This is the advice Gavin Aubrey of Think Training & Development gives to his trainees. Mooing like a cow can make you happier, increase motivation, and even make you live longer! This is just one of the practical approaches he and Wendie at Think Training & Development use to help demonstrate that people can control the way they think and therefore control their motivation, happiness and success.

Gavin and Wendie specialise in communication skills training, leadership programmes and Myers Briggs courses. Whilst many companies spend their training budget on knowledge and skills, research actually suggests that success is based on 80% attitude and 20% knowledge and skills. Gavin says "True success is about having the belief and positive mental attitude to achieve your goals." So why do companies not invest more time in motivation training? Probably because they never thought attitude could be developed.

Using Gavin’s techniques, individuals can unleash their full potential and achieve personal success. He says "Mooing like a cow demonstrates how you can control your motivation and success." He continues "What makes the successful, successful? Is it education, good looks, luck, length of service? Look around at the people you class as successful (if you feel successful look in the mirror). Are they better looking, educated to a higher standard, had a lucky break or just been there forever? Probably not…what sets them apart is their attitude."

For his next exercise, Gavin uses another technique. He explains "Close your eyes and imagine half a lemon in your hand, notice the texture and contour. Now bring the lemon to your mouth and take a bite." He continues "If done correctly, everybody experiences some sensation of biting a real lemon – saliva in the back of the throat, pulling a funny face. But why? The lemon was never there. Your brain is a magnificent creation, unfortunately we were given limited instructions on how to use it, and therefore we usually live our lives on what has happened rather than what could happen. If your brain can taste a non-existent lemon you can develop attitude."

To listen to Gavin’s motivation podcast, or to book a training or coaching programme for yourself or your staff, visit the Think website.

About Think Training & Development

Think Training & Development Ltd was founded in 2003, by Wendie Michie and Gavin Aubrey. They have had the good fortune to coach and train thousands of people in more than 10 countries, across four continents ranging from Kazakhstan to Tobago, Deli to Hong Kong, Stevenage to Mayfair. The company employs a fabulous team of like-minded associate coaches and trainers from a variety of walks of life. To book a course or find out more, please contact: