It never seems to fail.
You’re trying to concentrate on your work, but your mind wanders off to a completely unrelated topic.
Or, maybe you’re about to do a presentation, but all you can think about is how horrible your last few presentations have been.
These are examples of unhelpful thoughts.
Unhelpful thoughts can be distractions or be destructive. Neither is helpful.
Have you heard the saying, “control your thoughts, don’t let your thoughts control you”?
Many people think that they are what their thoughts tell them they are, and yet thinking isn’t personal. The brain is designed to generate thoughts.
Have you tried to wake up in the morning and say to yourself, “I think I won’t think today?”
It’s too late – you’re already thinking!
Thoughts just appear. Like clouds, they come out of nothing and go back to nothing unless we spend time with them.
These 5 keys can help you manage thoughts that don’t support you, better.
1. Maintain space between yourself and your thoughts.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to engage with your thoughts.
You don’t focus on every person, tree, and car you pass when you’re driving down the road.
Most of these things pass through your awareness without you pursuing them further.
You can do the same thing with your unhelpful thoughts. Allow them to simply pass on by.
If a thought doesn’t serve a purpose in your life, let it go. What is the point in dwelling on it?
2. Understand that it is your brain’s nature to produce random thoughts.
The thoughts you experience say little about you.
It’s the nature of your brain to produce thoughts, that’s its job! It’s always going to give you something to think about.
Occasionally thoughts are useful. Frequently, they’re frivolous. Sometimes, your thoughts can be quite disturbing.
Understand them for what they are and then move on. You are not your thoughts.
3. Meditation is a helpful tool for understanding the nature of your mind.
Usually, the first thing you notice when you attempt to meditate is the random and restless nature of your mind.
Focusing on your breathing is key.
When you find yourself fuming about your boss, wondering what happened to your high school friends, or making a mental grocery list, simply redirect your attention back to your breathing.
4. You can focus your attention on a thought of your choosing.
You can think about anything you choose to think about. You can think about riding a flying bicycle, eating a lemon, or what you need to accomplish today.
When you’re experiencing an unhelpful thought, you have the choice and can decide to think about something more useful. Recognise that you have the power to direct your thinking as you see fit.
5. Apply logic.
Poor thinking leads to poor decision making.
When your thoughts are leading you astray, put your logical mind to good use.
Ask yourself, what a sensible person would do in this situation? What is a logical, intelligent decision for your circumstances? What would you advise a friend to do?
If negative or distracting thoughts get in your way on a regular basis, you’re not alone!
In high performance coaching, I tackle Psychology with my clients and you learn ways to better Master the Mind.
Because the human brain loves to stay active and will wander from one idea to another. A thought has no power until we focus in on it and spend time with it.
The best strategy is to focus your attention on what you intend and avoid getting too involved with your random thoughts. Just allow them to pass.
If you’ve never meditated before, this can be an excellent way to learn how your mind works and how to deal with random, intrusive thoughts. More importantly, remember that you are not your thoughts. There’s no reason to take them personally.
If this has been useful for you, I’d love for you to share it with your friends or anyone else you think may find it useful.
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success!
I have had (and still do have) so many people supporting me on my journey of self-development, I’d love to help you on yours. Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Join our IYS Community – to connect with like-minded individuals focused on increasing their ENGAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE & JOY in work (and life)
Access your FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence…
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams!
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