We can produce the state of excellence anytime we wish. We are in
control of our bodies and, therefore, our state.
For example, say you are about to enter an important meeting
or you have an important phone call to make. You’re feeling anx-
ious and upset or maybe even depressed. You already know how to
produce this state. Let’s go through this method consciously so you
can see what you do now to produce this nonresourceful state.
Then later, you’ll see how to change it.PHYSIOLOGY OFEXCELLENCEMETHOD
Do the following method now. Do not skip ahead until you un-
derstand what you are doing now.
Find a comfortable place to sit. Find a chair that does not re-
cline. Just relax and take a few deep breaths. Now, slump your shoulders
and body forward. Hold your head down and look at the floor. Breathe
hard and sigh several times. How do you feel? Probably not so well right
now. Maybe you’re even a bit depressed. You’re probably thinking:
“That’s great; now you’ve got me all depressed. Thanks a lot.” This state is
a result of what you are doing with your body. Become consciously aware
of how you use your body and how you feel. This is part of sensory acuity.
Enough of that state. Now let’s adopt the physiology of excellence. Sit
up straight in your chair. Put your shoulders all the way back and hold
your head up. Look up toward the ceiling, smile and take a deep breath.
Now, how did that feel? You probably are feeling much more resourceful
and ready to take action. Did you experience both states? Which state did
you prefer? Remember, you can change your internal state of being at any
time by changing your physiology. From here on, use your physiology to
be in a peak state. Imagine how much better life will be when you feel
good all the time.
Let’s do one more method to help you understand the impor-
tance of using your physiology. First, stand up straight with
your shoulders back. Now look up at the ceiling, tilting your
head all the way back. Stare at the ceiling. Now try to be depressed.
What did you experience? Most people will start to smile or even
laugh. Did that happen to you? In this state, it is impossible to become
depressed.
You have experienced how you can change your state instantly
through your physiology. Which state felt more resourceful to you? Which
state do you believe will produce better results for you? Use your physiol-
ogy to produce the state that will assist you in achieving the outcomes you
desire and deserve.44 The Emotional Dynamics of Change