The 'Be As If' Frame of Mind: A Powerful Tool for Success
FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2015 | LAST UPDATED IN MARCH 2022
The 'Be As If' Frame (of mind) is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals and improve your problem-solving skills. This technique has many applications and is based on being ‘as if’ a desired state or outcome has been achieved. It is a type of positive 'what if... state of mind; allowing you to imagine, “What if my situation was exactly how I envisioned it? What if I was the person I want to be?”
Put simply: for an outcome, be as if you have already achieved your outcome. Live your dreams now and allow reality to catch up!
Using the 'Be As If' Technique in Negotiation and Problem Solving
When negotiating or problem solving, you can explore other possibilities by saying, “Let’s proceed as if I agree to this demand or take your proposed course of action. How could that be beneficial for me, or what would happen as a result?” If a key stakeholder’s input is missing, you may pose the question: “Let’s act as if Sue is present. What might she suggest?”
By adopting this mindset, you can approach situations with an open mind and consider all possible outcomes before making a decision.
Reverse Engineering with the 'Be As If' Mindset in Project Planning
Time Management with the 'Be As If' Frame of Mind
The ‘Be As If’ frame of mind can be applied to time management. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and stressed about a lack of time, you can ‘be as if’ you have plenty of time or even nothing to do, and attend to your activities in a relaxed but focused way. By adopting this mindset, you can increase your productivity, accomplish more in less time and reduce stress levels.
This is the one that I use the most - because everything flows from your state - and if you are in a mindset of being ‘time-poor’, your outputs will suffer. I find this technique quite remarkable because as I do this, I find I get more done in less time and end up feeling less stressed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 'Be As If' Frame of Mind is a versatile and effective tool that can be applied in various areas of life. By imagining a desired outcome as already achieved, we can manifest it into reality. With practice, this technique can become a habit that leads to greater success, improved problem-solving skills, and a more positive mindset.
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