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Diet & Nutrition

2010-07-01 12:50:00

It’s all about perspective

Question: How can I incorporate more positive results in my life?

Answer: You make hundreds of choices every day. You decide whether to get up in the morning, drive the speed limit, take the stairs and who you’ll speak to. These decisions are conscious choices you make, thinking about them only briefly. Deep inside your brain, however, you make many more unconscious decisions. Some unconscious decisions are natural like walking and breathing, many, however, are born of habit. Unconscious decisions include things like, rolling the toothpaste tube instead of squeezing it, or using the same hand to eat with at every meal. Responses such as becoming angry at a spouse instead of looking at their point of view, or viewing a situation in a negative light rather than taking a positive perspective, happen in a split second; they are learned, habitual, responses. Looking at situations from a better perspective by recognizing the habit, making a conscious decision to think differently and practicing new thought patterns, creates an environment for goal attainment. First, recognize your negative thoughts. Bring them into your conscious mind. If you’re not sure what your negative thoughts are ask your friends and family. Be prepared though, when they give you examples, your habitual response may be making excuses for your behavior. “Well, I yelled because he cut me off and I almost had a wreck! “ “Well, my feelings were hurt because she didn’t remember my birthday.” “He made me so mad because…” Sound familiar? Recognizing negative thought patterns and taking responsibility for them, instead of blaming another person or situation, gives you the power you need to begin changing. Next, make a conscious decision to think differently. Vow to stop and think before you open your mouth. Instead of thinking, “You idiot!”, when you’re cut off in traffic, think “Wow that person must have a lot on their mind.” Instead of “I can’t believe these people are so unorganized in this situation”, think “These people must have a lot going on; I bet it’s difficult to keep everything flowing smoothly.” The point is you always have the ability to choose how you think about any given situation. Your thoughts determine your beliefs; your beliefs determine your actions. Better actions equal better results. Finally, you need practice. Think through the situations that give you the most trouble and how you would currently handle them, then reframe old thoughts and replace them with new thoughts. Practice reframing, by taking a clean sheet of paper and dividing it down the middle. Write the old thoughts down one side of the page, then, on the other side, write a positive restatement. Read and re-read your page on a daily basis. Consistency pays off; in In the long run and you will begin looking at situations in a better light Every day circumstances call on you to make decisions about what you do and how you think. Take control of your mind by recognizing negative patterns, making a decision to see your environment in a positive light and practicing reframing negative thoughts into positive ones. Positive mindset provides the breeding ground for success. Lisa Vermillion is President and co-owner of Get Fit Be Fit and Thin and Healthy Weight Management. Lisa opened Get Fit in 2000 in Valley Center, after receiving certifications through the American Council on Exercise as a Weight and Lifestyle Management Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer. In January of 2005, she grand opened Thin and Healthy Weight Management in the same location. Lisa not only provides weight loss programs for individuals but she also implements business wellness programs for small businesses and large corporations. Additionally, Lisa is a Certified Life Coach providing guidance for individuals in the areas of career, relationship and personal development. She is available for speaking engagements in the areas of Physical Fitness, Weight Management or any Life Coaching area (goal setting, positive attitude, sales, etc). If you would like help getting started achieving your goals right away, losing weight, improving your financial picture or strengthening your relationships please call Lisa. She would welcome the opportunity to help you get started. Lisa can be reached for questions or speaking engagements by phone (316) 755-1115 - or e-mail at mvmillion@yahoo.com.