The subconscious can be an incredibly powerful force. When we gain awareness of the things holding us back, the subconscious can go stealth on us, subtly influencing the decisions we make, even as we consciously think we’re fully attacking whatever problem or opportunity or change we want. We may cut back on the big meals, but the subconscious emotional eater finds ways to get a few mochas in that day – and we don’t even notice it – other than the $10 missing from our wallets. We know that getting our message out is important, but we allow the subconscious to guide us toward filling our calendar with safe ways of doing it, and safe is code-word for ineffective.

There is a way to expose our inner saboteur. Keep a log. Write it down. This is why nutritionists advise their clients to keep a log of what they eat. It turns the lights on and leaves the critters nowhere to hide. This is why personal finance gurus recommend that people carry a notebook to track where their money is going on a purchase by purchase basis.

And this is what I saw a few days ago when I reviewed my marketing plan for my speaking and coaching practice. I had filled it with less effective techniques (good techniques yes, but not as effective as others) and left no room for more effective techniques (e.g. I only had one face-to-face-meet-people event planned in the entire two weeks).

Change takes effort, and it is possible, but we also have to watch out for how our fearful subconscious can undermine that change. And laugh, because it’s amazing in a way how this unseen hand can move us. But then take it head on – turn on the lights through keeping notes – track your progress – monitor your balance.

And become a master at ending the art of self-deception.

Keep the shiny side up!

…Allen

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