Master Your Thoughts
“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at, change.”
Has anyone ever asked, “What are you thinking about?” The reason I ask is because someone recently told me, “You think too much” so I reminded them that we all have 60-70,000 thoughts in one day. One BIG thing quickly came to mind: Mastering our thoughts is the key to shaping our lives.
Here are five techniques and strategies that can help:
1. Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation will help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, and help you learn to observe them without judgment. It clears your mind. By regularly practicing mindfulness, we can become more focused and in the moment, and better able to manage obsessive and negative thoughts. Sit quietly for a few minutes every day and notice the sounds and other senses surrounding you. Be in the now.
2. Clean & Clear then Plan and Plant: These are the two first steps towards true transformation. They change us from who we are to who we want to be. Cognitive restructuring involves identifying and challenging negative, unhelpful thoughts, and replacing them with more positive and constructive ones. Change your thoughts and you can change your life. In my workshops, I give clients a rubber band to place around their wrist. Every time they have a negative thought or feeling or they put themselves down, they have to snap it. Erase negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Erase and replace. The rubber band is a reminder to “snap out of it” when it comes to negative thinking”. This technique can shift your mindset and help you master the power of positive thinking.
3. An Attitude of Gratitude: Being grateful shifts your attention from negative thoughts to a more positive outlook on life. In this world, most of us have more than most others. Be grateful for what you have. If you like to write, keep a daily gratitude journal, or simply take some time to reflect on the things in your life you’re thankful for. Gratitude is one of the quickest ways to hack into happiness.
4. Get Physical: Regular exercise can reduce stress and promote a positive outlook. When we keep moving we keep growing. By staying physically active, you improve your overall well-being. When you feel better you are better. Energy promotes synergy. Sometimes you can act yourself into right thinking. Working out helps you work IN and a little goes a long way. Do what you like to keep moving, or subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch free episodes of “Mind/Body” for a daily dose of exercise and inspiration.
5. Ask for Help: If you’re struggling with persistently negative thoughts, depression or anxiety, asking for and getting professional help is awesome. Or sometimes a cure is as simple as talking with a wise and trusted friend. Just remember, changing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors is not instant coffee. Real change takes time and consistency, practice and repetition. The fourth and final step in my book, “Mixed Up to Fixed Up in Four Weeks” is Reap and Repeat. Attempting to unwire and un-fire and rewire and re-fire years and years of habitual thoughts and feelings takes time. Be gentle with yourself. You’re enough. In fact, I think we all are.
Thank you for reading and sharing! Always go where the Love is.