I get a lesson in excitement every morning when I walk the dogs with Cathy. “What a beautiful morning.” “Oh, smell those lilacs.” The noticing changes depending on the weather; however, it is an everyday lesson in positive thinking. Once in a while, I try to be more observant (not my usual grumpy, nothing can excite me until I’ve had my coffee self). A couple of times, I’ve actually commented on the beauty before Cathy. I’m trying to improve this rare occurrence because it is an important focus to learn and adopt.
Justine Toms of New Dimensions Radio says, “You get what you think”. My primary focus has been shifting my negative thoughts to positive ones, moment by moment. If I get what I think, I would prefer thinking excitement to exhaustion. I’m not only more effective, but it’s also just more fun to shift from grumpy to wow, look at the incredible sunrise (even a curmudgeon can notice a beautiful day).
Clarity of thought life preserver
When I’m wallowing in negative thinking, it can be very difficult to shift my thoughts. I’m not new to the change your thoughts rodeo; it’s been a part of my life and work for almost 30 years. However, when I’m wallowing, I know I need to change my thinking, but to what? All I can see at the moment is the negative sludge. I need something to shift my focus — sort of a clarity of thought life preserver. And, here’s the part that requires dedication – I have to reach for the life preserver.
Clarity’s primary thought-changing tool is the Clarity Attention and Choice Point Guide. One of its features is bringing together words with a similar energy. When I want to feel excitement, it helps to think about how the other words relate to excitement. Again, I have to use the tool, so I keep looking for creative ways to stay aware every day and consciously make the effort to shift my thinking.
Ask questions that energize you
I start getting excited just by asking myself questions. How can I be more playful right now? What am I most confident about? What time are we going for our morning walk? Do I really need a cup of coffee to be receptive to Cathy’s excitement? What’s the one thing I’m working on today that I’m most passionate about? That didn’t take long, and I already feel excitement flowing in my system.
Use every tool at your disposal to be effective with your thoughts,
Gary
Time for a Clarity refresher?
Have a free 30-minute Discovery call with Cathy.
Email her at cathyhawk@getclarity.com to find a scheduled time that works for both of us.
