“Trust your instincts, and make judgements on what your heart tells you. The heart will not betray you.” ― David Gemmell
Quora Question: How can you change your habits and thought process that control your daily life and wellbeing?
I think when you finally get tired of the drama that’s in your life and you make the decision to change, even if it is just one small thing, that is when life itself will change for you. Change begins with the decision to change. It could be as simple as wanting to drink more water and less sodas or alcohol. One small change can shift the trajectory of your path.
Pay attention to things that cause an irritation in you. Ask yourself, “what’s in my control?” If there is something you can do to reduce or eliminate the irritation, then do it. Change begins the moment you decide you want to change.
Let me give you an example:
A couple of years ago, I used to be big on scrolling through Facebook and other social sites, but I started noticing how I would feel once I got off. It wasn’t leaving me with positive feelings. I asked myself, “what’s in my control?” That’s when I realized I could choose to do something else with my time like read books rather than scroll social media sites. I could go for a walk or write in my journal when I felt the urge to grab for my phone. When I pondered what else I could do with time I usually allotted for scrolling social media, that is when I saw other activities that were more in alignment with achieving my desired goals.
So here are a few suggestions I would like to offer anyone looking to change their habits and thought process:
- Pay attention to your emotions and your feelings. They are like signals from your soul that let you know if you are heading in the right direction or indicators that you might want to make a U-turn.
- Make the decision to make one small change. It is that one small change that can and will change the trajectory of your path.
- Trust the process and watch it unfold. Learn to become friends with your body, mind, and spirit. I call them the “Three Chairmen”. Once I learned to listen and pay attention to what was coming up from within, I know get a better sense of when I am on the right path or when I need to pivot.
- Stay open to possibilities. There will be things that you will pick up on your mental radar that you may have never noticed before. It is like your brain goes to work looking for opportunities to help you achieve your desired goals.
- Keep a journal. Record your progress. As we grow and change, you can always look back through your journal entries to see how far you have come. By paying attention, simple change in your habits, behaviors and thoughts are more recognizable.
- Find an accountability partner. Connect with others and share your insight with others. Help to hold each other accountable for your goals.
- Have grace with yourself. We didn’t develop these habits and thought processes in just one day and that means we can’t change them in just one day either.
The truth is that we are always changing whether we realize it or not. By paying attention and recording our process, we can see the process and watch it unfold.
Quote Source: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/decision-making
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I started taking salsa classes a few weeks ago. It’s the type of salsa that requires working with a partner. I am not usually the lead partner which has been a struggle for me. They teach us the basic steps and then when we are partnered up, I am to “mirror” my partner. Last week we had a practice session. I learned one of the most valuable lessons, not only to dancing, but in life.
In life there is a dynamic duo by the name of Now and Later. To be successful, we have to learn to appreciate now in order to navigate or influence want we want later. Take for instance, whatever you are going through right now in life can provide the tools and the wisdom you need to manage future difficulties later, if you look for it. Take what you learn now and apply it towards what you will face later. It becomes compounded wisdom.
When you know that you are on the right path many new opportunities seem to be “pop up”. Not all distractions are “bad”. In times of temptation, keep clarity. Make sure that you have your goal or vision handy and that it is written down. Review it often. Don’t get caught off guard by distractions.
Sweet N Social 