Foundation for Success: Empowered Thinking!

Imagine being plagued by constant self-doubt and pain from your past.  A constant barrage of inner criticism to yourself is an exhausting state of mind, isn't it?  I would know.  I used to live that way.  My mind would literally "beat me up" from morning until night with criticism and judgment:  "You should be further a long in your career. . . you should be getting more done at home. . .you are not pretty enough or skinny enough. . . your friends have nicer homes than you, why can't you get further ahead and catch up to them?"

Wow.  Just reviewing the way I used to think makes me feel exhausted. 

I woke up to my thinking about 8 years ago.  I literally began to study my thoughts, examining them closely one-by-one.  I wrote them down.  I questioned them, "Why do I choose to dwell on this thought?  What is the impact of this thought patter in my life?  Who would I be if I changed my thinking?"

I gained an awareness that led me through a remarkable process of transformation:  I changed from the inside out.  As I started to change my thinking, I literally gained a new leash on life!  It was amazing.  My emotions went from sad and depressed to peaceful and excited.  I became free from fear and self-doubt.  I opened the door to my dreams and saw that I DID have the power to pursue what I really wanted in life.

Anyone can go through this type of change.  In the past few years I have coached hundreds of men and women through this same process.  It works.  It is simple.  It takes work, though--a personal commitment to become aware of your thoughts and then a determination to create new thinking habits. 

Shifting your thoughts is THE MOST WORTHWHILE way you could spend the first part of 2012.  Good thinking is the foundation to success and satisfaction.

Here are the keys areas you can focus on for the week ahead:


1. Observe your fears and worries – write these down on paper in detail so you can see them clearly.

2. Observe negative emotions that you feel throughout the day – what was the thought that preceded the way you felt? If you want to feel emotionally and physically better more of the time, you need to understand the thoughts that are causing you to feel bad emotionally.

3. Notice what percentage of time your thoughts are focused in the past, the present moment or the future. Most of us live the majority of our time in the past or the future. By observing the patterns you have, you can then learn how to focus more of your thoughts in the present moment. The present moment is the ONLY moment you can impact – the past was a present moment that already happened and the future is a present moment that is going to happen.

4. Observe your self-talk – what do you think and say about yourself? What aspects of yourself do you like? What aspects of yourself do you judge and criticize? By understanding self-doubt you can then identify key ways you might be limiting yourself in your life.

If you feel stuck or overwhelmed, don't worry.  Changing your thinking takes time.  It is a process that takes consistent, moment-by-moment awareness.  If you find yourself struggling, seek help.  Yes, you can drop me an email and I will respond if you do.

I know YOU HAVE MORE POWER than you yet realize.  I trust you are ready to tap into it :)

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

P.S. I still review my thoughts every day...and I still find opportunities to change my thinking! 

Empowered 2012 - Embrace Change

I'm starting the year and already, 2012 is full of changes for me.  I am packing boxes, moving locations.  There is a part of me that feels nervous but the greater part of me is EXCITED.  New times, fresh starts, original openings and amazing avenues--it is all right in front of me.

I smile as I write this.  I, as well as my fellow human beings, experience so many sensations and emotions when experiencing change.

I see clearly that I have choice!  The choice I have in every second of my life is my perspective.  Will I know that things will always work out for my best?  Or, will I be afraid?

Will I forge ahead with joy or will I be nervously hesitant?

Will I embrace the challenges and differences or will I be intimated?

Isn't it cool that I get to choose how I want to experience life?  I sure think so.  I love it.  I am empowered when I choose an empowered outlook.

So, this week I offer you a challenge.  Write down the many changes and uncertainties you are experiencing in your life right now.  Then, for each one, ask yourself the following questions (and write your answer down):  "What perspective will I choose as I face this?  What do I want to see happen?"

You have choice.  Choose the thoughts you bring to your life situation wisely.  If you do, you may just find that no matter the ups and downs, twists or turns, highs or lows, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE PEACE :)

Here are a few helpful quotes on change that I thought you'd enjoy:

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” -Andre Gide

“Someone was hurt before you, wronged before you, hungry before you, frightened before you, beaten before you, humiliated before you, raped before you… yet, someone survived…

You can do anything you choose to do.” –Maya Angelou

“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” -C.S. Lewis

“All great changes are preceded by chaos.” -Deepak Chopra

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” -Marilyn Monroe

Riding the waves of change with you!

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/