On any one given week, I’m likely to have my share of crises. Well, not necessarily crises, but breakdowns, disappointments, frustrations and disagreements. In almost every case, I’ve been able to transform those conditions into very satisfying outcomes. So have you, no doubt. Otherwise you’d be up to your eyeballs in problems right now. So obviously, you’ve solved or overcome most.

Wouldn’t it be nice to remember that? If, going into each challenge, you were able to remind yourself that you’re almost always victorious, you could meet the challenge with lightheartedness, faith and optimism.

These days, I look at most of my problems in that way. For example, I just got off the phone with one of my support people with whom I was having a bit of a disagreement. I started the conversation by saying that I was committed to having it be an opportunity to get even closer. And by the end of the conversation, we were.

So, my recommendation for this week is take a moment before tackling your latest crisis, and commit to what kind of opportunity it represents. Then, if you’re in it with someone else, communicate that commitment to them too. Have a great week!

Anyway, the big topic of conversation was the healing and motivating power of hypnosis. Sure, I can provide first-class motivational speeches, but the general sentiment from everyone with whom I spoke was that the show itself was just as healing as a trip to the doctor and just as motivating as an hour with a motivational speaker.

What I heard was that laughter and astonishment, when delivered at the intensity level of my show, just makes people feel good. Really good. Better than anything else they remember. Headaches go away, heartache dissolves, and a sense of possibility arises. And without a word about any of those things. It makes me wonder, why bother saying anything? Maybe all we need to do is access the infinite power of the mind through laughter and astonishment, and everything else works itself out. I don’t know. What do you think?

Have you ever read stories about a woman who didn’t realize she was pregnant and then suddenly gave birth on the toilet? That’s the opposite of mindfulness. Being so completely cut off from your own feelings, bodily sensations and thoughts that major events are unfolding within you and you don’t know it.

Take the Mindfulness Quiz

Being mindful is about being aware. You practice certain “focus exercises” which lead to higher and higher levels of awareness. As a result, you know immediately when something’s brewing, whether it be a change in your physical well-being, a shifting mood, an errant thought or a persistent negative belief. Then you get to choose what to do about it. No awareness: no choice.

Another ingredient of mindfulness is acceptance. It’s one thing to know what you’re thinking and feeling. It’s another to observe it with acceptance. If you’re fighting the reality of the moment; saying, “I shouldn’t be feeling/thinking this!” you’re not being mindful.

Being mindful requires what we call “backstage awareness.” You’re watching the thoughts, feelings and sensations that arise within you as a neutral observer; from backstage, as it were. You are not your thoughts. You are not your feelings. You’re the one calmly observing them, and therefore not identified to them; not their prisoner.

Whatever you’re feeling or thinking is OK. Observing it with compassion and detachment, you’ll notice it will eventually pass of its own accord…and you’re still there!

The result of a mindful approach to life is that you begin to realize some very positive benefits:

• Decreased stress
• Freedom from addiction
• General happiness and well-being
• Control over your appetite and weight
• Greater insight and wisdom
• Emotional balance
• Better relationships
• More choices
• Lower blood pressure
• Increased intelligence

…to name just a few. So, if this idea is appealing to you, the means by which to improve your mindfulness is to strengthen your focus. You can do that through meditation or by a daily commitment to observing yourself or your present surroundings with complete neutral attention. Stop letting your mind take you away on journeys into the past or future. Eventually, you’ll see the value of mindfulness.

If you want to assess your level of mindfulness and how it’s affecting your happiness and success, take The Mindfulness Quotient assessment here.

Have you noticed that whenever there’s a world tragedy such as  the Tsunami or the earthquake in Haiti, that it’s not long before a group of famous musicians bands together to create a fund raising event? It’s miraculous and moving and inspirational. Well, I’m a professional speaker, and we’re all about miracles and inspiration. Yet, how often have you seen a marathon motivational rally to benefit a world crisis? Seldom? Never?

Why is that? Shouldn’t we of all people be at the forefront of that effort. More importantly, while musicians can be vehicles for inducing people to give, the music itself is more entertaining than transformational. Not to say that great music doesn’t move us, but what I’m talking about is changing lives. Get a group of people to a concert and they leave uplifted and happy. Get a group of people to a motivational speaking event and they leave forever impacted.

I want to facilitate the creation of a remarkable event whose mission is to manifest a real sense in its participants that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. I’m harkening back to my childhood inspiration; Man of La Mancha; from which comes the classic THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM. I want the event to benefit grave needs in the world, like the current crisis in Haiti. But I also want it to benefit the participants. I want people who otherwise would never have the opportunity to be transformed to be able to attend this event. I’m thinking of inner city middle school kids right now.

What kind of a difference could we make in the world if the generosity of those who have the wisdom and power to impact others were harnessed for the benefit of those in need. Not just in need of money but of a new paradigm; a new sense of possibility!

So, I’m calling on my colleagues; speakers, authors, coaches, producers, publicists, etc. to rally around this project and help me make it a reality. I’m looking for those of you who get the “givers gain” philosophy, and are willing to contribute with no thought of financial reward. I want this event to be a gift to the world, and everyone participating to be a gift giver.

Any takers? Together we can transform the world. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!

It’s got me thinking about the balance of my own life. For years, the bulk of my professional career has been about creating laughter and astonishment. More recently, I’ve been crafting a more “serious” program to empower business people by teaching them mindfulness skills. But the progress on marketing that program pales in comparison to how easily I manifest work as an entertainer…who happens to carry a subtext of hope, freedom and possibility.

Suddenly, I’m seeing my life in a different light. Before, it seemed that creating laughter was frivolous compared with the contribution I could make with my vast knowledge of ancient wisdom, spirituality, and the subconscious mind. Now, I’m feeling that there’s something so incredibly profound about merely entertaining a group in the way that I do. After all, people walk away with benefits like:

• Decreased stress
• Increased optimism
• A willingness to let go of conflict and crisis
• A fresh perspective on their troubles
• A sense of wonder and possibility

So, right now that’s feeling like enough. If I can walk into a room, take the stage, create those effects, and never once bring up the spiritual or psychological implications of what I’ve done, I believe I’ve still served a noble purpose.

So, if you’re planning a meeting and need to bring in a “keynote speaker” you may want to consider having me come in and fill that slot without any overt content, knowing that between the laughter, gasps and tears of joy, something important will be conveyed.

Here’s my entertainment website: www.stevetaubmanshows.com.

Well, first through example. An organization without a self-realized leader is doomed to failure no matter how well intentioned the managers or front line people may be. I just had a strategy session with an HR person at a hospital whose hands are tied when it comes to making organizational change…because there’s dissent and inconsistency from the leadership team. So, how effective will her customer service initiative be? Not very, I’m afraid. Not until something happens in the minds and hearts of the leaders.

Thankfully, leadership change is nothing more than personal transformation. When those in powerful positions experience a personal breakthrough, they can quickly leverage that into an empowering experience for their team. One great example is the circumstances I wrote about last week, depicted in the film Invictus. Another is the moment in the film, Outsourced, when the protagonist finally realizes the power of listening to his employees instead of dictating to them as he had up to that point. Great film. Check it out.

And think about how you’re showing up as a leader. Are you touching and inspiring your team or are you just resting on your authority?

To accomplish this powerful and touching transformation, Mandela has to acknowledge the anger, hurt and prejudice that already exists. He has to show that to hold onto those things will lead to a certain future of greater suffering and conflict. He has to call for the contrition and commitment of those who are seen as the oppressors to act in a different, more loving way. He has to call for the selfless, forgiving nature that lies dormant in every embittered soul, and he has to paint the picture of a proud, joyful and loving nation. The result is an unprecedented, unimaginable and unexpected triumph.

We’ve seen the worst in people, and now we see the best. We see their ability to replace anger with compassion. We see their ability to give up their suspicion, hatred and desire for revenge. If Mandela can leave 26 years of servitude and forgive his captors and abusers, can’t an entire nation do the same? And if they refused, then what? More violence, more hatred…no possibility of transformation.

Invictus was a moving thing to see, but it was also a call to action. Where am I holding a grudge? Who am I trapping by my judgments? What future am I ensuring by failing to let it go and forgive? How am I withholding my love? What can I do to earn the trust and respect of those I’ve wronged? What can I do to create love and possibilty? Am i going to do it? And, if not now, when?

I invite you to look at your own life. What future are you creating out of your stubborn refusal to replace pride, fear and judgment wtih love and compassion. Can you inspire yourself to go beyond your petty concerns, beyond your “reasonable’ expectations, beyond your hurts and judgments…to a future beyond your wildest dreams? Make peace with everyone including yourself. See yourself as bigger than you do now. Become great. Otherwise, why bother getting up in the morning?

I wish you all a very happy and joyous holiday season. Oh, if you’re looking for a last minute holiday gift, why not inspire your loved ones with a trip to see Invictus…and a copy of UnHypnosis!

One of the discussions during the Forum is “What’s real?” What are our tests for reality. We may think that what we feel is real, so live our lives based on our gut. The problem is that just because you think or feel something doesn’t make it true. You may feel that your wife is a nag or your husband’s a loser, but that’s only YOUR reality; the one you made up with your pre-existing biases.

You may think that the agreement of others creates reality. Like when you’re in an argument and you find yourself saying, “It’s TRUE. Just ask ANYBODY!!!” As if the agreement of the masses confers reality on things. Just look at the Crusades or Nazi Germany and you’ll know that the masses are far from being a reliable arbiter of reality.

So, what’s true. In the Forum, they say that “physicalness” is the only test of reality. In other words, if it’s physically there, it’s real. So, the next time you’re judging yourself or others, ask yourself, “Is what I’m saying REAL?” Or is it just a point of view you created or one you’re adopting based on mass agreement. If there’s no physical reality to what you’re saying is real…It AIN’T!

To further explore this concept, read UnHypnosis. Find it at www.stevetaubman.com/content/pages/stuff.

The UnHypnosis Method is a unique system for removing roadblocks to success; both personally and at an organizational level. Here’s how it works:

Everybody suffers, whether they admit it or not. We long for what we don’t have. We churn about what we have that we don’t want. We bruise our heads hitting them against the same walls again and again. We fight the same fights, cry the same tears, and often end up in frustration and resignation. Our knowledge and skill don’t eliminate the suffering; which we begin to realize after we’ve added as much to that pile as we can, to no effect.

So, before I go on, what’s got YOU suffering? Where are YOU blocked? What’s keeping YOU up at night? You see, I can’t help people or groups who aren’t in need…or those who won’t admit that they are. There’s nothing worse for me than walking into a room full of “super-cool” people; people who want everyone to think that they’ve got the world by the tail. Why bother?  Those groups are obvious by their crossed arms, smug expressions, back-leaning postures, and superior “I-don’t-need-you” affects.

Here’s who I want to work with. Companies and organizations who can admit readily that something’s wrong. Open-minded people who seek solutions. A team of individuals who get that the answers don’t lie where they’ve been looking, and aren’t too proud to look elsewhere. For those groups, I’m fully committed to leading them from resignation to possibility. I’m committed to helping leaders of those groups to engage their team and achieve full buy-in. I’m committed to bringing about communication, collaboration, and community.

Again, the answers aren’t where you think they are. If you’re looking for solutions in performance modifications, new rules, or motivational posters, you’re wasting your time. You have to start with your own deeper psyche. You can try it every other way…but eventually you’ll be back asking me to do it my way. You can’t build a solid building without a solid foundation.

Back to the UnHypnosis Method. Despite all outward efforts, you’re doomed to succeed or fail only to the extent that your subconscious mind allows. Buried within your psyche are “set-points” for success, happiness, contentment, love, etc. You don’t have access to them. You may exert enormous effort, but it’s only your conscious mind at work; a small fragment of what’s available to you. The subconscious mind, home to those “set-points”, remains unaffected and immovable.

Until you can reach in and modify the subconscious barriers, all you’ll get for your effort is exhaustion, depression, and lots of sweat. Maybe you’ll feel righteous and proud of how hard a worker you are, but that’s small compensation for the work you’ve put in.

The answer to your success and happiness lies largely in the domain of the unexpressed and the unexamined. UnHypnosis helps you to examine and express….and therefore transform yourself and your business.

We do it in a group coaching setting in which you come to realize the barriers within. Lots of surprises. Lots of “ahas.” Lots of tears and laughter. And on the other side…freedom. Possibility. Opportunity. Prosperity. Fun.

So, you can keep doing what you’re doing and you’ll keep getting what you’re getting…or you can learn how to communicate with your subconscious mind and break through to a whole new level of growth. Your choice. But first…ADMIT that you’re suffering!

I highly encourage you to visit www.stevetaubman.com and get your copy of UnHypnosis (the “Stuff” page is where you can order it). More importantly, look at your organization and ask yourself if it could benefit from a thorough housecleaning. Have us in to lead you through the UnHypnosis Method and you’ll see yourselves moving from resignation to possibility.

People have a REALLY hard time just looking into each others’ eyes…and what does that say? It says we’re terrified of connection. It says we’re filled to overflowing with fear, judgment, self-consciousness, and a profound sense of our own inauthenticity.

The exercise is designed to allow people to become aware of how much is going on inside their heads. We think we’re present, but we’re not even close. Being present means having your mind and body be in the same place at the same time. It means being in a state of acceptance of what is; a state of awareness and equanimity. In a state of real presence, looking into someone’s eyes is simple. You just look.

But when your head is filled with thoughts; about how you look, how they look, what you should or shouldn’t be doing, etc.; you don’t have the real experience. And doing that exercise makes you realize how much you’re living inside your head rather than in reality.

Why does it matter? Because once you allow all the fear and judgment and internal noise to fall away, you become peaceful and open and free. You begin to see things in the other person that you couldn’t possibly have seen while those filters were operating. You begin to experience what true connection feels like.

Many people who do this exercise say they begin to notice themselves in the other person. Some say they feel deep compassion; even love; arising as they gaze into the eyes of the other. First it’s hard, and then it’s amazing. When you get quiet inside, you get to know what’s meant by “We’re all one.”

And, the upshot of all that is people want to be around you. They sense your presence. They feel appreciated and cherished. They trust you. They want to do business with you. They want to spend time with you. They see themselves in you.

So, begin to notice your own walls….and allow yourself to experiment with the idea of letting them fall away. You’ll live a life of greater freedom, peace, and self expression.

If you’d like to participate in a program to deepen your connections with others and with yourself, visit www.stevetaubman.com. We periodically announce public seminars, and you can always invite me to speak to your team.