|
Bad habits, we all have
them. They keep us from accomplishing our dreams, make us say and
do things that really aren't in our integrity.
Good habits allow us to
transition through our day on autopilot. So much so, we forget that our
good habits have a bigger strong hold.
Dr. Phil McGraw,
TV-psychologist and Oprah offspring, says that we need to, "Behave our way
to success.” I cringe when I hear this, don't you? It sounds so easy.
Yet, we both know it isn't.
Positive psychology,
the scientific study of happy, confident people, presents many proven
techniques that assist in transitioning bad habits into good habits. Here
are four proven techniques:
1. In order to eliminate a bad habit, it
must be overridden with a good habit. Not eliminated but replaced. When
the good habit becomes stronger, it naturally takes over and folds into
our life. Usually becoming transparent because it melts into our life and
we have already uncovered the next one to work on.
It doesn't matter
whether you want to replace the habit of lateness, cursing, or
overeating. The habit's intensity determines the effort and time required
to replace. Don't confuse effort with will power--they aren't the same.
Effort is making a
variety of alternatives until the old habit melts into a new one. The
right amount of effort will always be different for you than anyone else.
There isn't an exact measurement because each of our unique qualities.
2. Discipline is an exercise of
repetition. Not once or twice but until. Until completed.
For instance, writing
isn't a natural talent. Yes, research shows that it helps to start the
process young. Yet, there are female Pulitzer Prize winners who began
writing in their fifties -- after family obligations. They replaced their
family responsibilities with the discipline needed to be a successful
writer. They disciplined their way to success.
Most people think
positive thinkers naturally flow with confidence. Yet, positive
psychology statistics dispel this myth. What's different is the amount of
time and space they allow when negative habits or messages appear. They
appear incandescent to them.
3. Rewards. As managing partner of a
CPA firm for 15 years, I thought rewards meant bonuses and paid massages.
After attending Coach University and intensifying my study in the Laws of
Attraction, my perspective shifted. Positive people don't need an outside
push; they seemingly have a natural internal push that continually pulls
them forward. Sometimes labeled as determination or drive.
When Donald Trump
appeared on the Oprah show in April, Oprah asked him, "I heard very
successful people don't even see negative." Donald chewed on this for a
few long television minutes and then responded, "Yes, that is why I hire
others who can see what I can't.... Negative isn't on my radar screen."
4. Be assertive on what’s fueling you,
as diligent about all things in your realm, as the quality of food you
digest, and the purity of the water you drink.
To create a garden of
positive habits, surround yourself with flowers not figurative speaking
either. Complete a regular inventory. See each item for its truth,
intention, and influence. Don't wave it off as "not that big of a deal.”
Remove negative people,
negative television shows, movies, books, even conversations. If Mama,
spouse, sister, or brother fits this description, explain its impact on
your life. Don't blame, explain. Explain how it affects your success,
your dreams. I'm sure they do what they do out of habit and not
purposeful. If presented honestly and lovingly the people involved will
see the gift.
An ideal choice is to
use a positive clean-burning fuel. This begins with new words (language)
to self and others. Each of us make choices every second. Get up, sit
down, speak, listen, and so on. Make new choices, ones that fuel positive
habits.
Take inventory on your
environment and what you tolerate. What is broken, dented, stained? Fix,
toss, give away, replace. Eliminate each ball and chain, one at a time,
in baby steps. You will walk taller, talk and think clearer. You will
attract more results that are positive into your life. Positive attracts
positive--the Law of Attraction.
Fuel your surroundings
with meaningful and beautiful things. That doesn't mean expensive. It
can simply be a fresh rose on your desk every week and the stopping by the
florist or your own garden.
Many habits tend to
hide under the bed until dusted. Expect as you replace one, another can
appear. Yes, they eventually become fewer. Stay focused and remember, "A
rose isn't a rose without all its beautiful petals."
Be aggressive. When
they appear, and they will, knock them down, toss them out with the
trash. And quickly. Don't give them room to smell or grow. You'll soon
discover each day will be lighter, brighter, and even more successful than
the one before. I promise!
These four techniques,
continually proven by hundreds of my workshop graduates, will work for you
too. They will multiply your dreams and successes over night. Begin
small, begin big, just begin, and keep the momentum going...until.
(c) Copyright, Catherine Franz.
All rights reserved. |
