Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life
by: Laurie Hayes
The only thing in life we have direct control over is our thoughts
and our thoughts determine how we experience life.
You may know of someone who has what appears to be a perfect life a
loving family, a beautiful home, an amazing career but if this person
is filled with negative thoughts, he or she is not able to fully enjoy
what life has to offer. This person may be focusing instead on what
is missing or what is perceived wrong.
You may also know of someone who has faced a difficult situation, lives
a humble existence, has to work two or three jobs to make ends meet,
but regardless of the situation, always has a smile, a wave and an appreciation
for everything good in life.
The good news is regardless of our current circumstances, we can choose
our thoughts and how we react to any situation. We can choose to be
positive, loving, and appreciative or negative, judgmental and critical.
When you find yourself caught in negative thinking, recognize what
is happening and stop yourself. Then ask yourself one or more of the
following questions:
- How is this negative thinking serving me?
- Am I willing to let something beyond my control consume my thoughts
and ruin my day?
- Is there something I can do about this to make it better?
- How can I turn this negative thought into a positive one?
Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, advises
that 90 percent of our thoughts are habitual. If you find that the majority
of your thoughts are negative, it is because you allowed them to make
themselves at home in your mind so they can now play as recordings,
over and over again. You may find it difficult to shut them out, even
though you want to.
Since 90 percent of what we think about is habitual, you can create
new thoughts to replace the negative ones and develop new thinking habits.
A good place to start is by playing a little game.
Every time a negative thought enters your mind, acknowledge it, then
find a positive one to replace it. Now this wont always be easy, but
it can be done. You can be as conservative or extreme as you like. Here
are a few examples to get you started
Negative
The taxes on my paycheck are ridiculous!
Positive
I have a job.
Negative
I hate cleaning my house.
Positive
I have a home.
Negative
My clothes are too tight!
Positive
I have enough food to eat.
Negative
I had to park at the far end of the parking lot!
Positive
I can walk and own a vehicle.
Negative
My heating bill is huge!
Positive
I am warm in the winter.
Negative
I am tired and my muscles ache!
Positive
I am capable of working hard.
The next time you are faced with a negative thought, try taking control
and making a positive change. In the famous words of Henry Ford, Whether
you think you can, or think you cant, youre right.
| About The Author
Laurie Hayes is a professional Life Strategy Coach who teaches
others how to recognize and seize opportunities presented in every
day life. She has the ability to reveal the lesson to be learned
in every situation and inspires others to seek out the best life
has to offer. To learn more about life coaching and to secure
a copy of her free e-book, "10 Guidelines for Attraction," visit
http://www.wheretheheartis-lifecoaching.com.
All content herein is copyrighted and must be used in its original
format with author bio and website attached. |
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