This article was posted in the January edition (#96)of Paul du Toit's Congruence Newsletter. This was at a time that the world economy was in the midst of a frightening banking crisi and worldwide recession.
Paradigm Shift is another way of describing Mindset Shift. We might shift our paradigms when we experience "light bulb" moments - or by being taught at a time when we are receptive.
A memorable experience for me occured in 1995 during my Advanced Diving course. This was the day when I realised that what you see depends on where you look, not what's around you. The more you survey your surroundings the greater choice you create for yourself, and the more opportunity you will find.
It also became clear that there is so much opportunity around us all the time that it is absolutely impossible to take advantage of all of it. People like Richard Banson take advantage of just a fraction of the opportunities that come their way and become billionaires.
This insight occurred 33 metres under the sea - or 3.3 atmospheres down. It is where, while controlling my buoyancy, and preserving my air, the concept of Mindset Shift was revealed to me. This same concept is a vital arrow in the quiver of your people in dealing with challenges. Mindset Shift is the skill of reacting differently from the masses, planning strategically, working your plan and attaining your objectives regardles of the state of the terrain.
In a few years we'll be dusting ourselves off and looking around to see who's still in business. Some very good outfits are going to go down - not because they were not good enough, but perhaps because their markets just disappeared. If that happens to you, you may need to shift your mindset so that you're ready to fight another day. And those that survive will have done so because they were effective in shifting their paradigms.
Consider that some of your friends are going to need your help and support this year. Will you be there for them? That too, may involve mindset shift.
I wish you prosperity, perspective and balance in 2009.
Paul du Toit, CSP & Mindset Shifter
Paul du Toit is Africa's first new Certified Speaking Professional in 24 years.
