Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Take Control of the Real Estate in Your Brain

Do you ever let your mind control you, filling you with fears, doubts and depressing thoughts? Do you let these kinds of thought "run you" without any consideration that things could be different? Do you find yourself frequently overwhelmed by ideas, "voices in the head" and generalized negative self talk? Are you only vaguely conscious that these thoughts and ideas are raging in your being and inflaming your feelings?

It might be time to consider taking control of the "Real Estate" in your brain. What would that look like and how would you do it?

1.) One of the first things required would be to develop awareness and consciousness that you aren't in control--that all this is going on without your full awareness. Simply bringing this to consciousness can have a huge positive effect. Comprehending that unbridled negative and agitated thinking is running the show is a great way to start taking control.

2.) Next, decide that you CHOOSE to run the show rather than having unconscious thinking in control. This might sound easy--and the deciding part is easy--but the negative thinking is really slippery and pervasive. This means that you will need to be determined to "stay in charge" in an endless loop of decisions to do so.

3.) This part can feel quite challenging at first. It can feel like a gut-wrenching internal struggle for dominance. It can feel like a Gotterdammerung-type intensity--a collision of opposing wills. It can feel tiring. It is necessary to take control and keep control of your thoughts--or else you let your thoughts control you.

4.) Our thoughts are greatly impacted by outside input--radio, TV, and written media. Pay attention to the input you allow. If certain stories, items, or shows depress your mood, consider taking control of that also. Allowing negative input into our mind is allowing outside forces to control our thoughts and feelings. If you find your feelings being negatively impacted, take that as a signal to reconsider some input.

5.) A great way to take control of the "real estate" in your brain is to make conscious choices about selecting positive input for your brain. Make a daily habit of listening to, reading, and watching inspiring, motivational, and positive materials. Choose uplifting and inspiring music. If you're on a budget, go to the public library and check out these types of items. The great news is that there are a lot of choices there and the variety can be very stimulating. This is one of the most profound, simplest and easiest ways to take control of your mind. Listen to these kinds of materials constantly. It's a great way to consciously choose to fill your mind with positive input. If you run out of things from the library, see if you can borrow materials from friends and acquaintances.

6.) Once you've made a lot of progress in taking charge of your mind, it is important to realize that eternal vigilance is required. This is not something that gets "fixed" once and for all time. There are constant negative possibilities, influences, temptations, and circumstances that can suddenly grab control. This does not mean that you have to be anxious, fearful, agitated, or rigidly in control. It simply means that you need to maintain a vigilance of awareness. These outside influences can take control in subtle ways. Don't let that happen

7.) Pay attention to your feelings. They are your greatest guidance system of all. If you start having negative feelings, scan your thoughts to discover what thoughts produced the negative feelings. This can be your strongest and best tool. If you only made the single decision of using your feelings to discover your negative thoughts, you'd go a long way towards taking and keeping control of the real estate of your mind.

Our negative thoughts steal the beauty, love and satisfaction from our life. It is one of the most satisfying, fulfilling and strengthening decisions we can make to take control of our thinking--and keep control of our life.

Suzi Elton is a success coach working with highly creative types to create income that matches their talent. She has coached hundreds of clients to approach their goals strategically through tiny steps to bring about quantum leaps. Get free Life Purpose exercises, at http://mylifepurposecoaching.com

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