Imagine living a life where you wake up each day with purpose, possibility, and a sense of fulfillment. In “The Lemonade Life – How to Fuel Success, Create Happiness and Conquer Anything” by Zack Friedman, you’ll discover the 5 Internal Switches (the acronym PRISM) that can help you unlock your fullest potential and live your best life.
Today, let’s explore these powerful switches and learn how to make them a part of your daily routine.
First, let’s begin with an important question – will you choose to MAKE life happen OR will you LET life happen TO you? Another way of saying this is, “Will you live the Lemon Life or the Lemonade Life?”
Every single day we are all making a choice to lead a Lemon Life or a Lemonade Life. A Lemon Life is a life built on settling and chasing after things. A life where you allow others to shape your destiny.
On the other side of the path is a better road. It’s called a Lemonade Life. A Lemonade Life is living life on YOUR terms with purpose and possibility. Your purpose is WHY you get up. It is your life mission. Possibility is infinite opportunity, and when you tie that together with Action —- And, you’re doing on your terms. . . you get to lead that Lemonade Life.
There are actually 5 behaviors that drive success in life. They are like 5 light switches that need to be turned on. Some people know about them, others do not.
1. Perspective
It always always starts with MINDSET. Having a positive mindset is the #1 thing you must have for success.. Without a good outlook on life, you’ll always be stuck. If you always see things in a negative way, it’s hard to move forward.
What limiting beliefs do you have about yourself or your circumstances that you can identify right now? Can you think of what might be holding you back?
There are actually 3 mindsets that keep you stuck in a “Lemon Life”: the Eternal Excuser, the Steady Settler, and the Change Chaser.
The Eternal Excuser – This person is always blaming life circumstances on EXTERNAL Factors. – it is always “other people’s” fault. They see rain clouds on a sunny day. They love to give their opinion and are somehow experts on everything but gain comfort and power from criticizing others from the safety of their own space. They use excuses like “it’s too hard”, “I don’t know how to do that” “It’s too much work” “I’m too old” or “it takes too much time.”
The Steady Settler – This person appears to have it all but it is not real. They are living someone else’s dreams not their own. That “someone else” could be friends, parents or even society. Steady Settlers are unhappy but hate change and are afraid to go after what they really want because “appearance” is everything. Think Holiday Cards or curated Facebook and Instagram posts.
The Change Chaser – This person seems to be innovative because they are always going for new opportunities but they are motivated by the fear of missing out and often make rash decisions. They are always going after the “next” thing.
The Eternal Excuser, Steady Settler, and Change Chaser’s futures always look like their pasts because they keep repeating the same mistakes and behaviors.
Instead, embrace the Daring Disruptor within you. So who are the Daring Disruptors? They are game changers who lead the Lemonade Life with creativity and innovation. They find happiness within themselves, free from dependence on external factors. They don’t depend on external things to achieve happiness because it comes from within. Their secret? They tackle the toughest tasks first thing in the morning (eating the frog) and follow a few key tips.
Daring Disruptor Tip #1 – Start by examining your “Wolf Pack” – Who are the people who influence your daily life? Create your own dream team that challenge, support and inspire you. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and don’t hesitate to remove negativity from your circle.
Daring Disruptor Tip #2 – Rewire your brain for positivity; it doesn’t mean being happy 24 hours a day, but it means viewing the world through a lens of goodness and kindness, believing in happiness, and seeing possibilities even in the face of challenges or roadblocks. You believe in the idea of happiness. Whatever you face challenges or roadblocks – and we all have them- you approach life with resiliency and get back up again. You believe in possibility and opportunity.
When you achieve even small goals, your brain rewards you with a dose of dopamine, enhancing your attention, memory, and motivation. Ask yourself, “What good can I do today?” Find ways to spread kindness, whether it’s dropping extra change in a tip jar, offering a compliment to a stranger, or providing support to a friend in need.
Daring Disruptor Tip #3 – As part of your morning routine, connect with someone you love (a simple hug can reduce stress), express gratitude by jotting down 3 things you’re thankful for, and ponder the Steve Jobs’ question: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?” If the answer is “no” for too many days, it’s time to make a change.
Daring Disruptor Tip #4 – Live for Today. Live for everyday. Happiness does not come only on the weekends or at the end of your life when the kids are grown and you are retired.
Here are a Few Ways to Feel Happier Now
- 1. Smile More – this yields both psychological & physiological benefits
- 2. Be Grateful – think of 7 things in your life that move you and inspire you
- 3. Buy Experiences, Not Things – build bonds with others through shared adventures
- 4. Commit Acts of Kindness. – connecting with people touches hearts, strengthens humanity and strengthens your soul
- 5. Empower Other People. – provide tools, support, and encouragement for others to take control of their own lives and make meaningful choices
To summarize, while some opt to WAIT (Eternal Excusers), others prefer to WATCH (Steady Settlers), and some merely HOPE (Change Chasers). Yet, the true power lies in those who actively MAKE things happen – the Daring Disruptors
Your outlook on life really does shape your reality. By identifying and challenging limiting beliefs, you can open the door to endless opportunities. Say goodbye to the Eternal Excuser, Steady Settler, and Change Chaser mindsets that hold you back, and embrace the Daring Disruptor within you. So, let your inner Daring Disruptor guide you towards a Lemonade Life filled with positivity, possibility, and purpose.
2. Risk
Life is full of risk and rewards. We often don’t take risks because we don’t believe the results are worth our time, effort or money. We also often associate risk with failure.
The “safe” barriers you create actually limit your progress and opportunities. Instead, Dare to Stand Alone and Travel your Own Unique Path.
Try the 5X Rule to Gain Insights into your life.
- Begin by drawing 5 large boxes on a piece of paper. In box 1, list 5 members of your Wolfpack.
- In box 2, list 5 people you spend the most time with at work.
- In box 3, list 5 activities you do most often.
- In box 4, list 5 times in the past year when you were truly happy.
- Lastly, in box 5, list 5 times you risked something in the past year.
- Now ask yourself these questions – Is this who I want to be? Do these lists, when viewed together, reflect the best me? If not, it’s time to redirect your time, energy, and attention. Reshape your lists to reflect the life you want to lead, not the life you’re living.
Think like an Inventor
Failure is not the end; think of it as a stepping stone to success. I bet you didn’t know that James Dyson, the mastermind behind Dyson vacuums – dedicated 15 YEARS to create 5,126 prototypes before he successfully invented his bestselling bagless vacuum! Before him, all vacuums had bags. Because of Dyson’s dreams, determination and bold risk-taking, the world of cleaning was changed for millions. Often big dreams come with trial and error, twists and turns and outright failure. However, these setbacks can serve as valuable lessons paving the way for the next step for you to do it better and differently. When you fail, always keep your “why” in mind.
3. Independence
In life, we spend a lot of time learning how to get along with others. But it’s also important to be Independent, which means doing things ON YOUR OWN and not just following what everyone else does.
Being independent can be hard because it means you have to go your own way instead of going along with “the crowd”. When your destiny depends on someone else’s wants, desires and goals, you are following the Herd Mentality.
Does this sound like you? You must buy a certain pair of jeans because they are “in”. You see someone on IG or Tik Tok and you want the same hair color, body or look. Your friends go to Maui, so you must go. Keeping up with neighbors, friends and social media posts is not only naturally unhealthy, but you are leading a life of dependence.
Let me propose a different narrative, one where you become the ultimate cheerleader for your friends’ success. It’s not about becoming their mirror image but rather about supporting their aspirations and rooting for their success. While you can certainly draw inspiration from them, the true essence lies in blazing your own trail. You hold the reins of your destiny, and it’s not tethered to someone else.
Think for yourself and determine what aligns with your values and goals. Avoid the “herd mentality” and the trap of following the crowd and comparing yourself to others. Your path in life should not depend on other people. It feels like it’s safer to run in groups and find comfort in the solidarity of the herd however, independence means daring to stand alone, even if you’re wrong. Focus on traveling your own path at your own pace, and on your own terms.
How to Stop Keeping Up with the Joneses (or the Kardashians)
Keeping up with others can be an emotional roller coaster. You’re a follower then. You’ve given up control of your life. You’re a spectator in your own game. Here’s a hard truth – other people don’t care about you as much as you think they do. They are living their own life. Probably on their own voyage of “keeping up” with others.
It is true, there are people that will have bigger houses, nicer cars or more money. So what? You also have a bigger house, nicer car and more money than other people – ones you may or may not know. Again so what? You are playing the wrong game. When you keep up with the Jones, you’re stuck being a Steady Settler. Instead play the game called Gratitude. Focus on what You have, not what others flaunt. (Friedman, p. 112)
So remember – Be You! Don’t let societal pressures dictate your destiny. Your destiny should be guided by YOUR desires, not the expectations of others. Be the Captain of your Own Ship by focusing on YOUR journey, not someone else’s.
4. Self Awareness
Self-awareness is the ability to identify your own strengths, and weaknesses. Let’s be totally honest. No human can do everything well and have “it all”. Authenticity is key. We are often not authentic. We tell other people what they want to hear. By seeing yourself and your challenges more clearly, you will be much more equipped to solve them.
The 1st strategy to being self-aware is to take everything personally, this does not mean to be hypersensitive for criticism. But it does mean that you’re willing to listen to negative feedback with grace, and take accountability for your actions rather than blaming someone else.
Conduct your own SWOT analysis which stands for STRENGTHS (list 3-5 key ways you shine and excel at life) WEAKNESSES (list 3 places, you fall short) OPPORTUNITIES (list 3 areas of your life where you can get ahead, easily) and THREATS (list 3 challenges or road blocks that may impede your progress) After you write down your answers, touch base with some people that know you best and get their feedback on these 4 areas for you. Use this reflection as a roadmap for your life … and play to your strengths Repeat this swot every 3 months. Being open to feedback will flip the switch on being self-awareness.
Lastly, it is extremely important to understand that self-awareness must also come with self-compassion….for more on Self-Compassion
5. Motion
Sometimes we get “stuck”. We don’t know what to do or keep circling back around to our past. If we want to live The Lemonade Life, we must work for it.
Talk is cheap. Action is worth everything. Take action and commit fully to your goals, no matter how bumpy the path may be.
Crush your Goals in 5 Steps
- 1. Write down five goals you want to achieve
- 2. Read the list out loud
- 3. Rephrase each goal beginning with the words “I will”
- 4. Reflect on your “WHY”
- 5. Visualize your journey in reverse to create an action plan for success.
Remember, no one is going to make your dream comes true for you, except you.
Friedman’s book opens with a choice we all face: to lead a Lemon Life or a Lemonade Life. A Lemon Life is settling for less, and chasing after things. allowing external forces to shape your destiny. On the other hand, a Lemonade Life is about taking control, living life on your terms with purpose and limitless possibilities. The question is, will you make life happen, or will life happen to you?
In conclusion, the journey from a Lemon Life to a Lemonade Life begins with activating these 5 switches: Perspective, Risk, Independence, Self-Awareness, and Motion. You’ll find yourself on the path to living a life filled with purpose, possibility, and happiness. Remember, yesterday may have been the last day you said, “I can’t.” Today is the first day you say, “I will.”