Behavior = Success

What a simple yet profound truth that formula is! Our behaviors , whether words, actions, performances, courageous deeds, or risk-taking are usually the keys to succeeding in whatever we're trying to achieve. Your goal may be developing a new (or better) relationship with a loved one, customer, boss or co-worker. You could be interviewing for a new job, or going after a promotion, a raise, or a slot in a prestigious school. Whatever your goal is, your behavior (wise, entreating, empathetic, flexible, positive, or angry, rigid, self-centered, and self-defeating) will clearly influence the outcome .

So it obviously behooves us all to make sure we're on "our best behavior," as our parents might remind us.

The next question is, what determines our behavior? Do we wake up in the morning and decide to feel like losers, or act like impossible jerks? Does eating "power breakfasts" ensure that we'll approach the challenges of our day in a relaxed and confident manner?

What determines our immediate behavior is our state of mind. Let's say you are in a rested, positive, resourceful, cheerful state. Your behavior is going to be positive and confident. Can you see how your behavior might be influenced by a different state of mind-for example, overwhelmed, fatigued and anxious just enough to "tilt" your performance one way or the other?

Now the big question is, what factors contribute to determining our states?

A supportive state lends itself to peak performance, a winning attitude and behavior that lead to success. Likewise, a negative state of mind leads to self-defeating behavior and sub-par performance.

So the question to entertain now is: How do we move from "neutral" or negative states of mind to more supportive ones? Let me briefly offer the following profound but simple strategies:

First, our state of mind is a direct result of how we interpret events in our immediate environment. (In other words, what we tell ourselves about each interaction, conversation, opportunity, etc.) Does our "self-talk" undermine our confidence and reinforce our doubts or insecurities? Or does our internal dialogue support our beliefs by reassuring us with things like, "I can do this!" "These people will listen," or, "I have something of value to add," "I've done this before," "God will help me"? The images and thoughts (negative or positive) that we translate into our internal self-talk form our state of mind. Try thinking happy, positive thoughts . Recall a time when you really felt great, competent, loved, etc. How's your state of mind? Now, think some unpleasant, negative thoughts . What's your state of mind now ? Case closed.

Another way to upgrade your mental state is to move your body . If you exercise regularly, you'll notice that after your jog, swim or workout, your mood will be elevated. You'll also notice that it's hard to feel good when you're lethargic and out of shape.

Bottom Line: To achieve an efficacious state of mind, carefully choose what you focus on. Fill your mind with positive, reinforcing thoughts, while you enjoy a brisk walk or jog.