Yesterday our ASPIRE Success Club met for a teleseminar on the topic of Expansion vs. Contraction. In a nutshell, expansion is a mindset that believes in abundance, appreciation, and living big. It’s like taking a deep breath, opening your arms, and welcoming all of life (see photo below!).
The opposite of expansion? Scarcity. Constriction. Fear, tightness, clinging. In other words, no fun.
A few years ago, I set Expansion as my theme for the year (I’ll write more on annual themes in an upcoming blog). I wanted to expand in all areas of my life except, as I clearly declared, in my waistline. 🙂
Surprisingly, this turned out to be one of the most powerful themes I’ve ever set – and I’ve set themes for about 10 years now. Below I share 3 tips for expanding your sense of possibility so you can work and live in bigger, bolder ways.
Believe in abundance. Do you trust that there is enough business to go around? How about money, joy, love? Step #1 in living an expansive life lies right here. Operating from an expansive perspective means collaborating vs. competing, sharing vs. hoarding, and – to quote the phrase I’ve heard 3 times this week already – having faith that’s greater than your fear. (Message received, universe!)
Surround yourself with expansive people. Deliberately spend time with those who inspire you and open your eyes to a greater sense of possibility. I even have expansion role models who motivate me to become a better business owner, mom, friend, person.
Choose expansion. When it comes down to it, expansion is really all about your mindset – how you choose to approach life. Choose in favor of expansion: expect the best, look for the lesson, seek solutions instead of focusing on problems.
The Dalai Lama advises, “Whatever you are doing, ask yourself, ‘What’s the state of my mind?'” This week, let’s all set a mindset of expansion – at work, with our families, in our communities. Pay attention not only to how this impacts you, but the ripple effect it has on others. Maybe we’ll inspire a whole movement of living BIGGER in 2013!