by Does this ever happen to you…the downward spiral of negative thoughts? I was getting ready this morning and what started off with “I have nothing to wear” became “nothing looks right on me because I’m old and fat and I’m not going to run well in this 4-miler this weekend and I need new shoes and I’m so sick of wearing the same things and, and, and…”
I know, I know…I’m the one coaching positive thinking, so why am I telling you this? Because I’m human. I want you to know that I understand how our minds play these tricks on ALL of us at some point. And I want you to know that you have the power to turn it around before it gets out of hand.
Ask yourself what’s really happening. In my case, I was getting dressed to go to a networking lunch group I’d not been to before. When things get stressful, your mind can throw up obstacles to see how much you really want it. In my case, I was able to recognize that my negative thoughts were spiraling and I had to do a reality check.
In reality, I look no different today than I did yesterday and I was happy yesterday. In reality, all my clothes fit. In reality, the event I’m running in this weekend has nothing to do with today.
Had I not checked my thoughts, I may have been so upset that I skipped the networking lunch, which ended up being two hours very well spent that I would have missed! So, long story to say, your mind is tricky. Get on top of the first negative thought when it happens. Challenge it. Figure out what you’re really feeling and why. Do a reality check. Control your mind so it doesn’t control you!
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