Happy HUMP DAY! It is a challenge in itself when it comes to getting through the work/school week, right? Every day we have challenges – large or small – and all day long we ask ourself questions to determine what action we will take to overcome the challenge.
We all want to overcome our challenges. For some it may be business related for others it may be in their personal life. There are many with health challenges including loosing weight. Challenges look different to everyone.
When we are faced with a challenge, the most important thing we can do is to open our mind to wisdom, strength and our powerful mind. The first step is to be positive, not letting the ANTs creep in. I don’t mean the little annoying bugs which raid our picnics, I mean “automatic negative thoughts”. Many times when we are faced with disappointment or frustration, whether we mean to or not, the questions we ask ourselves will lead up down the black hole of negativity.
Think about the last challenge you were faced with or maybe you are facing right now. Did one of these questions enter your mind (or worse yet, come out of your mouth)?
- Why does this kind of stuff always happen to me?
- Why can’t I get a break?
- What the heck is wrong with me?
What if you were to change those “negative questions” to something more productive? I know it isn’t easy, I have been there (more times than I want to count). For some, we have said those negative questions for so long, we can’t imagine any others.
What if you considered asking these productive questions:
- What opportunity does this challenge give me to grow?
- Looking back, what can I do differently the next time to prevent this outcome?
- What part of this is beyond my control so I need to let go of trying to change/fix it?
- How do I want to show up in this situation?
The difference in the questions you ask yourself, will produce different thoughts which will produce different reactions to the challenge. Your thoughts produce your reactions (how you feel, what you say, and what you do). Remember “The Secret“.. we want to bring more positive into our lives instead of bringing in the negative.
When you approach a challenge with these questions, you are able to build an action plan to move forward. You drawing in the positive energy of the universe in an effort to move forward. Believe me, I know how easy it is to let the ANTs creep in. I know how easy it is to be blinded by the negative unable to see the opportunity. It takes practice. It takes time. Each time you catch yourself with a negative thought, STOP! Change the mindset and get ready to move forward with “good” thoughts.
When faced with an adversity I challenge you to ask productive (action producing) questions. What challenge have you faced and learned from? What challenge are you currently facing and now see a way to change the outcome?
Share your struggles with us. You are not alone – we have either been through or are currently going through it.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 