cashercise # 3 - into your element

I spend a lot of time thinking about optimism.  My optimism.  It’s the most powerful weapon in my, or anyone’s, arsenal of potential.  A lot of the ways I nourish it are quite conscious in nature.   Finding purple linings in apparent clouds (see here).  Surrounding myself with upbeat people (see here).  Believing good things are coming to me, always (see here).

Others are just as important, but less obvious.

I don’t realize the effect they’re having until long after they’ve started working their magic.  Such was certainly the case with a recent realization.  It’s an optimism boosting “Cashercise” you can try, and benefit immensely from, yourself.  Right now.  For free.  (Or close to it.)

In the future, I’ll be many things.  A homebody isn’t one of them.  Cash’s life’s work will involve a ridiculous amount of travel.  My time spent in airports will likely exceed that spent in my living room.  Same goes for my time in hotels.  Upscale, comfortable hotels where the staff  knows me and treats me accordingly; with the myriad perks of being a generous ‘regular’ in their establishments.  Oh the places we’ll go.  By “we” I mean “me”.  :)  But I digress.

The best part of my Five Star Future? I’ve been practicing for it.  Accidentally.

Most of my lunch hours are spent soaking up the ambiance, energy, and vibe of the downtown Denver Hyatt Convention Center.  Here, sinking into the plush lobby chairs, book in hand.

I read.

And watch.

And listen.

There’s out of town conventioneers rushing past to seminars.  Heavily accented New Yorkers planning happy hour.  Businessmen and women typing away on their laptops.  Cell phone conversations.  So many cell phone conversations.  Calls to lovers and husbands and bosses half way around the world.

Spending time here daily, I’ve found myself feeling more and more at home.

I imagine my own cross-country phone calls.  The warm greeting of the concierge welcoming me back.  The bell boy wheeling my luggage along the shiny marble floor.

I imagine this.  I accept this.  I believe this.

The effect on my mindset is tangible.

My mood’s always better when I’m leaving than when I arrived.

It’s mesmerizing.

Immersing myself regularly in my desired element helps me focus.  Brings it closer.  Makes it more… real.

Everyone can benefit from something like this.  A few random examples, depending on your own desired destiny:

Artist

Spend time at local galleries.  Not looking at the art, but imagining a reception.  Opening night.  For your own highly anticipated exhibit.  What will people will be saying?  Wearing?  What music will be played?  How will the press react to your latest work?

Inventor

Spend time at trade conventions catering to your chosen field.  Imagine your own booth.  The curious people walking by.  Sexy trade show girls luring in potential customers.  A late night champagne toast celebrating a new distributor for your product.

Lawyer / Executive / Politician

Spend time at an upscale, power restaurant or bar.  A place where suits and ties are expected, if not required.  In Denver, perhaps try Capitol Grill or The Palm.  Listen to deals brewing.  Networking in progress.  Imagine the thrill of your own.  Subtle negotiations.  Top shelf martinis.  Pay attention to the bartenders and waiters.  Notice the reverence shown to their well known, well heeled customers.

Every dream job has certain elements that define achievement of it.  Think about what defines yours.  Then?  Find ways to experience it first hand.  Right now.

It’s powerful beyond belief.

Why?

Most human beings share one trait;  impatience.  The desire for instant gratification is intense.  People want an easy fix.  A quick win.  A magic pill.  Staying focused, keeping your ‘eyes on the prize’ of something great in the future can be difficult, for even the most dedicated dreamer.

Maybe the best way of achieving greatness someday, is by experiencing greatness.. today.

Cashercise # 3 is here to help.

Get to work.  Time is short.