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!
Thanks for this piece. I really find it helpful to me. You're indeed a ThoughtDr. Stay blessed. Chinonsowrites...
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