Photo kudos to: rachel sian

One of the biggest challenges that people bring up is…

“I don’t feel like I know enough to make a change.”

Plus… it’s almost like this feeling has an annoying and ever-present little side kick.

It’s…

“I don’t have time to do anything about it.”

Can you relate?

Do you struggle with the feeling that you’d love to try something different… or pursue something new… but at the same time… wrestle with the fact that you don’t seem to have an extra 5 minutes to spare to think about it… let alone 5 days to take a class on the subject?

Take some small but significant steps…

Well… as you may already know… we’re all about equipping you with strategies that you can apply right now… no matter how busy you are… so you can pursue that big dream or goal.

We often call these… “small but significant steps.”

Today’s small but significant steps will help you to learn new stuff… even if you don’t feel like you have 5 minutes to spare!

These strategies will help you…

• dig into some of those concepts you’ve been wanting to explore
• read that book you know would help to equip you for that new position
• research that idea that has been at the back of your brain (0r heart) for years

STEP 1: Find your “commercial breaks”

We all have them.  They are those 5 to 10 minute blocks in our day that are lost time.

They are a little like “commercial breaks” during your favorite tv show.

Photo kudos to: Bazzastrabe

You know… those time blocks that exist… but kind of just melt away.

• Maybe it’s that 8 minutes while you’re waiting for everyone else to come into the room or hop on the line for that meeting?
• Maybe it’s the 10 minutes while you’re waiting for your friend to show up for coffee?
• Maybe it’s when you’re in the lobby waiting for a doctor or dentist?
• Maybe it’s that 10 minutes waiting for your kids after school or after soccer practice?
• Maybe it’s that… well let’s just say… that “private time” when you’re in the restroom.  (Yeah… I’m going there too!)

Find those commercial breaks.  Find those minutes.

They are there.

But often times… they just get lost… don’t they?

What do we typically do with them?  Well, if you’re like me… (when I don’t have a plan)… you fill those minutes with hopping on facebook, by reading a 2-year old magazine on the coffee table or by listening to the radio.

Well… what if you used some of those “commercial breaks” more intentionally?

What if you had a plan for some of your “commercial breaks?”

Think about it.  If you just found 10 minutes a day… over a week’s time… that’s a full hour!  I know that doesn’t seem like a lot.  But if you add that up… over a year’s time… that’s would make for over one full 40 hour week devoted to that big dream or goal!

Pretty sweet… right?

So let’s move on to step two…

Step 2: Use “Minute Maximizers.”

I know… I know… there might be a part of you saying, “Oh great… here comes the rainbows and little pony strategies.  Like… think positive thoughts and you’ll learn ALLLL that you need to know.”

Nope.  You won’t get any of that here… although I will admit that like rainbows AND little ponies!

MINUTE MAXIMIZERS are specific strategies that help you to use those COMMERCIAL BREAKS more intentionally.

When it comes to learning new things… here are some examples of MINUTE MAXIMIZERS:

“A READ IT” File:

This is a simple strategy that a number of time management gurus have talked about.  The basic idea is that you use a folder (or series of folders) and you keep them close at hand.

Then… when something comes across your radar that you want to read… instead of taking time to stop and read it right then and there (because you don’t usually find this stuff when you actually have the time to read it)… you print it off… rip it out… or photo copy it… and put it in your “READ IT” file.

Then… you keep your “READ IT” file with you.

So you can pull it out… while you’re waiting for that meeting… or that appointment… or for your plane.

Simple… I know.

But… just think how having the things that you actually WANT to read… close at hand… could help you maximize your commercial breaks?

A BATHROOM LIBRARY

Okay… I’ll admit it.  My mom was not a big fan of what she called “potty jokes.”  And trust me… I’m a guy… so my list of jokes involving bodily functions seems to have NO END!

But… I wont go there today.

I’ll just say that everyone has time in the bathroom… and sometimes… especially for moms… this can be the only truly protected 10 minutes of the day!!!

So… what do you have close at hand for reading… in your bathroom library?

Seriously… think about it.  What’s close to your toilet?

Old magazines?  A book that’s been there for years?  Something that looks nice… but won’t help you to go after that dream job or big goal?

Okay… well… I’m going to suggest something weird.  Maybe it’s even gross.  BUT… we’re talking about equipping you to go after your BIG dreams and BIG goals… and we’re all short on time… so… yeah… I’m going there!

GET INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR BATHROOM READING!

Now… it doesn’t have to be out in plain site if you like to keep your bathroom orderly.  But… again… be intentional.  Have something close by… so you can use “that time” wisely.

So… take the challenge and go home tonight and take a good look at your “BATHROOM LIBRARY.”  Choose to have something close by that you WANT to read.  Something that might just help you go after that BIG dream or BIG goal… 10 minutes a day.

And hey… if your family pushes back on the amount of time you’re taking in the bathroom… you can blame me!  Tell them…

“Mitch told me I needed to read in here at least 10 minutes a day!”

I’m sure that will help!

STEP 3: OWN IT!

Now, you’ve heard me talk about the INTELLECTUAL IMMUNE SYSTEM before.

It’s my concept that says our intellect has a similar immune system to our body’s… not… medically… but metaphorically.

As a result, if we get hit with a new idea… even it’s one we like… we will tend to reject it over time because it came from outside us.  (Think about the last time you committed to a diet… a self-help based 5 principles book… or some advice from a friend… and it bombed.  Yeah… there’s a very good chance that was your Intellectual Immune System that got in the way!)

So… the only way to beat the IIS… and really take in the new information you are learning as you use MINUTE MAXIMIZERS during your COMMERCIAL BREAKS… is to ask yourself a set of questions so you can own the new information.

That’s right.  Because if you own it… then it comes from you.  And if it comes from you… your Intellectual Immune System won’t kick in… and you’ll have a much better chance of retaining and using the information you are gathering!

Here are some “OWN IT” questions:

• How could these ideas apply to me?
• How could I modify this approach to better fit my situation?
• How could I experiment with these ideas… and move towards my goal or dream?

That’s it.

A simple 3 step process to help you to learn more… so you can better equip yourself to go after your own Project: Dream Job… and those big dreams and goals.

More importantly… you can find those COMMERCIAL BREAKS and use your MINUTE MAXIMIZERS to OWN the information you need… to go after your very own… PROJECT: DREAM JOB!

Who’s with me?  Let me know.  I’d love to hear from you.  Join in the convo… and click comments!  Also, I’d LOVE to hear from you on the best ways you make time to learn about the things you want/need to dig into.  So leave your suggestions for everyone!  I’m sure you’ve got some great ideas and we’d love to hear from you!

Oh… and hey… to you people with interior design big dreams… shoot us some ideas on how to organize our bathroom so we can have stuff in there that we want to read… but so it looks nice!  Seriously… help us out with a comment or a suggestion!

Keep dreaming big and helping others to do the same,

Mitch Matthews

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Some tips on landing your dream job

It’s called…

“PROJECT: Dream Job”

In the original post, I asked three questions:

They were:

1. What do people typically think of when they think of a “Dream Job?”
2. Describe some elements of a dream job… for you.
3. Who has a “dream job?”  (Gold star bonus question: Why would you consider it a dream job?)

I asked for comments, emails and Facebook posts.  And we were blown away by your responses!

In fact, your input really helped to confirm something for me.

That is… how we define a “dream job” is evolving.

A “dream job” for many used to involve a high paying, high visibility position.  (Think… Steven Speilberg, Richard Branson or Oprah)

Now… it might involve those things for some people… but most people talked about things like…

• What they would be able to contribute
• Who they would be able to impact
• How they would be able to make a difference

And for many… their idea of a “Project: Dream Job” was less about the actual job… and more about what the job would enable them to do outside of their “work.”

So… I’ll be sharing A LOT more on this in the weeks and months to come.

Plus, I’ll be including various insights, stories and strategies that will help you to move more towards figuring out what your “dream job” might just be for this season (and beyond)… AND how to go get it (or do more of it).

I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU…

Most importantly… I would LOVE your continuing input on this subject.

Your emails and comments proved you have a lot to say on this subject.  So please keep them coming!  I’d love to hear more of your responses to the “Project: Dream Job” questions I posed above.

But I’d also love to hear your take on the idea that our perception of a “Dream Job” is evolving.  What do you think?  Is it true for you?  If so… how?

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

LASTLY…

In the original post… I offered up 3 copies of my book IGNITE – a little book to spark your big dreams… to get the creative juices flowing and “bribe” you to contribute.

Click to find out more

So now… I get to announce who is getting those 3 free copies of the book!

Drum roll please…

Congrats to:

• Robyn Byrd
• Sam Miller (from SamsDreamBlog.com)
• Kathryn Daughterty

Thanks everyone for your continued input!

You’re awesome.

Keep dreaming big and helping others to do the same,

Mitch Matthews

Related articles

• Project: Dream Job (mitchmatthews.com)
• “What’s Your Dream Job?” Asks a Recent Survey from Persuadable Research Corporation (prweb.com)
• How do you shift your thinking? (bigdreamgathering.com)
• Intellectual Immune System featured! (mitchmatthews.com)
• BIG Dream Gathering – Upper Iowa University (bigdreamgathering.com)

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stress and worry.

Photo kudos to Maureen Fischinger

Now… if there ever was a group of people who deserved to be stressed and worried… it was these incredible people.

It was a room full of administrative professionals.

You know who they are.  They are the unsung heroes in your office. They are the people that most of our important paperwork and tasks route through… but they rarely get the flashy titles or the plaques of accommodation.

Well… as we were digging into strategies that help you to overcome worry and stress… we landed on one specific concept that the group loved.

GRATITUDE

That’s right… gratitude.  It’s a simple word… but a powerful concept.

Interestingly enough… it can also be something to help you overcome worry and stress.

STATS:

Studies have shown that you can not only cultivate gratitude… but as you do… your body starts to produce increased levels of dopamine and serotonin. Now these bad boys are your body’s natural anti-depressants.  They’ve also been shown to increase your ability to retain information and think more clearly.

Plus… since they are naturally produced anti-depressants… you don’t have to worry if they are on your ever-changing insurance prescription plan!

But it gets better.

Studies have found that the longer you cultivate gratitude… the more impact it has.

For example, one study published in American Psychologist found that if participants in a study wrote down three good things each day for a week… they would be happier and less depressed.

Now, you might say… “Sure.  That makes sense.”  But if you’re like me, you might also be asking, “But does it last?”

Get this.

This study continued on and found that if participants continued to look for three good things a day… they continued to be happier and less depressed at one-month, three-months and six-months!

Oh… but wait there’s more! (Read this is a cheesy game show announcer voice for extra effect!)

The longer the participant went… the longer the effect.  Even when the group stopped the daily exercise, researchers found that the “Gratitude Group” stayed happier and less depressed than the control group.

The conclusion: Researchers found that the study group had trained their brains to look for things to be grateful for and that started to change the way they looked at the world.  So this little exercise of writing down three good things… changed them on the inside (increased levels of dopamine and serotonin) and changed them on the outside (their view of the world).

STORY:

I can tell you that this works.

As many of you know… I’m a “worrier in recovery.”

I grew up a ninja-level worrier.  I am exceedingly better now… but I can go from being fine to freaked in 3.2 seconds… if I don’t control it!  (Can you identify?)

But this list exercise is now a part of my daily regimen.  And I love it.

One… because it’s simple.  Two… because it’s quick.  Three… because it helps me to think more creatively and focus.  And four… because I can also work it into my daily conversation with my family, friends or biz partners.

Now, I will say that what tends to work best for me is to write these things down in a journal each morning (and even go beyond three some days)… but even if I can’t get to the writing… I do bring it up as I’m talking with people.

Yeah… I’ve got to get my “3″ daily.

STRATEGY:

So here it is: The 30-Day Gratitude Challenge

Challenge yourself to think of three to five things that you are grateful for every day.

They don’t have to be HUGE things like trips to Disney World.  And they don’t have to be wildly profound either.  They can be simple things like a really good meal… a really good laugh with friends… or a really nice convo with a friend.

The key is they have to be specific.

You can’t just say… “I’m grateful for my family, my friends and my dog.”

Photo kudos to Ian@poochography

You need to think about something specific.  Like… “I’m grateful for the way Fido was at the side of my bed this morning.  That made me laugh and feel good.”

But that’s it.

Just three things.

Three specific things… daily.

The challenge is that you’d do it for 30 days.

And then just see how you feel.

There’s a very good chance that at the end of the 30 days… you will have started to train your brain to look for the “good stuff.”

And when you look for the good stuff… science says you start to pump your body full of the “good stuff.”

Plus, your brain will begin to get in the habit of looking for more good stuff… which will not only help you to feel happier… but it will also have a positive effect on your ability to perform, stay focused and remember stuff.

And heck… who doesn’t want more of that?

So… who’s in?

Who’s with me?

If you’re up for the challenge… why not leave a comment and let the world know about something specific you’re grateful for today.  (Again… keep it simple.  But have some fun with it.  And just see where it takes you.)

And hey, why not share this with a friend, a family member or a co-worker and agree to take the challenge together?  Just see what it does!

I can’t wait to hear.

Keep dreaming BIG and helping others to do the same,

Mitch Matthews

Related articles

• Note 343 – Expressing gratitude through writing (mywritingnotebook.com)
• Teaching Kids the Importance of Gratitude (everydayhealth.com)
• Gratitude enables you to attract what you long for (uclaislamicstudies.com)

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This was a true honor for us… especially because it came from Van and Bonnie who are true heroes in our home state of Iowa.  They have been an incredible team on the bull horn of our great state… WHO Radio.  Plus, they’re just great (and fun) people!

Then we also got to spend some time with a new friend… Jack Lashier.  He’s the director for the Iowa Hall of Pride… and one of the sponsors of the Van and Bonnie’s Hall of Heroes.  If you haven’t checked out the Iowa Hall of Pride… you should go.  It’s the picture of Iowans who have walked out some of their big dreams… and… as a result… have made a big impact on our state… our nation and our world.  So yeah… it’s really worth a visit.

All that to be said, it was a little humbling to be honored in this way.

But hopefully… the story will inspire more people to think about some of their own big dreams… and begin to give themselves permission to pursue those dreams in some small but significant way!

Keep dreaming big and helping others to do the same,

Mitch Matthews

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I’m working on something new and I need your help!

It’s called “Project: Dream Job.”

I’ll be able to share more about it in the coming months… but for now… I simply need your input.

Basically… I’m going after this idea of a “Dream Job.”

What does it mean?

More importantly… what does it mean… to you?

Why?  Well, I think the idea of a “Dream Job” has evolved.  I don’t think it means what it used to.

And I want to get your input on the subject.

So… would you help me?

If yes… cool.

All, I’m asking is that you click on “comments” and answer any (or all) of the following questions.

The questions:

1. What do people typically think of when they think of a “Dream Job?”
2. Describe some elements of a dream job… for you.
3. Who has a “dream job?”  (Gold star bonus question: Why would you consider it a dream job?)

Just comment on this post… or if you want to keep your response a little more private… you can shoot us an email at ContactUs@MitchMatthews.com.

Oh… and there’s something in this for you.

If you comment… we’ll put your name in a hat.  Then, at the end of April, we’ll draw 3 names and those people will each get a copy of our book… IGNITE!

Click here to find out more about IGNITE!

For free.  For shizzle.

All just for helping me with the first step in my project.

You in?

I hope so.  Cuz… I need your help!

Just click.  Comment.  Help.  And… possibly… WIN.

Oh… and lastly… would you please help to spread the word about this project?   I’d love to get as many responses as possible.

Thanks!

Keep dreaming big and helping others to do the same,

Mitch Matthews

Related articles

• Video of Mitch Matthews (mitchmatthews.com)
• Intellectual Immune System featured! (mitchmatthews.com)
• How do you shift your thinking? (bigdreamgathering.com)

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And he’s got some things to teach us about going after our big dreams and goals!

1 – Know your stuff!

Sure… when you go after a big dream… you don’t have to know everything there is to know.  But stay with it and learn all that you can!

Questions:

• Who’s someone that you could be learning from today?
• What if you reached out to someone that does something TOTALLY different than you do… and you bought them coffee just to find out more about their world?  (You might just learn something about your own!)

2 – Have a set of rules you live by.

That’s right.  Have a set of rules.  Rules you live by.  They may involve male turkeys… OR they may just address how you’re going to treat people as you go after those big dreams.  But have some rules.

Questions:

• What are some of the rules you are going to live by?
• What are some things that are a part of your life’s code?

3 – Believe in your future!

Yeah… that’s right.  You’re future is so bright… you’ve got to wear… goggles.

What if you took 5 minutes today to think about your future?  What if you took a break over the lunch hour and asked yourself a few questions?

Questions:

• What would be some things you’d love to have in your life in 5 years?
• What are 3 things you’d love to experience in 3 years?
• What are 2 things you’d love to experience in the next 2 years?
• What’s one thing you’d love to do before the end of this year?

4: Be prepared!

Okay… so Dwight brings weapons.  What do you want to bring?

Questions:

• What small but significant thing could you grab today… to help you take a step towards your dream or goal today?
• Is it an app to help you keep track of your to-dos?
• Is it an online course to help you develop a skill?
• Is it a conversation with someone who is walking out a goal similar to yours?

Or… is it a bow staff?

5: Set the standard!

Questions:

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photo kudos aprilesole

Recently, I had a life coaching client who was wanting to give back.

She’d clarified some of her big dreams and goals… and she knew that she wanted to start to incorporate more volunteering into her life.

By the way, I told this story this morning on my segment on 107.1 fam.  If you missed it… here it is:

Dream BIG Radio segment:

She tried.

So… my coaching client tried but her first endeavor didn’t go so well.

She didn’t really connect with the  organization she’d reached out to.

Then… when we talked… she was feeling a little bummed.  In fact, when we connected about this… it was almost like she was starting to think something was wrong with her.

But then… as I talked about my radio segment… I reminded her that…

volunteering is a lot like dating.

At first, I think she was a little surprised by the analogy.

But then I said, “Hey, I know your hubby is a great guy and I know your have a great relationship, but was he the first guy you dated?”

She said, “Um, no.”

Then I said, “So why does someone date?”

She responded with things like… “Well, to kind of figure out what you want in a relationship.”  And… “To figure out what type of person you want to spend time with.”  “To figure out if you really connect with the person or not.”

Then I said, “What if you gave yourself the same permission when you’re looking for an organization to volunteer with?”

I continued, “What if you allowed yourself to test the waters without the pressure of thinking you have to find the perfect relationship right from the start?”

Another question was… “What if you found ways to experiment?”

By that I meant, what if she allowed herself the chance to go and volunteer for a couple of hours instead of committing to a year right away?  That way, she could get a feel for the organization.  She could gain an understanding of what it was really like (instead of just trying to guess based on a website, a brochure or a commercial.)

So, I related this to dating.

I said, “Do you remember dating?  There were levels… right?”

There’s the group date.

Instead of going “one-on-0ne,” you go with a group of your friends and meet up for a movie or something.  (Visit a mall on any given weekend for a reminder of how this works… if you’ve forgotten.)

When it comes to volunteering, the equivalent might be to go with a group of friends or co-workers to help with an organization’s event.  The level of risk is very low… but you can at least start to get a feel for the organization.

There’s the coffee date.

Those dates are short, safe and during the day.  You could get in and out quick if it’s a bad fit.  These might involve a cup of coffee, an ice cream cone or a doughnut.

When it comes to volunteering… this might be calling ahead to plug in for a couple of hours.  Maybe it’s for a special need that they have… or maybe it’s to help.  (Now, I will say that I recommend going past just doing a tour at this point.  This gives you a real taste for the organization… and how things work.)  This involves a little more one-on-one, but it’s less risky because your level of long term commitment is very low!

There was the dinner date.

Now, a dinner date involves more commitment.  Maybe we’re talking plans for a full evening.  A meal.  A movie or a show.  Maybe even a little dancing.  Oh yeah.   The level of risk goes up slightly… because if the evening tanks… there’s a good chance you’re in for a few hours of being uncomfortable.  But past that… you’re out.  No harm no foul.

When it comes to volunteering, this might look like plugging in for a full day.  Or maybe it might be attending a volunteer orientation. (By the way, most animal shelters will need for you to go through a full volunteer orientation before you can help out on site.)

This might mean more of a commitment, but if it doesn’t work out… you’re not locked into a long term gig.

Then… there’s “Going together.”

Ahhhhhh.  Remember… “going together?”

On Happy Days, they called it “going steady.”  Some call it courting.  (What did you call it?  What do you call it now?  Click on comments and let us know.  Yes… I’m completely out of this lingo!)  But in dating… this is when you officially take it up a notch.  You’re exclusive.  You spend a lot more time together.  Things are looking good.

Let’s just say it… when it’s right… “it’s dreamy!”

When it comes to volunteering… this is when you decide to make more of a long term commitment.  Maybe this means instead of just taking a class… you sign up to teach the class at your church.  Or maybe… you sign up to answer phones for a specific time each week.  Or maybe… just maybe… you commit to be on a board or a leadership team to provide your expertise or wisdom.

It may not be a life-long… but in this case… you commit to something longer term.

Let’s be honest.  Just like dating… this won’t be perfect.  It won’t all be rainbows and little ponies.  When you spend more time together… you’ll see stuff that you don’t always like.  Or things will get a bit messier.  But at the same time, making a longer term commitment to an organization can also produce some payoffs that only come with time.

How about you?

Have you been thinking about volunteering lately?  Have you been longing to give back… but you’re not sure where to plug in?

What if you asked yourself these questions…

• What if you gave yourself the same permission to date… when it comes to volunteering?
• What if you allowed yourself space to test the waters without the pressure of thinking you have to find the perfect relationship right from the start?
• What if you intentionally dove in… and came up with a list of organizations you want to check out… and you started doing it?
• What if you found ways to experiment with an organization?
• What if you committed to having fun while you did it… (because… let’s face it… like dating this could become a burden if you don’t stay focused on why you’re doing this.)
• And then… when you find the right organization… what if you committed to a longer-term relationship?

What if?

Can’t wait to hear your stories!

Join in the convo…

If you’ve been thinking about volunteering… click comments and let us know who you’re thinking about working with? Or… if you just want to set me straight on my dating terminology… then click comments and let me know! Or if you’ve found a great organization to volunteer for… share your ideas.  We’d love to hear from you!

Keep dreaming BIG and helping others to do the same,

Mitch Matthews

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