personal change

Changing Negative Self-Talk

January 17, 2009 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

Let’s identify some of the ways that you can change your negative self-talk by listing the types and then proposing positive alternatives.

Thinking in Absolutes

Using the words “always”, “never” or “everyone” exaggerates reality. Instead use words that are more accurate such as “My portion sizes are often large, but I can change that.”

All or Northing Thinking

Distorting reality by thinking in extremes define our efforts as total failures or complete successes. Instead look at things in between such as “Any amount of weight loss will indicate that my eating and exercise plan are working.”

Shoulds

Using “should”, “have to”, or “must” implies a consequesnce for noncompliance and leads to guilt. Instead use the gift of choice such as “I could walk for 20 minutes before I eat my lunch.”

Recognizing your negative thoughts and practicing positive self-talk can aid you in developing the healthy habit of supporting your actions with positive internal dialog.

If You Think You Can…

July 1, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” ~ Henry Ford (attributed)

Is it really all about attitude?

Having a positive attitude allows you to be accepting of the possibilities instead the problems that life may bring.

Think of the last time you tried to learn something new, change a habit or even anticipate an expected outcome/experience. Did what you think about that situation come true for you? For example did your conversation with your family member end up in a yelling match? What were you thinking just before the exchange? Is that what you pictured?

Open yourself up to new possibilities in your relationships and lifestyle and see what happens. Go ahead… before your next interaction or implementation think about the outcome you desire and then see what happens.

Why not try it? If you think you can…

Do You Limit Yourself?

June 24, 2008 by clutterbusting Leave a Comment

Your values or beliefs were developed from the lessons you learned as a child.

Sometimes these beliefs can be self-limiting because they may no longer fit you. Yet you allow these beliefs to rule your life.

Have you ever wondered by you are unable to make changes? You set a goal, you write down the action steps and begin implementing the actions (or not), but here you are still stuck in the same place. Sometimes you have to re-evaluate and possibly change your values or limiting beliefs (rules to live by) in order to allow personal change to happen.

For example, you may have grown up in a household that believed that loyalty to your place of employment was important and defined you as having a good work ethic. This belief may be keeping you stuck in a job that no longer challenges you. Now may be a good time to ask yourself if this rule is still true for you.

So what do YOU value? What are YOUR beliefs? Do they currently fit the person you are today? What values or beliefs do you want to drive your daily choices? What matters most to you? If you haven’t already done so after you took inventory, review your values/beliefs/rules to live by to see if they still fit. If they don’t, you have the freedom to revise them.

If you would like a complimentary 30-minute life coaching session to help you begin the process of becoming unstuck and to see if coaching is for you contact me.

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