Are you an energy drain? Check your attitude at the door.

Gratitude and grumbles cannot co-exist. Two words: self-fulfilling prophecy. And it works for both the big and the small stuff. Think about it: When we adopt an attitude of gratitude, we automatically align ourselves to receive a positive outcome. I’m sure you’ve heard this advice: You attract more flies with honey. Same concept. Conversely, grumbling and focusing on everything wrong obscures many of the joys of life and invites cynicism and negativity into our heart space. Plus, it can prove an energy drain on those around us. As with any new habit, or lifestyle change, we must allow ourselves time and patience—beginning with baby steps. For example, start by expecting light traffic… an ideal parking space… a short wait in line… a waived service fee… and give thanks upon receipt. With consistent use, our gratitude “muscles” will grow stronger and it’ll become easier to expect the big(ger) stuff: the job promotion… a healed injury… the published short story… Consistency is key.

What are you grateful for today?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Taming the monkeys: Part VI, the glue + tip #2

Words we speak about an experience become the experience.
~ Derek Hough

In my post, “…Part V and thinking SMART,” I review nighttime routines and working smarter. Plus, I promise to reveal the glue that holds it all together: consistency. If you’re not seeing results, crushing your goals or manifesting your dreams, try sticking to a consistent habit, goal or practice until 1) either change occurs or 2) you need to try something new. Oh, and tip #2 that KM gave me at the start of my 45-day challenge? Quit complaining. The hard truth: complaining attracts negativity and misfortune. Don’t believe me? Try this at home (aka everywhere): Wear a rubber band on your wrist, snap it each time you complain and then switch wrists. But attempt to keep it on the same wrist for 21 days and watch what happens. Bonus: incorporate five minutes of focused gratitude into your morning routine. Check out these other resources: James R. Doty, simplemind.eu/how-to-mind-map/examples/goals, zapier.com/blog/smart-goals/.

Are you ready to attract abundance?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Do what you can: how to cultivate discipline

 

On the heels of my previous post, “Persistence, determination…,” what if you don’t see the results of your consistent efforts right away? Or even within months or years of “showing up” each day? How do you fight the discouragement and keep on keeping on? That, my friends, boils down to the question: How badly do you want it? If it’s something that doesn’t occupy your thoughts 24/7 or make you excited to jump (or crawl) out of bed each morning, then whatever it is may no longer be worthy of your attention. And that’s okay. But if it is a dream that defines you or your purpose in life, then you must work through any disappointment or obstacles and chalk them up as growing pains. Maybe up your game, reprioritize. Simplify along the way. According to “Consistency Beats Talent…,” ‘Do what you can with the hours you have. Cultivate discipline. Master your time so you can maximize your production with what time you have.’

How do you cultivate discipline?

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Persistence, determination: how to win at life

 

We become what we want to be
by consistently being what we want to become
each day. ~ Richard G. Scott

As I write this post, the wife of my former trainer just knocked out day #178 of showing up. Not simply getting out of bed in the morning (which, for many, is a feat to celebrate), but participating in some type of physical fitness. Every day. Segue into this article I recently read: “Consistency Beats Talent, Luck, Good Intentions, and Even Quality.” I’ve touched on the topic of consistency in past posts and think it’s worthy of another mention. Because whatever it is that we want to be good at requires showing up. Persistence. Want to become a published novelist, professional dancer, artist or athlete? Be the best spouse/partner, parent, employee, student and/or friend? Then show up. Every day. This isn’t rocket science, my friends. You don’t need a special degree or training. You just need to want it badly enough.

What do you want badly enough?

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Information overload: the good, the bad and the ugly

 

I’ve got a lot on my mind but, rather than write multiple posts, I condensed my innumerable thoughts into six key points so I can say my piece and move on. You’re welcome.

1. Consistency and mindfulness: Hey, they really work! My recent blood workup illustrates the positive results of both. See “Consistency is key…” and “7 tips to incorporate mindfulness…” for helpful reminders.
2. Authentic change requires forgiveness: Did you commit a wrongdoing that compels you to ask forgiveness? Or are you waiting for an apology? See “Forgiveness is a funny thing” and “Forgiveness leads to freedom.” Only through forgiveness can we experience authentic, life-altering change.
3. Health stuff: Nothing major, but a new pesky concern to monitor.
4. Enough with the negativity: Quit bellyaching (note to self) and see “What we speak is what we get.”
5. My heart hurts: For my friends and family who suffer with illness, disease, loss, heartache. For my own unrequited dreams.
6. Humanity: God help us.

What’s on your mind?

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

Consistency is key: 8 steps to become a better version of you

 

After 30 days of practicing mindfulness, I can honestly say: it works. Not only have I gained a deeper level of awareness of who I am and what I want to be, I’ve also discovered that consistency is key to (lasting) change. Practice these eight steps to become a better version of you:

1. Recognize and acknowledge negative thinking; work to change your train of thought.
2. Choose happy: every moment, each day.
3. If you’re not happy with XYZ, pray, say and/or take action.
4. Don’t take life too seriously: laugh at yourself. It heals, it’s contagious and it’s a free ab workout.
5. Smile often: it’s sunshine on a cloudy day, for yourself and others.
6. Mistakes happen: own up and rectify if possible. Then move on.
7. Slow down; life is not a race to be run but a journey to be savored.
8. Be kind to your neighbor, your fellow human-being: we are all in this thing together.

How do you practice consistency daily?