On those days when it seems like everything has headed south on you, here is a little affirmation that you can read to yourself when you need a little “stabilizing”.
It works! It makes you slow down for a minute and catch your breathe.
I used this yesterday when I discovered that the sign up form I had been using, or thought I had been using, was not functioning properly. That meant that everyone who had signed up to receive information had not received it! I had worked really hard to set that program up, and come to find out no one had been getting it!
Utter devastation would be putting it mildly!
Anyway the sun came up the next day and it was time to start again. So when you are beating your self up, take a minute and review this little affirmation, it may help!
Even if I take a wrong turn, I can find another route to success.
If I steer my vessel in the wrong direction, I can find a map and chart out a new course. Stopping is not an option. I will find my way as long as I keep my eyes on the prize.
Success is a journey, not a destination. That is why I strive to make each step count. A positive attitude helps me move forward and, even when I am unsure of where I am, I am not lost. Instead, I choose to become a trailblazer. The generation coming behind me will have access to another route thanks to my resolve to stay the course and forge a new path.
When I come to a fork in the road I trust my intuition to guide me. Being spontaneous in this way helps me release my inner self and experience success in a new way. Spontaneity gives me freedom.
Missing a turn causes me no panic because I know that I have countless options; I am not limited to only one way. A wrong turn may lead me to find a new way. The opportunity to explore the unknown excites me.
Although it feels daring to get off the fast-paced highway of life and take the scenic route, detours can be worthwhile because they lead me to discover the beautiful things in life that I otherwise may have missed. The road less traveled is filled with the most stunning sights.
Flexibility allows me to prosper despite failure. Being flexible gives me the strength to keep going when I would rather stop.
When you are reading through this, take the time to think about the statements individually.
Well, that’s it for today! Have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Don
Ps. Here are a few relevant questions you can ask yourself when you get a free, quiet moment.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. What do I do when I reach a dead end?
2. How might I become less rigid and more flexible?
3. What changes can I make to ensure that I enjoy the journey just as much as the end reward?
Just posted a new article over at Functional Stress Management looking at using Positive Self-Talk to achieve your goals.
Functional Self Confidence
Wednesday
Who's the Boss?" 10 Ways to Start Taking Control
At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. But many of us with ADD develop negative thinking patterns because we become frustrated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed.
This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. This, in turn, allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck. The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:
1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don't seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.
3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or complained to a friend "You NEVER call me!"? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.
6. Squash the "ANTs"
In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!" When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin' (Your Friends and Family)
You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn't touch!
8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!
9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.
10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It's never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
When it comes to the corporate world, protocol is pretty much the religion. To know the things needed to do are the basics of productivity, but interaction and having a steady mind makes up the entire thing to true productivity. There are those who seem to work well even under pressure, but they're uncommon ones and we are human and imperfect. To let these little things like stress under our skins won't solve our problems.
Sometimes it takes a bit of courage to admit that we're turning into be workaholics than tell ourselves that we're not doing our best.
Thats it for today, but check back tomorrow!
Until then, take care and be safe!
Mr. Don
Be sure and visit our sister sites for more functional and useable information!
This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. This, in turn, allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck. The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:
1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don't seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.
3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or complained to a friend "You NEVER call me!"? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.
6. Squash the "ANTs"
In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!" When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin' (Your Friends and Family)
You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn't touch!
8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!
9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.
10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It's never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
When it comes to the corporate world, protocol is pretty much the religion. To know the things needed to do are the basics of productivity, but interaction and having a steady mind makes up the entire thing to true productivity. There are those who seem to work well even under pressure, but they're uncommon ones and we are human and imperfect. To let these little things like stress under our skins won't solve our problems.
Sometimes it takes a bit of courage to admit that we're turning into be workaholics than tell ourselves that we're not doing our best.
Thats it for today, but check back tomorrow!
Until then, take care and be safe!
Mr. Don
Be sure and visit our sister sites for more functional and useable information!
Tuesday
Welcome to Functional Self Improvement
This space is being developed to provide real people with the tools and information that you need to make significant and real changes in lives! This is not designed for those individuals who can 90 days to go find themselves in the mountain caves because they have lost their "centeredness". Nothing against that approach, but most of the people that I come incontact with are real people with real jobs and real families that hinder the "drop off the face of the earth until its all back togeather!!" approach to making changes.
Most of us have to tackle things one at a time, because the rest of life places demands on us as well. It would be great to take time to write the next great American novel, but for now I'd settle for getting everything written on my todo list!!
If that in any way sounds familiar, you are where you are suppose to be.
We will be putting up articles and tips that real people and families can use to move themselves closer to their goals. We will be covering a lot of different areas in this adventure, so check back often.
Take care and be safe!
Mr. Don
Be sure and check out our sister sites for more information, suggestions and tips!
Functional Stress Management
Learn how to manage your stress in a positive, proactive manner
Functional Yoga 4 Families
Yoga has been around so long, because it works! You owe it to yourself and your family to find out how Yoga can improve your physical and psychological well being
Mom~Z~Mean Business
The place for busy women to get tips and tricks to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones with out going crazy!
Funcitonal Fitness 4 Young People
Getting young people to be more active and fit is not impossible! Find out how
Safe Kidz Educational Services
Physical and Psychological harressment continue to be directed at our children everyday! Learn how to give them the skills they need to be fit, safe and resilient!
Mr. Don Recommends
This is a collection of recourses that we have personally found to be effective or that have been reported to us as being effective by other students.
Most of us have to tackle things one at a time, because the rest of life places demands on us as well. It would be great to take time to write the next great American novel, but for now I'd settle for getting everything written on my todo list!!
If that in any way sounds familiar, you are where you are suppose to be.
We will be putting up articles and tips that real people and families can use to move themselves closer to their goals. We will be covering a lot of different areas in this adventure, so check back often.
Take care and be safe!
Mr. Don
Be sure and check out our sister sites for more information, suggestions and tips!
Functional Stress Management
Learn how to manage your stress in a positive, proactive manner
Functional Yoga 4 Families
Yoga has been around so long, because it works! You owe it to yourself and your family to find out how Yoga can improve your physical and psychological well being
Mom~Z~Mean Business
The place for busy women to get tips and tricks to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones with out going crazy!
Funcitonal Fitness 4 Young People
Getting young people to be more active and fit is not impossible! Find out how
Safe Kidz Educational Services
Physical and Psychological harressment continue to be directed at our children everyday! Learn how to give them the skills they need to be fit, safe and resilient!
Mr. Don Recommends
This is a collection of recourses that we have personally found to be effective or that have been reported to us as being effective by other students.
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