Here are some notes on my VAST Possibilities workshop that I will be presenting tomorrow morning. They are cross-referenced with VAST Possibilities at Blogger.

What Are VAST Possibilities?
   

VAST possibilities are what you possess.

VAST stands for ….   

Values and Attitudes that Stimulate (and Sustain) Transformation

A
VAST Possibilities workshop is about creating an interior environment
for life change as a precursor to success in many dimensions of life.

A New Pattern
   

We
have a pattern problem. We have developed behaviors that we practice
consistently, habitually, and without much thought. We start practicing
these behaviors before we crawl out of bed in the morning and condition
ourselves to practice them before we lay our heads on our pillows at
night. When we realize that some of these behaviors are negative or
destructive, we have a battle on our hands removing them. When we
determine to introduce positive practices to the mix, we find that
there is no room for the old is crowding out the new. The first change
is in our attitudes . Then we can address behaviors. We need new
patterns. We need to replace old, worn-out,, useless and even harmful
behaviors with newer, more nurturing and positive actions. What are the
steps?    

1.  First,
   we must make the determination that we are going to introduce change
   into our lives. This comes out of careful evaluation and resolve.
2. We
   must pray for guidance and strength. Our creative God will work with
   our creative minds to create a new scenario and unveil options we have
   never considered.
3. Then, we must do the hard work of being institutional and  aware.
   We must accept that change is awkward and new behaviors may be
   “forced,” contrived, manipulative, or uncomfortable. We must practice
   them anyway.
4. We
   must repeat the new behavior (which includes avoidance of the old) day
   after day, keeping some sort of record of our progress.
5.  We must allow grace for the failures and celebrate the victories and patterns begin to change in our lives.

Values and Attitudes that Stimulate (and Sustain) Transformation

First, there must be a desire for transformation.

• Trans – Across -beyond, through. The "trans" in transformation highlights the idea that for change to occur in behavior, barriers must be crossed and movement must take place.
• Formation – Something is being formed. A new form is emerging within us. Change is taking place in an intrinsic environment where the roots of change are nurtured and allowed to grow naturally.

1. There is movement from the head to the heart.
2. Then there is movement from the heart to the hand (habit and practice).

    Without an end-goal of transformation in mind, behavioral change will not take place.

Then, there must be a strategy  for stimulation and sustainability  of change.

• Transformation Stimulated – Consider the strategies, systems, rewards, and patterns necessary to stimulate desire and energy for change.
• Sustainability – It is not enough to reach a goal of change once. Transformation requires a re-ordering of factors that reinforce behavior over the long haul.

1. Environment.
2. Internal rewards.
3. External rewards.
4. Beliefs.

Finally, there must be a coorrelation between values and attitudes as moderated by our beliefs.

• Values – Values constitute our responses to truth and principles.
• Attitudes – This could also be described as mindset – how we are predisposed to respond rather than to react based upon what we believe about our values and the circumstances of our lives.

ATTITUDE – ATT&T – IT – U – DE

1. AT&T – Communication and self-talk. We must take control of our internal dialogue.
2. IT – We have to ask in every situation, "What is the IT of it?"
3. U – Your attitude is really up to YOU.
4. DE – We need to DEcide to DEny certain patterns, habits, and attitudes. This includes any number of words that start with DE.

Make it plural with an S for SUPERMAN – How did Superman ever figure out his limits or lack thereof?

If you want this to make more sense, get in touch with me for the full workshop.