your teachers. They are providing you with a wonderful (and free!) opportunity to learn from them.

Set Boundaries and Reward Yourself

I get quite a few invitations to events and you’d probably not believe this but sometimes I have to set limits and give myself a reward for going, because I am actually an introvert. I prefer low stimulation environments and my idea of heaven is to chill by myself in my bathtub. Much as I am interested in the products or the people I would get to meet at these events, it can still be somewhat challenging for me. What I do to rig my mindset is to set certain limits and boundaries. For example, I’d tell myself that I’d leave at a certain time, or after one drink. I also bribe myself by taking myself out to interesting restaurants after the event (these events are always held in the most interesting places!) and having a good meal. I’m super food-motivated so this always gets me so excited!

Change ‘I Have To’ to ‘I Get To’

The cardinal rule I teach is to reframe “I have to” to “I get to”. I can think, “Oh, I HAVE to run a full day intensive retreat tomorrow”, or I can reframe it to, “I GET to run the retreat tomorrow.” That helps me to consider how not many people get to do what they love, and helps me see how cool my job is. The mindset change you get just by switching ‘have’ to ‘get’ is transformative.

Think Past, Present & Future

I get many questions on how best to prepare for social interactions with senior leaders. One great way is to go back in time and think about something impactful that you’ve done recently. Then head on to the present and have a succinct answer for what you’re currently working on. Think also about one thing you’re excited about for the future. But most importantly, just because you’ve done this preparation, don’t launch into a monologue and talk about yourself when it gets to your turn in the conversation. Weave the material in naturally, listen actively and take your cues from the leader. You can join our Authenticity & Authority Masterclass to learn how to have gravitas and credibility.

Slay Using That Computer Password

When I have a goal or target, I will use my computer password as a way of reminding myself of that goal. When I was starting up one of my side hustles, I changed my password to the name of that hustle and the launch date. Another password was what I wanted to achieve in terms of my savings. It can be a mantra or a goal — it doesn’t matter. What you’re doing is you’re planting a seed and living intentionally. Every time you type that password when you start up your devices, you’re reinforcing your intentions and goals, and reminding yourself of what truly matters to you.

 If you’d like more hacks, Greg and I did a podcast episode on mindhacks for success here, and I have one coming up on resilience.

Here's to crushing our goals, embracing positivity, and thriving in the hustle. You've got this!

Much love

Crystal