As many of you know I have been a TEC/Vistage speaker for about 11 years.  After delivering about 425 presentations to groups of CEOs you would think I would have seen just about anything right?

 One of these presentations required my business partner and I to catch a seaplane from Seattle to Roach Harbor in the San Juan Islands.  Burton, when he joins me for these presentations, always brings a scientific approach to some of his demonstrations.  It’s like watching Mr. Wizzard a hold a group of CEOs spellbound for a few moments as he demonstrates the power of quantum physics or bound layer drag right before our very eyes.

 One such demonstration involves filling up a glass of water such that the water level is actually higher than the rim of the glass.  Well as I am sure you can imagine this leads to all sorts of interesting conversations about pushing beyond self imposed limits etc.

 One of the concepts we were exploring with this group involved the impact that our beliefs had on behavior and results.  One of the most illuminating experiences is when someone in the room actually demonstrates one of the concepts we are talking about.  Mid way through our discussion the chair person of this particular group, being worried about this glass of water filled beyond the brim possibly spilling all over papers nearby, quickly tried to reach for the glass and remove it.  The problem was that his movement was so jerky that he actually knocked the glass of water over and the thing he was afraid of actually occurred. 

 How often does this dynamic occur in our lives?  I am afraid of not making the green light about 300 yards away.  In response to my fear I take my foot off the gas pedal causing me to drive slower and actually get a red light by the time I reach the intersection.  Had I just maintained the same speed I would have caught the green light.

 Whatever we believe in structures how we interpret data from our environment.  We are further driven to act in a certain manner which produces a result all of which validate the underlying belief or assumption.

 Pay attention to any results that have been consistently occurring in your business that you are less than thrilled with.  Consider the possibility that there may be some underlying assumptions or beliefs involved that are driving your focus, thoughts, and action steps.