I recently had a conversation with a close friend on a Monday morning.  Before we go into catching up what had taken place over the weekend I asked the simple question “So what’s going on?”.  His immediate response was “I’m just feeling off – I guess it’s because it’s Monday.”  Without much more prompting he immediately started to tell me about problems that he is having with his car.  A head light had to be replaced for the 3rd time and he was starting to smell burning plastic.  He was out of ideas and getting frustrated.

I immediately asked him how his weekend was and he continued sharing.  He started to tell me how he had a company picnic this weekend and that his colleagues were able to meet his son, whom they have heard about for the past 6 years, and his new wife.  He proudly shared that he was able to speak to executives within his organization and share his enthusiasm and ideas for the organization.  Before long he was telling me how productive his weekend was and that he really enjoyed spending time with his family.

This short conversation with my friend happens to be an ideal example of how A Plan For Living is designed.  In place of the tool, this conversation happened to be with me.  However, with continued and consistent use, A Plan For Living helps you become your own best friend and re-frame the conversation.

After our 5 minute conversation his voice went from distraught to excited.

I asked him if on his gratitude list was the following:

• He had a great time at the company bbq
• He overcame his fear of speaking to his executives
• His son behaved – or at least didn’t misbehave
• His wife supported him all weekend
• He had a car to melt (the headlights)
• He had a job to drive to

NONE of those things were on his list!  Instead he was praying he was going to make it through another Monday!

As you become comfortable with yourself and the use of APFL – you come to see that you are the deciding factor in how you engage with the world.  APFL doesn’t solve your problems – it does help you re-focus on how you view the world.  His car didn’t burn any slower.  His drive to work didn’t getting shorter.  His to do list didn’t get any easier.  He was, however, able to breathe and pass on the optimism he caught in a quick conversation.

All of a sudden he found himself listening to music on his way to work – singing to himself – and living in the moment!