Wish you could worry less, relax more, and go after that big goal you've been thinking

about for
a while? Use these genius techniques and everything will start to fall into place...

No matter how well things are going, there are probably a few things you wish you could change
about your life. Maybe it's landing a promotion, finally writing that book, or starting a workout
routine. Well, consider this article your friendly nudge to get the ball rolling finally. To help you
out, we enlisted Jim Fannin, a US-based in-demand life strategist. He's coached tonnes of CEOs
and professional athletes, and helped them take steps towards achieving their goals. Now he's
sharing his best tips with you. Each one is a mental trick designed to keep you on track so you
can feel happier than ever.

Think backwards

Normally, when you make a game plan, whether it's how you're going to get a promotion or save
for a vacation, you think about what you need to do first and go from there. Totally
logical...except it rarely works. It's a mental thing. When your brain sees a to-do list like that, it
subconsciously thinks, 'Shit, I have a long way to go' — especially when the first steps are boring
and difficult. As a result, most people get overwhelmed and quit.

But if you think backwards - making a list from point B to point A - your plan appears more
appealing and doable instead of threatening. So let's say you want to train for a 5-kilometer race.
Start your list with "Cross the finish line. Then write down the steps you'll take to get to the
beginning. Maybe as you near your goal, you'll be running for half an hour, but at the start, you'll
plan to run/walk for just 20 minutes. Yes, this list will be just as long, but because the fun and
exciting final steps are right up at the top, you'll feel more motivated every time you look at it."

Daydream...a lot

Once you have a strategy, the next step is to see and feel it actually happening in your head. Take
time out and think of the moment that you are planning in the near future. Maybe it's learning to
play guitar, or getting that dream job. Or it could be something more shortterm, like having an
awesome first date with a guy you like.

Now close your eyes and envision it happening, as if you were watching a movie - except you're
going to go through the scenes backwards. See yourself at the end of the date having a mind-
blowing goodnight kiss - really imagine what his lips feel like. Then jump back one scene in
your head, and see the easy chat over dinner. Jump back again and envision the grin on his face
when you first sit down at the table. Keep going all the way back to the first moment of the date.
Do this several times before the big night for just 90 seconds - that's all it takes to get the
benefits.

This technique soothes your nerves, since you've 'practiced' the evening in your head, and it also
tricks you into feeling confident. In your mind, you've been there, done that...and gotten the guy.
This technique works even for the more serious events in your life. For instance, before going in
for that big interview, rehearse the possible questions that you may be asked, and your answers
to them. So, even when you are asked something a little different, you can tweak the answer
around a bit and sound really confident.

Do it in the Dark

Okay, so visualising is a crucial tool... but it's not just what you imagine; it's when you imagine
that matters too. The best time to visualise is actually during the last 30 minutes before bed, since
whatever you think about then will likely sink into your mind as you sleep. So let's say your goal
is to write a novel. Make visualising yourself as a published author (you're going on book tours,
signing copies of your novel, doing interviews on TV) a part of your nightly routine, just like
brushing your teeth. You don't have to do it for an entire half an hour. Just think about it for 90
seconds during that window.

When you do this, your mind is subconsciously conditioned to think of your goal not as a pipe
dream but as an everyday reality that you can—and will - achieve. When you are constantly
thinking of your goal, your brain will slowly get conditioned to take those steps that are required
to change the dream into reality.

Reboot your brain

When your computer freezes because you have too many programmes running at the same time,
what's the first thing you do? Hit restart. The screen goes blank, and the computer starts up again
with no glitches. When you're stressed out, you need to do the same thing to your brain. Sadly,
we don't come with an on/off button, but there is a technique you can use to get the same effect.
Once again, it only takes 90 seconds: close your eyes, relax your jaw (it helps get rid of tension),
and let your mind go black, like a blank computer screen. Breathe deeply, taking at least five
long inhales and exhales, wiping every thought from your mind. When you're finished, you'll feel
less frazzled and ready to start in again on your day with a new vigour.

Be like a palm tree

Yeah, it sounds like a lame assignment from a high school drama class. But think about it: have
you ever noticed an oak tree on a beach? Nope, and that's because a hurricane would snap an oak
in two - it's way too rigid to withstand the force. A palm tree, on the other hand, is strong yet
flexible. It bends with the wind, and as a result, it's more likely to survive. And that's exactly
how successful people approach life. When you encounter a challenge, the secret to coming out
on top is being flexible.

That means going with the situation, not resisting it. When you're having a crappy day, say to
yourself 'Okay, this sucks...but I can handle it. I'm not going to break'. Thinking like this
accomplishes two things: it instantly makes you feel in control, since you're facing the situation
instead of wallowing in denial or anger, and it replaces a negative thought with a positive one.
For example, if your boss criticises you, don't stew over it. Instead, acknowledge that it
happened, and take from the situation whatever helpful lesson you can. Then simply forget about
the rest. That way, you're able to move on, so you can kick ass the next time.
Look up!

Positive thinking is great, but it's impossible to do it every single minute of every day. And that's
okay. It's a given that you're going to have bad days. What matters is how you deal. The next
time a negative thought pops into your head, take a second and close your eyes. Then tilt back
your face so it points at the ceiling (with your eyes still shut), and attempt to keep that thought in
your mind. Try doing it now. It's surprisingly hard, right? It takes a few seconds for your head to
adjust to the new position, and whatever you were fretting about will suddenly go out of focus.
Pretty soon, things will start to, well, look up.