A mindset tool I’m using to help with change

This week, I’m doing annual planning ( big picture)  even though I don’t know all of what I’m doing next year and nitty gritty planning of my Reflection Ritual. I know the energy and laser coaching of Friday's Work on It Workshop will get me fired up and focused to finish.  Are you coming? There is still time to join us here.  

Planning creates structure, and when done well, it also allows us to be flexible because we all know that plans have to be adjusted because we never really know what life has in store for us.  

Change is the only constant. Our world, body, relationships, and life are all in constant motion. Change is inevitable, and yet we still resist it.  

As we move into November next week, we can feel change happening. I teach my clients about building resiliency to face and embrace changes. I believe that reflection builds resiliency and cultivates wisdom. So, I invite you to reflect on the theme of change as we begin to think about the changes we want to make for the winter and our next calendar year. You can grab a journal and write out these questions, think through them during meditation, or answer them out loud.  

Questions for Reflection:

• What are the most significant changes I have faced this year? 
• What did I learn?  
• Are there any changes you want to make?
• What changes am I resisting? Why? What's underneath? 
• What support do I need? 

Here's a tool I've been using lately- 

Thinking Neutrally 

As humans, we tend to see our situation as negative or positive- one or the other. We've been taught to combat our negative thinking by using positive thoughts. But if we can only come up with positive thoughts that feel inauthentic or untrue, thinking positively can backfire. 

Neutral thinking is a strategy that emphasizes judgment-free thoughts. You acknowledge the past is irrevocable and embrace the reality of the current situation with a focus on what needs to get done. You reduce the emotion and simply assess what is happening and what your choices or options are. 

 For Example: 

Negative thinking: This change in my schedule completely sucks and makes everything in my life more complicated. I can't attend my art class anymore, and I will be so stressed that my sleep will suffer. 

Positive thinking: Everything happens for a reason, and I'll be so busy now I won't even miss my art class. I have so much to be grateful for, and I'm sure this change will be for the better.  

Neutral thinking: This schedule change will require adjustment and patience. I can look for new ways to stay creative and manage my stress. Neutral thinking has been very helpful for me in taking some of the emotion out of challenges and changes that feel heavy. 

Your Turn:

Think of a challenge right now that is bringing up negative thinking. What are the negative thoughts you've been thinking? What are some neutral thoughts to think/express? Notice the difference in your body and mind.  

Let me know if this helps.