I love research studies about human behavior and how the mind works. I’m fascinated by what inspires and motivates people to take action. And how we create habits that drive 80%-90% of our responses.

I was hooked when I read about the studies that show how the average person gives themselves 50,000 messages each day–and that 80% are negative. I remember quickly doing the math when I first saw this stat and thinking, “Wow, I sure I hope I’m not average!”

I couldn’t help but start my own self-study (that continues today). I immediately began to pay attention to my thoughts and language. I must say, I was surprised at how often I slipped to the dark side. I’d start talking about what I didn’t want or what was wrong. I’d swirl in some situation that made me feel “less than” for far too long.

Not being too thrilled with what I was seeing (or feeling), I set out on a course of self-discovery and change. I devoured every book and CD I could find on the power of intention, raising your consciousness, creating positive energy, attitudes and happiness. (My amazon.com profile still prompts me with the latest in self-help books.)

Here’s what I learned. First, I am not my every thought. Whew! Second, my thoughts, words and emotions are a guidance system of sorts that help me stay on track (that is when I’m conscious of them). Third, I’m average. I need to work on creating and protecting a positive attitude like everyone else.

So, I thought I’d share my four-step program. Here’s how I shift from a negative to positive mindset.
1. I observe. I stay conscious of my thoughts, language and feelings. I check in on my attitude to see where I’m at throughout the day.
2. I reflect and look for the wisdom. I learn from each experience–there’s always something to learn. And the faster I learn, the faster I can move on.
3. I take action. I do something to move the negative energy out of my body. I exercise, I take deep breaths, I count all I have to be thankful for, I say an affirmation (and try not to think of Stuart Smalley on SNL)…and I shift.
4. I express gratitude for all I’ve learned and I let it go. I appreciate what I’ve learned from the experience and then I release it. (Sometimes I have to release it a couple of times before it’s really gone.)

Here’s an example. I’ve been known to set some pretty big stretch and life-changing goals. At first I’m really energized and excited about what I’m setting out to accomplish. I dive in with loads of enthusiasm. As time goes on, and I’m still plugging away at my latest challenge, fear surfaces (as it always does). I find myself wondering, “What was I thinking?” And I begin to question if I can really do it. Doubt (fear’s faithful side-kick) creeps in.

Eventually, I recognize the pattern. I snap out of it and ask myself what is there to really be afraid of? I think back on all of the other times I’ve succeeded. And I move right back into action. Pretty soon the fear dissipates (as it always does). Then I thank the fear and doubt for reminding me to keep moving forward. (For me, fear comes when I’m spending more time thinking about doing something than actually doing it. That’s why action is the fastest antidote.)

Like everything, my four-step approach took practice and commitment to make it a habit. I still work at it every day, but it’s so much easier now that it’s an ingrained behavior. I catch my downward spirals pretty quickly now. And I take action every day to spiral up so I stay on track and centered.

If you’d like to learn more on the power of thought, here are two fabulous books I highly recommend.

“Power vs. Force” by David Hawkins. His 20-year study, using kinesthesiology (muscle testing), proved that the mind thinks with the whole body. It quickly deepens understanding of the power of thought and intention.

“The Biology of Belief” by Dr. Bruce Lipton. He’s scientifically proven that our thoughts have the power to change our physiology and cellular structure (positively and negatively). This is a great book if you really want to understand how your thoughts literally affect your health and why.

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that
a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.”
–William James (1842-1910)

Expect great things!

Maryanne