Take the Stairs

            One brilliant aspect of the human mind is that once we start asking the question "how," our creativity engages. As the second-century BC philosopher Patanjali said, "Your mind transcends limitations; your consciousness expands in every direction ... Dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."

            In other words, when we intentionally ask "how" instead of settling for the default question of "should," our subconscious mind goes into overdrive, and we find ourselves answering those "how" questions-and achieving more than we ever thought possible.
            The world of "how" opens up when you commit past that  critical pivot point. It's why you hear so many speakers and teachers talk about how success is just beyond the point you feel like quitting. It's why Southwestern taught us that "the answer is always behind the next door." It's why almost everyone hits these decisional pivot points in their life that completely influence the trajectory of the rest of their life. Flipping the switch in that crucial moment is within your power - and can make all the difference, because if we aren't consciously choosing a good attitude, then we are unconsciously choosing a poor one. That is a choice in and of itself.

Except from Take The Stairs, 7 Steps toAchieving True Success by Rory Vaden, Perigee, 2012, p.58.